[{"id":3338,"permalink":"https:\/\/dirtsportsworld.com\/2020\/05\/22\/auto-leveling-at-new-heights\/","title":"Auto Leveling At New Heights","content":"Story by: Jake Headlee\r\n\r\nPhotos: Danny Ellender\r\n\r\nTo say that not all suspension lift systems are created equal is naive. The truth of it is simple, you pay for what you get. A good suspension manufacturer spends a lot of time, effort and money making a well balance kit that addresses all aspects involved, including ride quality, fit and finish as well as replacing or relocating all components affected. RAM 3500 trucks are extremely popular rigs to modify, though the optional Factory Air Assist throws some companies for a loop.\r\n\r\n\"\"\r\nThat wasn\u2019t the case for Carli Suspension and their 3-3.5-inch Pintop System, specifically designed for the RAM\u2019s Auto Level Air Suspension. Rear air assist air bags aren\u2019t uncommon in the aftermarket world; it is the OEM world that doesn\u2019t utilize them as much.\r\n\r\n\"\" \"\"\r\nWhen building the kit, Carli Suspension had more than just air bag placement to be concerned about. The air bags adjust based on positioning of sensors tied to actuator arms. When the arms angle from a heavier load on the truck, the air bags automatically inflate, then deflate, as needed. These actuators need to be in the correct position to work properly and by default, lifting the back of the truck would change them.\r\n\r\n\"\"\r\n\r\nThe can of worms gets opened. To relocate the front radius arms for proper geometry, drop brackets need to be carefully designed. Doing so, however, causes interference with the Auto Level truck\u2019s air tank. Carli Suspension includes components to relocate the air tank. There is quite a lot that goes into a good kit and to get a good scoop, we got in touch with Dan Tourino, Sales Manager at Carli Suspension.\r\n\u201cWe\u2019re the only company that engineered the entire kit for the air-assist truck.\u201d Explained Dan. \u201cAll items needed to correct geometry and maintain FULL use of the truck\u2019s factory air assist system are included while the additional suspension travel and progressive rear leaf spring pair with custom shock tuning to offer a superior ride and huge boost in handling while minimizing driver fatigue.\u201d\r\n\r\n\"\"\r\n\r\nThe southern California based company didn\u2019t stop there. They are a performance suspension company and build components that had handle the duress of off-road fun, heavy loads and general on-road driving. \u201cThe progressive leaf spring pack is not from our non-Auto Level system and adapted, it\u2019s designed to bear the entirety of the 6,500lb payload should an airbag fail.\u201d Dan explained further. \u201cWe provide brackets to lower the actuator links to ensure the bags are NOT over-inflated at the new ride height causing a harsh ride quality. The air tank is relocated to the factory spare tire area (on a Ram, there\u2019s no room for an oversized spare so this area is worthless on a lifted truck) to clear the radius arm drop brackets that correct the front pivot point\/alignment.\u201d\r\n\r\n\"\"\r\n\r\nThe company spent plenty of time in the front end of the truck too. A reduced spring rate was carefully chosen for the front coil springs. To keep geometry correct, radius arm drop brackets were computer modeled based on CAD files from RAM and built from \u00bc-inch cold rolled steel plate and CNC formed for a precision bolt in assembly. These also correct the dreaded coil bow some common on the stock RAM heavy duty trucks. An Adjustable Track Bar is also included to push the straight-axle back into position at the new ride height.\r\n\r\n\"\"\r\nNew front bump stop drop brackets are included as well a Cali Tuned King 2.5-inch Remote Reservoir Shocks at all four corners. The new combination of springs and shocks boasts a 50 percent improvement in straight up and down suspension travel over stock. A key point of the dually drivers out there, this kit is fully compatible with dual rear wheel trucks.\r\n\r\nAt the end of the day, the base kit from Carli Suspension blows most other kits out of the water. That doesn\u2019t include the additional options that can be added such as replacement fabricated Radius Arms, Torsion Front Sway Bar replacement, Low Mount Steering Stabilizer and more.","excerpt":"

