Let me set the scene. I drive a 2017 F-150, FX4 package, super-crew with a 6.5' box, heavy payload/max tow package (don’t roast me if they’re two different options) 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, Teraflex had better continue reading. Even the most inexperienced YouTube mechanic can complete a full suspension swap with the basic hand tools. But Teraflex has these fully assembled on the level setting, which was far less than ideal for my application needs. The whole kit arrived in five separate deliveries, yes you also read that correctly. Over the course of a week I was getting packages that I would hope not fall victim to a porch pirate. The directions for everything were non-existent from Teraflex regarding their torque values, and was only able to obtain a copy a few days later via the customer service call-center. 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 while they decompressed. This was not something I had planned or enjoyed, and did not help with the shoulder reminder “the guy on the internet didn’t take this long”. Back done, time for the front. After being unable to safely compress the front coil springs myself to drop them down a peg, I took them to my local mechanic who I had scheduled for the alignment post install. Even with their wall mounted Branick spring compressor, they could barely compress the springs enough to lower them 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 pickup 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 while following along with the pictures from Teraflex. After driving a few days for the springs to settle, I am sitting at exactly 1" below level on the fronts compared to the rear. 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 at 60 MPH and love the three-position adjustability (who truly needs more than that). 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, it was my intention to give an honest perspective about my experience and expectations.
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![XTR1 Soft Topper Bed Rack - All Makes & Models [Softopper / Fas-Top / BesTop]](http://hotshotoffroad.com/cdn/shop/files/241221527_10158352299455994_6017112247195203385_n_49893e6b-ab56-48f2-a131-cd6e079622e8_245x245.jpg?v=1745877711)
![XTR1 Soft Topper Bed Rack - All Makes & Models [Softopper / Fas-Top / BesTop]](http://hotshotoffroad.com/cdn/shop/files/315042187_1271163820092610_271239806655164589_n_1_b5c40465-8195-46cd-a8b2-5b6760b9f41b_580x.jpg?v=1745877711)
