2009 - 2014 F-150

Ecoboost - Can it be Lowered?

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Old 07-16-2012, 04:21 PM
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Ecoboost - Can it be Lowered?

Hi All!

First -

After reading threads for two days about Lowering, I thought I understood it until someone just posted in another Thread that you can't lower an Ecoboost vehicle.

Is this correct?

What I want to do is remove the Rear 2" block to get a 'Level' look and lower the Tailgate Step. This is supposedly the easiest way to 'get level' and does not require shims for the Pinion Angle - Correct?

I am also investigating a 2 / 4 or 3 / 5 Lower Kit.

Some background to help answer my questions -

Sole Operator is a 4' 11" woman..
Vehicle: 2012 Lariat Scab 4x4 Ecoboost w/ Tow Package & 3.55 Rear on a 7,200 GVWR Packeage
Intended Use is DD to a parking garage.
Weekend is Towing a 1,400 lb pop-up camper about 10 - 12 times a year.
Most extreme off road use will be towing camper on forest service roads as found in WA and OR.
18" Wheels & Tires will remain Stock

Questions:

1. Can an EB be Lowered?
2. If so, will a 2/4 or 3/5 be practical given the intended use?
3. What is the Ground Clearance with a 3 / 5 Lowering Kit.

In all my research on this Forum, I have not seen ground clearance addressed. All clearance discussions seem to be about "filling the fender well" and oversize tires rubbing.

Thanks for any and all feedback.
Steve
 
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Old 07-16-2012, 04:35 PM
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What makes the engine any different? The only pain I forsee is getting under to remove all the protective cladding on the undercarriage. Ramps would solve that.
 
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Old 07-16-2012, 04:40 PM
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Yes, easiest way for you to get 2/4 drop is pull the rear block and do 2" shackles, and get 2wd struts up front

2/4 drop on a 4x4 would still be just like factory 2wd height up front, and -2" in the rear compared to factory 2wd truck


FYI most of the lowered crowd hangs out in the street scene section
 
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Old 07-16-2012, 04:50 PM
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Originally Posted by stever88
Hi All!

First -

After reading threads for two days about Lowering, I thought I understood it until someone just posted in another Thread that you can't lower an Ecoboost vehicle.

Is this correct?

Steve
Someone was joking
 
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Old 07-16-2012, 04:58 PM
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Thanks for Replies GUys!

I suspect the "joke" was on me as it was posted in ther 'Cult' Thread.

I'll check out the street scene Patman.

Thanks again guys, I am trying to help my sister with her Brand New (and First) Truck!

Steve
 
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Old 07-17-2012, 03:22 PM
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Hi All!

After doing some more reading, and with Patman's Reply in mind, I think I have learned that a 2 / 4 is easily doable with everything Patman outlined.

Before proceeding, I will ask my sister to:
1. Get a Vehicle Weight w/ full 36 gallons in present stock form.
2. Get a Pinion measurement Before she has any Adds or Mods, and
3. Get a measurement from the Rear Bump Stop to the ____________(what ever it stops Against).

Can anyone think of something I missed before the start of any Mod?

Several questions still regarding the 2 / 4 Drop:

1. The 2WD Struts, are they an aftermarket item or should I look at Ford 2WD struts?

2. The Stock Ground Clearance, according to the 2012 F150 Brochure, is 8.6" standard on Super Cab 4x2 and 4x4s. The restriction is showing something from the Front View, but don't know what it is. Shouldn't be the Diff or Trans Case as the Ground Clearance is the same for 2 & 4 WD. Will have to get some measurements across the bottom of the truck (she on West Coast, me on East).

3. For 4" Drop in Rear, it will require the 2" Drop Shackle and 2" Stock Block removal - how do I determine the Degree of the Shims Required?

4. With a 2" Rear Drop, by removing the Block, I read that Tow capacity was Not reduced - is this correct?

5. But, I have not see anything about Tow capacity and either 4" Drop or just the 2" Drop Shackle. Any weight penalty with this mod?

6. Will different Shocks be required:
a. After 0 / 2 Drop,
b. After 2 / 4 Drop

6. Will either of the Drops affect the Fuel gage reading?

7. Will the Truck handle or drive any different after the 2 / 4 Drop?

8. Since she has only had it for 1 week, will the Ford dealer hassle her about mods or Warranty when she has it in for regular maintenance?

After the Mod, a Front End Alignment and Headlight Adjust are the only things I can think of, any suggestions?

Can anyone think of anything I missed or would want to consider?

Thanks All for looking and for taking time to Reply. I certainly appreciate your input!
Steve
 
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Old 07-17-2012, 03:36 PM
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just remember to disconnect the battery when removing tie rod ends....could do damage to the EAS(electric assist steering) if not disconnected.....
 
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Old 08-03-2012, 04:47 PM
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I have a 2011 Ecoboost with 2 inch GF drop shackles and pinon shims with no issues and leveled perfectly.
 
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Old 08-06-2012, 09:08 PM
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The sole operator has decided that she likes the way it looks and rides stock.

Appreciate your all your feedback - Steve
 
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Old 08-10-2012, 12:29 AM
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Ask her if she wants to trade fuel tanks...
 
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Old 08-10-2012, 03:14 AM
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hello friend

as you asked yes eb can be lowered and 2/4 lower kit would be suitable i am further investigating on it and will very soon give you best solutions
 
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Old 08-10-2012, 02:46 PM
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I would just install a 2" rear drop shackle. $45 and much less hassle than taking blocks from the axle. 10 minute install with a beer.
 



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