Story by: Jake Headlee<\/p>\n

Photos: Danny Ellender<\/p>\n

To say that not all suspension lift systems are created equal is naive. …<\/p>","date":"May 22, 2020 23:34","categories":[{"id":25047769,"title":"FEATURES","slug":"features"},{"id":25048177,"title":"Tech","slug":"tech"}],"tags":[{"id":25048362,"title":"air assist","slug":"air-assist"},{"id":25047830,"title":"baja hq","slug":"baja-hq"},{"id":25048361,"title":"carli suspension","slug":"carli-suspension"},{"id":25048368,"title":"danny ellender","slug":"danny-ellender"},{"id":25048367,"title":"jake headlee","slug":"jake-headlee"},{"id":25048170,"title":"leveling kit","slug":"leveling-kit"},{"id":25048363,"title":"pintop system","slug":"pintop-system"},{"id":25048364,"title":"RAM","slug":"ram"},{"id":25048365,"title":"ram 3500","slug":"ram-3500"},{"id":25047793,"title":"suspension","slug":"suspension"},{"id":25048366,"title":"truck","slug":"truck"}]},{"id":2719,"permalink":"https:\/\/dirtsportsworld.com\/2020\/04\/15\/not-just-a-leveling-kit\/","title":"Not Just A Leveling Kit","content":"When thinking of off-road performance and Ford, it is easy to immediately think of the Raptor. A ready-to-go rig of course, but it comes with a huge price tag. Thankfully, companies like Baja Kits and Fox Shocks have stepped up to give the Raptor\u2019s little brother, the F-150, some love.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2722\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"640\"]\"\" Stock F-150s come with a substantial rake from the factory. There are many ways to fix that but going with performance parts is always the best choice.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThe Ford F-150 FX4 is good option for a standard 4-wheel drive full-size truck. Comfortable with good amenities and with an easily modified factory coil-over system. Combining the shock and coil spring simplifies suspension systems by allowing the package to be replaced as a whole. Though not a first for front suspension systems, Ford\u2019s version utilizes technology they have been improving on for years.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2723\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"640\"]\"\" Baja Kits uses Computer-Aided-Drafting to custom build performance upper control arms that can handle severe stress while increasing the caster angle to give lifted F-150s better stability both on and off-road.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nLeveling these trucks is pretty easy and straight forward. There are many spacers on the market to bring the front end up but they aren\u2019t all created equal. For users that want to emulate Raptor performance, Fox Shocks and Baja Kits have you covered.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2724\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"640\"]\"\" The Trophy Truck style uniballs that Baja Kits uses to replace the factory ball joints have a built-in taper that matches the taper on stock ball joints. The pure strength and better articulation means cleaner travel that exceeds the factory components.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nWhen Ford shifted to aluminum bodies for the 2015 model year, Fox had to go back to the R&D department to reconfigure their products that fit the truck. Ford dropped nearly 750lbs, a substantial weight savings that has a significant impact on shock valving and coil spring rates. Fox has had decades of experience tuning shocks and with the help of Eibach springs, the new system was launched.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2726\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"640\"]\"\" Fox knows performance and translated that knowledge to boosting the abilities of the F-150. Many of the components and materials used in the construction of the Factory Race Series 2.5 coil-over are the same as what are used in their extreme duty, race proven shocks.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nFox\u2019s Adjustable Factory Race Series 2.5 coil-over reservoir shock is built with a smooth bore zinc-coated and seamless steel body with black-anodized, CNC machined 6061-T6 aluminum components. The ride height collars allow for the shock to be adjusted from 0 - 2-inch or 4 \u2013 6-inch, depending on the kit you get. The remote 2.5-inch diameter alloy reservoir features Fox's Dual Speed Compression (DSC) adjustment system, allowing drivers to quickly adjust the compression with the turn of a dial.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2728\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"640\"]\"\" The Dual Speed Compression (DSC) system allows drivers to tune their vehicle to their preferences and the specific terrain the truck will be on. Simply twist the knobs and feel the difference![\/caption]\r\n\r\nFor the rear shocks, Fox has matching piggy-back reservoir 2.5-inch shocks designed for 0 \u2013 1.5-inches of lift. The rear shocks are built with the same precision and high-quality materials as the front and also include the DSC adjustment system for easy tuning.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2729\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"640\"]\"\" The stock F-150 suspension is effective but not designed for heavy off-road suspension.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nSwapping out the coilovers is a good start but to really get the full potential out of the independent front suspension, adding a new upper control arm is the next logical step. Baja Kits has been building performance suspension systems for years and has a fully boxed, computer-aided designed arm that will net up to 9-inches of wheel travel. Not all the way to the specs of the Raptor, but close.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2731\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"640\"]\"\" After getting the stock coil-over and upper control arm out of the way, the new Baja Kits boxed arm gets bolted into the factory location. Pro Tip: a little bit of grease on the outsides of the Delrin bushings make install much easier and helps the arm move as needed for final attachments.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nBaja Kits\u2019 control arms are designed to have more caster built into them to improve the truck\u2019s stability when paired with a lifted coil-over. Trophy Truck grade uniballs replace the weak stock upper ball joints, alleviating the concern of maxing out the travel and strength limitations of the ball joint. The uniballs include a machined bolt that perfectly fits the taper of the stock knuckle, which means there is no drilling required and the truck can be returned to stock if need be.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2732\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"640\"]\"\" The Fox coil-over bolts into the stock location using new hardware. The steering and sway bar need to be removed for access and the extra suspension droop to get the coil-over swapped.[\/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2734\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"640\"]\"\" The rear shocks are also a direct bolt in. Having the reservoirs as a piggyback system makes installed incredibly easy.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nWhether it\u2019s to avoid the high price tag of a Raptor or just giving an F-150 some performance love, some Fox coil-overs and shocks, and Baja Kit\u2019s upper control arms are a perfect combination.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2735\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"640\"]\"\" The front reservoirs come with a specially designed bracket from Fox. On this 2017 F-150, the factory turbo intercooler had already been replaced by an aftermarket unit that relocated behind the grille, leaving a prime location for the bracket to bolt to. Pro Tip: Using heat shring tubing cleans up the look of the provided hose clamps.[\/caption]\r\n\r\n\"\"","excerpt":"

