Control Arms for Lifted 2015 XLT

[2015owner2015]

I recently installed Bilstein 5100s and Ready Lift spacer lift kit. I also put 33" tires on the stock 18" wheels.

I really like the look and stance and mostly the truck performs really well.

However I occasionally get a nasty scrapping when I turn the wheels to their maximum range.

Did I make a mistake by not installing control arms that would be compatible with the lift? Would that solve the issue?

What other possible issues are there by just using the stock control arms? Is there any safety issues?

Thanks for any feedback.

 

[mjp2]

Sounds like your tires are rubbing at full lock. Should be pretty easy to identify visually. The moment you hear the noise, get out of the truck with the wheel still turned in the position that caused the noise and run your hand along the perimeter of the front tires looking for an area of tight clearance.

 

[2015owner2015]

It's not coming from around the wheel wells I believe. Sounds like it s higher up and it's metal on metal. It seems to also happen occasionally when the suspension compresses. Could the control arm be contacting the spring or shock?

 

[mjp2]

Higher up than the wheel wells? Do you have someone driving the truck (slowly) while you're outside looking around and listening?

Full lock metal on metal could be the CV axles but those would be at the wheel centerline. That could be a result of the lift as it puts more stress on the joint as the angles are increased.

 

[2015owner2015]

Part of my original question is should some sort of modified control arm be used to accomidate the lift? Could this be a factor?

 

[mjp2]

The only way to know is to determine where the noise is coming from, otherwise you're just troubleshooting with your wallet. You're welcomed to throw parts and money at your truck but ultimately you need to know what the root issue is.

 

[2015owner2015]

Thanks, Just wondering if there are any typical issues associated with my upgrade. I've seen for instance that the ICON lift can come with control arms. I realize that is apples and oranges with the lift kit I used, but is the control arm upgrade still recommended or required for any lift?. I will look further.

 

[Mark Buckner]

Did you install the 3"/2" ReadyLift Leveling Kit, or something different?

Asking because I installed the 3/2 kit on my 2012 EL and since then have gone through two Upper Control Arms due to ball joint failure. ReadyLift has assured me on two different phone calls that this kit works with stock-geometry UCAs, but mine are only lasting approximately 2 years.

I don't have any scraping noises like you describe, but do get a "clunk" sometimes (not always) when turning the wheels to the full limit, so if you determine a different UCA is required for the 3" front lift, I would love to hear about it.

 

[2015owner2015]

Thanks, good to know. I'll continue to research this.

 

[2015owner2015]

Yes I used the 3/2 Ready Lift

 

[drbr0b0tnik]

The UCA angle of the 3/2 lift is brutal. Like it’s odd they say it’s totally cool. I watched their YouTube install video of those and tons of comments on the angle it produces. Not sure of an aftermarket UCA option specifically for the 3/2.

 

[2015owner2015]

Are there alternative lifts that don't product this angle?

 

[mjp2]

Are there alternative lifts that don't product this angle?

It's not the type of lift but the overall height increase that affects the angles. Less lift will help but the same amount of lift from a different design won't change anything unless that kit includes high-angle components like replacement control arms.

 

[DeafBringer]

common issue for IFS vehicles. Have to relocate the control arms lower in order to reduce the angle or control arms designed to run with high angles long term. Either option are not cheap.

 

[2015owner2015]

Do you know of any specific control arms that fit the bill?

 

[mjp2]

04-20 F150 TUBULAR UCA DJ KIT 04-20 F150 TUBULAR UCA DJ KIT - Icon Vehicle Dynamics

04-20 F150 TUBULAR UCA DJ KIT 04-20 F150 TUBULAR UCA DJ KIT - Icon Vehicle Dynamics

www.iconvehicledynamics.com

09-20 F150/14-20 EXPEDITION BILLET UCA DJ KIT 09-20 F150/14-20 EXPEDITION BILLET UCA DJ KIT - Icon Vehicle Dynamics

09-20 F150/14-20 EXPEDITION BILLET UCA DJ KIT 09-20 F150/14-20 EXPEDITION BILLET UCA DJ KIT - Icon Vehicle Dynamics

www.iconvehicledynamics.com

FORD F150 2009-2020 UPPER CONTROL ARMS - FORD F150 | TOTAL CHAOS FABRICATION

FORD F150 2009-2020 UPPER CONTROL ARMS - FORD F150

www.chaosfab.com

https://camburg.com/shop/suspension/susp-control-arms/uniball-uca/camburg-ford-f-150-09-1-25-performance-uniball-upper-control-arms/

...among others. I used to race SCORE and have had personal experience with products from the above fabrication shops and they all hold up.

 

[2015owner2015]

I went with the ICON tubular control arm which they say is suitable for my style of lighter duty off roading . It's about half the price of the other.

We'll see how it works!

 

[eugene11]

I went with the ICON tubular control arm which they say is suitable for my style of lighter duty off roading . It's about half the price of the other.

We'll see how it works!

So how does it work? Better?
Did you install 5100 on the lowest setting PLUS 3/2 spacers on top? Why did you opt out just the highest setting on shocks?

 

[twodollars]

Does anyone know what year f150 upper control arms fit the 2013 expedition? Have not found a definitive answer. I have a 2 inch spacer on mine, and get the clunk when the suspension cycles. I need to resolve upper arms or pull the lift off. Drives me nuts. Jenky.

 

[2015owner2015]

So how does it work? Better?
Did you install 5100 on the lowest setting PLUS 3/2 spacers on top? Why did you opt out just the highest setting on shocks?

Sorry for the late response.

The control arms were definitely an improvement. These seem like a must have. I don't know the height setting on the 5100s. I didn't think to specify it when the shop did the install and they could tell me afterwards, as if they didn't know. I'm assuming they are at the default setting (I don't know what that is though). The 3/2 spacers worked out good. Tires are 33's on the factory 18" wheels.