Aftermarket lift kit or load leveling kit for the 2016

[Jmendez553]

I have a 2016 XLT Expedition with tow kit. I'm towing a 8k+ lb 35'11'' travel trailer that has a tongue weight of about 900lbs. I've hitched the camper to the expy on two road trips and the trucks done well, but I'd like to add something more to the rear suspension so it lifts the rear a little more for added assurance. I know that I'm really pushing it with the size of the trailer but I don't want to let go of either the Expy or the trailer. What aftermarket load leveling kit is compatible with the '16 Expy that I can install to the independent rear suspension?

 

[LokiWolf]

I have a 2016 XLT Expedition with tow kit. I'm towing a 8k+ lb 35'11'' travel trailer that has a tongue weight of about 900lbs. I've hitched the camper to the expy on two road trips and the trucks done well, but I'd like to add something more to the rear suspension so it lifts the rear a little more for added assurance. I know that I'm really pushing it with the size of the trailer but I don't want to let go of either the Expy or the trailer. What aftermarket load leveling kit is compatible with the '16 Expy that I can install to the independent rear suspension?

I assume you are using a weight distributing hitch? Do you have the factory Load leveling shocks?

 

[Jmendez553]

yes, I have a weight distributing hitch and I have the factory shocks. I'm hoping this will be sufficient?

 

[LokiWolf]

yes, I have a weight distributing hitch and I have the factory shocks. I'm hoping this will be sufficient?

The regular factory shocks, or the Rear load leveling? There is a difference.

 

[Jmendez553]

Regular factory shocks. I think the load leveling only comes in the limited package.

 

[LokiWolf]

Regular factory shocks. I think the load leveling only comes in the limited package.

They are an option on all Trim levels if the Heavy Duty Trailer package is added. You can swap them in to yours if it doesn't have them. They are Nivomat Mechanical Leveling shocks. Nothing else has to be added.

 

[Jmendez553]

Ill look into it. Thank you!

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

They are an option on all Trim levels if the Heavy Duty Trailer package is added. You can swap them in to yours if it doesn't have them. They are Nivomat Mechanical Leveling shocks. Nothing else has to be added.

Any idea how they actually work. I keep reading about valving and tubing but I don't understand how they can pump themselves up under load.

 

[LokiWolf]

Any idea how they actually work. I keep reading about valving and tubing but I don't understand how they can pump themselves up under load.

Not a mechanical Engineer or anything but the concept has to do with fluid level in a main reservoir. When the shock maintains a static compression more than desired the natural movement of the shock up and down pumps more fluid in to the main reservoir there by increasing the pressure in the main reservoir. Because of that valving the shocks are wider than most. http://www.brakeandfrontend.com/nivomat-shock-absorbers-self-leveling-monotube-ride-control-units/

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

Not a mechanical Engineer or anything but the concept has to do with fluid level in a main reservoir. When the shock maintains a static compression more than desired the natural movement of the shock up and down pumps more fluid in to the main reservoir there by increasing the pressure in the main reservoir. Because of that valving the shocks are wider than most. http://www.brakeandfrontend.com/nivomat-shock-absorbers-self-leveling-monotube-ride-control-units/

See that picture always confuses me. Is there a reservoir that hast to be mounted separately and then does tubing have to run from that reservoir to each shock? That the confusing part or is it all self-contained within the each shock?

 

[LokiWolf]

See that picture always confuses me. Is there a reservoir that hast to be mounted separately and then does tubing have to run from that reservoir to each shock? That the confusing part or is it all self-contained within the each shock?

All within the shock. The diagram is just for the visuals. There are outer and inner reservoirs within the shock body.

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

All within the shock. The diagram is just for the visuals. There are outer and inner reservoirs within the shock body.

Okay, I didn't understand how it worked. I wonder if they are stiffer than the stock suspension.

 

[LokiWolf]

Okay, I didn't understand how it worked. I wonder if they are stiffer than the stock suspension.

When loaded, yes.

 

[fordblue]

Has anyone actually gone thru with the conversion from standard non-load leveling shocks to the Nivomat shocks? What all was required? Changing springs, dust boot, mounts, etc? Results?

 

[star-art]

Second that question! I recently test drove a 2014 Limited that had the factory rear load-leveling option with 20-inch wheels and I can say it had a better ride quality than other similar trucks I've driven recently. I am thinking the rear load-leveling shocks may be responsible for the difference.

I checked with Tasca Parts and discovered the rear shocks and springs (along with some other parts) are all different between the standard setup and the load-leveling option.