When thinking of off-road performance and Ford, it is easy to immediately think of the Raptor. A ready-to-go rig of …<\/p>","date":"April 15, 2020 01:42","categories":[{"id":25047769,"title":"FEATURES","slug":"features"},{"id":25048177,"title":"Tech","slug":"tech"}],"tags":[{"id":25048173,"title":"baja kits","slug":"baja-kits"},{"id":25048174,"title":"ball joints","slug":"ball-joints"},{"id":25048168,"title":"f150","slug":"f150"},{"id":25048169,"title":"ford f150","slug":"ford-f150"},{"id":25048176,"title":"ford f150 fx4","slug":"ford-f150-fx4"},{"id":25047789,"title":"fox shocks","slug":"fox-shocks"},{"id":25048170,"title":"leveling kit","slug":"leveling-kit"},{"id":25048171,"title":"lift kit","slug":"lift-kit"},{"id":25048172,"title":"suspension kit","slug":"suspension-kit"},{"id":25047832,"title":"tech","slug":"tech"},{"id":25047833,"title":"technical","slug":"technical"},{"id":25048175,"title":"uniballs","slug":"uniballs"}]},{"id":905,"permalink":"https:\/\/dirtsportsworld.com\/2020\/03\/15\/a-simple-elevation-for-a-2nd-generation-ford-raptor\/","title":"A Simple Elevation for a 2nd Generation Ford Raptor","content":"The Ford Raptor is an extremely capable rig right off the dealer lot, but in this world, we always want more. There are many ways to get that extra boost. Not all are created equal. The front suspension design of the second-generation Ford Raptor, 2017 to current, uses Fox 3.0 shock bodies set up in a coilover design. With this combination, a spacer can be added that moves the lower spring perch higher on the body, pushing the overall loaded height up.\r\nRPG Off-Road has put an incredible amount of focus on the performance of Ford trucks, specifically Raptors, F-150s and Rangers. Their extensive product offerings are proof enough that they mean business. We caught up with the guys at Baja HQ in San Clemente, California to follow along on an install and catch other tidbits they do to elevate a 2nd-Gen Raptor onto 37-inch tires.\r\n\u201cRPG is one of a few companies that we like to use for Raptor lift spacers.\u201d explained Danny Ellender of Baja HQ. \u201cThey have great quality and fitment, so we always know the install will go smooth and the parts will last.\u201d\r\nCNC-machined from the same OEM-approved material used to construct the Fox shocks on the Raptor, the 1.5-inch lift spacers are available in anodized black or matching Fox Blue. They are also available in 2.25-inch lift and 3-inch lift heights. Designed to replace the OEM-collar, the two-piece design clamps to the body using opposing threads with recessed stainless steel allen head bolts.\r\nThe overall install takes about two hours and requires a spring compressor. No other specialty tools are needed. Just a well-rounded toolbox will do the trick. The install is certainly one that can be done in a driveway, though dealing with compressing coilover springs can be daunting and many local shops can handle the job.\r\n\r\n\"\"\r\n\r\nThe factory suspension on Raptors is good, even better with a little extra height. Disconnect the sway bar, tie rod and upper control arm to give the coilover enough room to be removed.\r\n\r\n\"\"\r\n\r\nRPG Off-Road\u2019s Coil Spring Perch Collar have an integrated lift spacer built into them. The CNC-machined pieces are durable and will outlast most everything else on the truck.\r\n\r\n\"\"\r\n\r\nAfter removing the coilover from the vehicle, the spring gets compressed. The old collar pieces are removed and the new RPG unit is installed. Make sure the shock body is free of debris that may interfere with the spacer clamping the body properly. \u201cI like to make sure the logo faces the same way as the Fox logo.\u201d Said Patrick, a technician at Baja HQ. \u201cIt is an extra detail that makes the whole thing look better when it\u2019s done.\u201d\r\nThe new assembly then drops right back into the same location. Reattach all components just as they were, and you\u2019re set!\r\n\r\n\"\"\r\n\r\nAt this point, you could be done. Go get the truck aligned and off you go. This is where Baja HQ goes the extra mile. When putting 37s on a Raptor, the tires typically rub at the back of the wheel well. Instead of just letting it rub or simply hacking the inner liner, they\u2019ve got a much cleaner way.\r\n\r\n\"\" \"\" \"\"\"\"\r\n\r\nPull the fender flare off the truck to let the inner liner free. Behind the liner, remove the plastic or foam piece that acts as a spacer between the liner and sheetmetal.\r\n\r\n\"\"\r\n\r\nBoth the fender and the inner sheetmetal get trimmed. After trimming, crimp any sections of sheetmetal that have separated, then paint the bare metal.\r\n\r\n\"\"\r\n\r\nReinstall the fender flare using the factory clips and screws. The flare also helps hold the inner liner, so make sure to reinstall those screws as well.\r\n\r\n\"\"\r\n\r\nNow that space has been made behind the liner, it gets pushed up against the sheetmetal and is secured using self-tapping screws. With this section of the liner out of the way, the tires will no longer grab or rub it during use.\r\n\r\n\"\"\r\n\r\nAll set! The new spacer collar blends in nicely with the factory components and the trimmed and tucked area is barely noticeable.\r\n\r\n\"\"\r\n\r\nA set of 37x12.50R17 BFGoodrich All-Terrains were mounted on Method Race Wheel 17x8.5 305 Series Matte Black wheels.\r\n\r\n\"\"\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n ","excerpt":"

