Let's See Those Lifted / Big Tire Gen 4s!!

[etbene]

I have only been lifted for about 3 weeks now. My first trip off-road trail riding is next week so I will report out on how that goes.
But as far as everyday drivability here’s my take:
I did the ReadyLift and the rear sway bar and end links all at once. Still had the factory 22’s and factory size tires. I didn’t notice much difference in the front, but the back was much stiffer. For example, going over a speed bump: before my Expy was very squishy when the back went over a speed bump. It felt like the rear shocks went full travel both directions and would continue to bounce up and down MANY times after going over it. After the lift and sway bar, the rear end felt much more truck-like: The compression was less, and the rebound was immediate and solidly planted the rear tires back at normal spring height. It was a trade off. Much improved handling and responsiveness (far less bobble head and porpoising) but harsher ride in the back even in eco mode.

Then I replaced the front sway bar and end links when it finally came in and any doubts I had were gone.
The sway bars are the answer.
If all you are doing is the ReadyLift then I don’t think you will notice much change in your CCD performance at all. But make sure you IMMEDIATELY get it aligned AND get the CCD shocks reprogrammed for the new ride height.
The sway bars and end links will make the small bumps more noticeable but anything you give up in floaty Cadillac ride is more than made up for with the improved driving dynamics and eliminating the bobble head/porpoising.

To finish up my transformation I replaced my 22’s with 18’s, and went from the factory 32.1 inch tire to a 34.3 inch E-rated Nitto.
As stunned as I was after the installing the front sway bar, the transformation after the new wheel/tires was equally amazing.
I went from having 5 inches of sidewall to over 8 inches of sidewall.
This completely eliminates small bump harshness and it just crushes road imperfections and potholes.
I leave CCD in normal mode and this thing is just a dream to drive now. It has serious truck toughness now but still a smooth supple ride thanks to the HUGE Nittos. I have zero rub front or back, still plenty of travel, and no topping out. Haven’t tested it off-road yet, but I will take some pictures in Moab and Sand Dune National park in the next 2 weeks and let you know.

It’s no Raptor, but I’m really happy with it for the first time ever really. Probably the only way to do better with this truck is a full custom ICON suspension costing 4-5 times as much, and you still would have locked in warning lights from the CCD-delete and probably be cutting body panels also.

In summary: the factory sway bars are junk and the 22’s make it ride like $hit. Get rid of both of those. Want to add 3-4 inches of ground clearance? The ReadyLift and bigger tires do a nice job with minimal impact to ride.

What kind of sway bars did you purchase/install?

 

[NukeLife]

Hellwig.

 

[expeditiondriver]

Looks awesome. Any issues with running? And What size tires/wheels?

Wheels; 18x9 +20mm
Tires: 295/70R18 (34.3" diameter)

I had to tuck the front felt material forward just a bit to avoid rubbing. Otherwise there are some spots that are really close but don’t rub. I can’t imagine how a bigger tire would fit without quite a bit of work.

Look at how close the front tires are when turned in this picture.

 

[NukeLife]

I’m running the exact same size. I tucked the felt wheel well liners at all four corners just to be sure.
Also had to trim the power running boards—about an inch off the front. Basically you are removing the section of running board that extends into the wheel well when the running board is stowed in the “up” position.

 

[etbene]

Hellwig.
Do you know the product code for those sway bars? The only ones I’m finding for expys are the ones on Hellwig’s website. Do F150 sway bars fit or no?

 

[expeditiondriver]

@NukeLife Would also be curious to know what RCI skids you selected? Are they the F150 package?

 

[Eric_B]

I just wanted some new wheels and tires to replace these curb rashed Limited wheels... Now I'm having new and expensive thoughts. Thanks for the posts guys.

 

[Mike K]

2019 Expy Max XLT 285 65 18 General Grabber, 3/2 readylift

 

[MichelePeq]

Nice set up, which roof rack do you have on there?

 

[2019 Plat Exp]

2019 platinum 4x4 with HD tow. 3/2 ready lift riding on method wheels 18x9 +18mm offset wrapped in 275/70/18s Cooper stt pros.