Suspension overhaul!!! Need advice, I'm new to this

[JJtits]

Feel free to flame me, but Im in need of some help. I purchased my 2013 Raptor a few years back. It had 100,000 miles on it at the time. It now had 165,000 miles. I just moved to Southern California and have been going out to the desert. I love it, but ive got a feeling that I need a suspension overhaul. Everything is stock and I have no clue if the shocks have ever been rebuilt. Im not trying to break the bank, but I've been looking into a few options and I need some help. Im pretty new to desert rippin' so any help is good help.

Option 1:
Purchase all new factory 2.5's and respring the fronts with geiser springs. leave everything else as is

Option 2:
all of option 1 and add RPG half tie rods, deaver +3 rear leafs and RPG drop shackles

Option 3:
Fox factory race 3.0's, RPG tie rods, Deaver +3 and Drop shackles

as I stated above, Im new to the desert stuff and Im hesitant to go all out on option 3 due to the price. What would be the Goldilocks option for now? something that will give me some more confidence off road but not have me bite off more than I can chew?

 

[The Car Stereo Company]

 

[Irregular F150]

All im doing is oe fox 2.5 with geisers and spc camber kit. Then deavers +3 and camburg drop shackles.

Seems like this would be a good starting point front what ive read in many thread and add/upgrade as needed.

 

[Nex]

First post, welcome to FRF. Please post pictures of said prius running through the desert.

Your factory shocks should have been rebuild 3 times over by now. You could go all in with Kings, but here is a better starting point. Leaves money for gas and fun in the desert.

I would do the following at a minimum. Can expand on later as budget increases or to tune the truck to your driving style.

Upper control arms (SVC or Camburg)
Rebuild all 4 shocks
Tie rod ends
Bump stops
Other rubber suspension bushings both front and rear.
Replace springs if they are sagging
Have fսiςκiղց fun

While the list is not many "fun" parts, my hope is that you use the extra money for off road supplies. Recovery items, radio, lights etc. Not sure if this is already covered as not mentioned in your post. These items are just as important as suspension parts.

Again, welcome to FRF. Post up some pictures of your truck. Ask questions. T8ns of information on here with really knowledgeable people.

 

[JJtits]

Nex, would u recommend just tie rod ends? like the RPG 1/2 steering tie rod kit? or complete tie rods?

 

[Jhollowell]

I look at this a different way. When i was racing motocross (amateur) everyone always said if you want to go faster, take a class. Buying expensive parts will only get you so far. I'm not sure if that translates too well to trucks but I'd suggest making sure your current components are in good working order then look around for some classes or see if someone will teach you how to drive in the desert. I'm willing to bet a good driver in a stock truck will do a lot better than a newb in modded out truck. Just my thougths

 

[Nex]

Nex, would u recommend just tie rod ends? like the RPG 1/2 steering tie rod kit? or complete tie rods?

I'm not as sure on a Gen 1 like you have, but you definitely only want the outers on the Gen 2/3 due to the electric steering.

 

[mxer683]

I would go with your third option. I found the deavers to be a night and day difference. I’ve had good luck with full length tie rods, personally I don’t see much benefit if any in the half length ones. Regardless of what you decide to do with shocks I would recommend swapping the coil buckets in the front to accommodate gen 2 coilovers. If you go with stock shocks then you can benefit from the additional travel of the gen 2 3.0. If you go aftermarket then you’ll benefit from the recirculating reservoir.

 

[SuburbanJake]

Fellas,

This seems like an appropriate spot and time frame to ask a related question with being an ******!

I have found myself in a similar situation as JJ (unfortunately without the desert as i live in AL) and have a Screw w/ 111k and ready to make some changes. Axle exchange shaft, Fox 3.0 coilovers, rebuild rear 2.5’s, Icon RXT packs, ARH long tubes with Borla Touring and S&B CAI. Ditching 5 Star (don’t beam me up) and rolling with JDM. They already sent me tune ready to go. Only thing installed is the 3.0’s in the front lol.

I bought the Icon RXT leafs and wanted to confirm that i still would use +2 shackles. Either SVC or Camburg etc. Is this correct?

 

[Gen1TillDeath]

What leafs did you get, +2? +3? +3 will gain you 2 inches, so if you wanna bring the rear back down 2” then yes you would need the +2 drop shackles. But you don’t have to.