Let me set the scene. I drive a 2017 F-150, FX4 package, super-crew with a 6.5' box and 5.0 engine. In full transparency, I wanted to upgrade from the factory suspension after 75k miles but did not want a complete level. You read that correctly... I hate seeing leveled trucks with the smallest load looking skyward. I tow/haul on a pretty regular basis and wanted a slight rake. Hotshot Offroad was/is amazing, I cannot recommend them enough! And will continue looking at them for my aftermarket needs. However, Falcon/Teraflex had better continue reading. Even the most inexperienced YouTube mechanic can complete a full suspension swap. But Teraflex has these fully assembled on the highest-level setting (not the heavy accessory notch). The whole kit arrived in five separate deliveries, yes you also read that correctly. The rear shocks were the real pain in the (rear), which was surprising. Even on their "daily driver setting", I had to stand on them to compress. Then the fun part of trying to quickly stick them behind the axle without crushing a hand or finger while trying to line up two bolts. This was not something I had planned or looked forward to, and a nightmare that I was glad to be done with. After being unable to safely compress the front coil over springs myself, I took them to my local mechanic who I had planned for the alignment post install. Even with their wall mounted Branick spring compressor, they could barely compress the springs enough to drop them down one notch (I have yet to hear back from Teraflex on the exact spring rate). The whole crew got quite the laugh at the extreme spring weight, thinking that I would be driving the most uncomfortable 1/2 ton in town. Glad that part was over so that I could install, but very disappointed that this could not have been done before being drop-shipped to my door. The front strut installation went as smoothly as one could imagine, just took my time and verified my OEM torque specs. After driving a few days for the springs to settle, I am sitting at 1/8" below level on the fronts compared to the rear. This was very unexpected, and relieved that I had them taken down one setting. I would have been furious if I had left them as Teraflex had intended and been squatting in the back with an empty bed. Keep that in mind, but I seriously doubt that one notch is 1/8" of adjustment (call me a liar). If you have read to this point, then you understand my 3-star rating. That being said, the difference in ride quality is night and day. I no longer fear the back end from shooting out from under me on a crack in the asphalt, and love the adjustability. The fronts feel more controlled and planted, but not excessively stiff. I have, and will continue to enthusiastically recommend this kit. They are 100% better than my FX4 shocks/struts/spring combination. Take this writeup with a grain of salt as I do not want to scare anyone away from these but wanted to give an honest perspective about height expectations.