The Ford Raptor is an extremely capable rig right off the dealer lot, but in this world, we always want …<\/p>","date":"March 15, 2020 12:58","categories":[{"id":25047769,"title":"FEATURES","slug":"features"},{"id":25048177,"title":"Tech","slug":"tech"}],"tags":[{"id":25047830,"title":"baja hq","slug":"baja-hq"},{"id":25047835,"title":"lift","slug":"lift"},{"id":25047839,"title":"perch collar","slug":"perch-collar"},{"id":25047831,"title":"raptor spacers","slug":"raptor-spacers"},{"id":25047834,"title":"rpg","slug":"rpg"},{"id":25047837,"title":"shocks","slug":"shocks"},{"id":25047836,"title":"spacers","slug":"spacers"},{"id":25047838,"title":"springs","slug":"springs"},{"id":25047832,"title":"tech","slug":"tech"},{"id":25047833,"title":"technical","slug":"technical"}]}]{ "version": "https://jsonfeed.org/version/1.1", "user_comment": "This feed allows you to read the posts from this site in any feed reader that supports the JSON Feed format. To add this feed to your reader, copy the following URL -- https://dirtsportsworld.com/category/features/tech/feed/json/ -- and add it your reader.", "home_page_url": "https://dirtsportsworld.com/category/features/tech/", "feed_url": "https://dirtsportsworld.com/category/features/tech/feed/json/", "language": "en-US", "title": "Tech Archives - DirtSportsWorld", "description": "The Voice of Off-Road Motorsports", "icon": "https://i0.wp.com/dirtsportsworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/cropped-DSW-Web-Icon.png?fit=59%2C59&ssl=1", "items": [ { "id": "https://dirtsportsworld.com/?p=3338", "url": "https://dirtsportsworld.com/2020/05/22/auto-leveling-at-new-heights/", "title": "Auto Leveling At New Heights", "content_html": "

