Lets answer the question Which suspension upgrade is right for me?

[joey185]

Few reasons why:

Theres nothing like it, remotely. The SDI top hat utilizes two methods to gain height which ensure you dont sacrifice ride quality. You get 10mm of extra pre load then Everything else is 10-12mm of extra height on the top hat. Thus giving you about 1.75” of extra height without sacrificing travel in either direction.

Theyre billet. Billets not cheap. They couldve used a lower quality material to cut costs but at the end of the day this was made to be stronger than the OEM top hat which is known to fail under certain conditions off road.

Its designed to utilize the OEM spring. Less noticeable under warranty for sure but not immune.

Overall is it really THAT expensive for what it is? Fully subjective honestly. When labor costs are the same thing between these, perch collars, and springs, the minimal ~$100 difference between them all is almost null and comes down to how do you use the truck and which system is best for you.

Ive seen the SDI too hat used in conditions such as Baja, TRR and local off road events and it goes beautifully. SDI did a lot of testing on the top hats to show if you dont want to go FRS, you want eClik, and you want extra height, then theyre the option for you.

I just got a 24 with 37 pkg. Id like to do this, sorry, I didn't read this whole thread. But after install what is needed? Alignment, Take to dealer for anything, etc?

 

[Johnny@Apollo-Optics]

I just got a 24 with 37 pkg. Id like to do this, sorry, I didn't read this whole thread. But after install what is needed? Alignment, Take to dealer for anything, etc?

Just an alignment and if you so choose recalibrate the live valve via forscan.

 

[TomDirt]

Ford should give us limit straps for Gen 4. Or at least a mounting point.

This^^^^. And the mounting point doesn't have to be on the LCA. There's too much stuff moving near it as the suspension cycles up & down and when turning. High up on the spindle, (or on the UCA), keeps it from contacting the CV axle, the coils, the tie rods,.. everything.

 

[Backroadddg]

Kudos bud, It helped me understand the differences much better!

 

[KustomAF]

This is a small part that is not time consuming from any point of view. If I price it with conservative estimates for machine time, the price with a 50% margin is $175. This is assuming a machine that perfectly keeps up with demand. But nonetheless, the value is not the physical part. The question is whether or not there is a problem it solves and what solving that problem is worth. If the strut mount failing is a legitimate concern, which it certainly is with aftermarket springs but not sure about just spring collars, then it’s really cheap peace of mind. It is possible for something to be expensive for what it is at face value, in this case a cylindrical aluminum thing with mounting features, while being reasonably priced for what it solves.

That aside, I’m actually very interested in the prospect of E-click with dual live valves fitted to a pre dual live valve truck. That would be very cool and the price justification would definitely be if you’re going to ball out you might as well ball out.

Just curious, how did you end up pricing your top hats higher than SDI when you were so critical of SDI’s price? Not trying to troll you by any means, I’m legit interested in your top hats. I like the idea of 1.25” lift vs 1.75”.
I was going to ask on the other thread
https://www.fordraptorforum.com/threads/new-suspension-components.104616/post-2070531
But thought the question would have more context in this thread.

 

[taquitos]

Just curious, how did you end up pricing your top hats higher than SDI when you were so critical of SDI’s price? Not trying to troll you by any means, I’m legit interested in your top hats. I like the idea of 1.25” lift vs 1.75”.
I was going to ask on the other thread
https://www.fordraptorforum.com/threads/new-suspension-components.104616/post-2070531
But thought the question would have more context in this thread.

It turns out the top hats have a bunch of stuff going on that I didn’t think about or know about then. So yeah I was wrong. While the part is none too large or complex, the nature of some of the features makes them a little slow to machine.

 

[KustomAF]

It turns out the top hats have a bunch of stuff going on that I didn’t think about or know about then. So yeah I was wrong. While the part is none too large or complex, the nature of some of the features makes them a little slow to machine.

Fair enough brother. I appreciate the reply. I’m leaning towards the Index Suspension top hat by itself, without the rear options. Still researching all the different options/opinions. Do you offer a FRF discount by chance?