Story by: Jake Headlee

\n

Photos: Danny Ellender

\n

To say that not all suspension lift systems are created equal is naive. …

The post Auto Leveling At New Heights appeared first on DirtSportsWorld.

\n", "content_text": "Story by: Jake Headlee\nPhotos: Danny Ellender\nTo say that not all suspension lift systems are created equal is naive. …The post Auto Leveling At New Heights appeared first on DirtSportsWorld.", "date_published": "2020-05-22T23:34:44-07:00", "date_modified": "2021-09-22T23:51:02-07:00", "authors": [ { "name": "DirtSportsWorld Staff", "url": "https://dirtsportsworld.com/author/dirtsportsworld/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4817be88e351e2814fd215f4b782a136e8119efccfc1eafde273c56619cf08f5?s=512&d=identicon&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "DirtSportsWorld Staff", "url": "https://dirtsportsworld.com/author/dirtsportsworld/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4817be88e351e2814fd215f4b782a136e8119efccfc1eafde273c56619cf08f5?s=512&d=identicon&r=g" }, "tags": [ "air assist", "baja hq", "carli suspension", "danny ellender", "jake headlee", "leveling kit", "pintop system", "RAM", "ram 3500", "suspension", "truck", "FEATURES", "Tech" ] }, { "id": "https://dirtsportsworld.com/?p=2719", "url": "https://dirtsportsworld.com/2020/04/15/not-just-a-leveling-kit/", "title": "Not Just A Leveling Kit", "content_html": "

When thinking of off-road performance and Ford, it is easy to immediately think of the Raptor. A ready-to-go rig of …

The post Not Just A Leveling Kit appeared first on DirtSportsWorld.

\n", "content_text": "When thinking of off-road performance and Ford, it is easy to immediately think of the Raptor. A ready-to-go rig of …The post Not Just A Leveling Kit appeared first on DirtSportsWorld.", "date_published": "2020-04-15T01:42:29-07:00", "date_modified": "2021-06-27T17:10:12-07:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Jake Headlee", "url": "", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/?s=512&d=identicon&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Jake Headlee", "url": "", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/?s=512&d=identicon&r=g" }, "tags": [ "baja kits", "ball joints", "f150", "ford f150", "ford f150 fx4", "fox shocks", "leveling kit", "lift kit", "suspension kit", "Tech", "technical", "uniballs", "FEATURES" ] }, { "id": "https://dirtsportsworld.com/?p=905", "url": "https://dirtsportsworld.com/2020/03/15/a-simple-elevation-for-a-2nd-generation-ford-raptor/", "title": "A Simple Elevation for a 2nd Generation Ford Raptor", "content_html": "

The Ford Raptor is an extremely capable rig right off the dealer lot, but in this world, we always want …

The post A Simple Elevation for a 2nd Generation Ford Raptor appeared first on DirtSportsWorld.

\n", "content_text": "The Ford Raptor is an extremely capable rig right off the dealer lot, but in this world, we always want …The post A Simple Elevation for a 2nd Generation Ford Raptor appeared first on DirtSportsWorld.", "date_published": "2020-03-15T12:58:42-07:00", "date_modified": "2021-06-27T02:24:08-07:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Jake Headlee", "url": "", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/?s=512&d=identicon&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Jake Headlee", "url": "", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/?s=512&d=identicon&r=g" }, "tags": [ "baja hq", "lift", "perch collar", "raptor spacers", "rpg", "shocks", "spacers", "springs", "Tech", "technical", "FEATURES" ] } ] }