BDS 3" Lift Kit install with Fox Performance Elite - Ford F150

[@kaspar139]

Loved your honest feedback on a 3 hour install taking 2 days. I seem to run into that in the more complicated installs. Having the right tools help, and so does having someone to help! Truck looks great, nice work!

[@jacobsupgrades]

Thanks for the feedback! Taking your time to make sure it's right is better than rushing it. I agree having the right tools always helps things go much more smoothly.

[@BlownF1501]

It may have been mentioned in previous comments, but it is easy to tap the "ears" of the shock mounts to open them up a bit. The shocks go in super easy afterwards. Great video.

[@jacobsupgrades]

@@BlownF1501 thanks for the tip on that, I'm sure that would have been easier to get them in.

[@Nate-zy5ce]

Since you were so great to answer my last question, and do it so thoroughly, I thought I'd push my luck and ask a bit more. If you don't have time, I get it, you've already been great. But here goes: I'm new to all these but thanks to KZbin am learning a lot. I am going back and forth between getting a full size suv like a gmc yukon at4 or denali, or an f150 platinum or raptor, leaning to the f150's. I'd like to level the f150 or lift the suv, say 2-3"s, and add bigger tires. Love the 35's, at least on the f150's, though the 37's on the raptor if i go that route would be awesome. In any case, I see f150's leveled with 2", 2.5" and 3", so which actually levels an f150, and if it's the 2", and you do a 3" level, does that mean you add a 1" lift in the rear, or are you left with it dancing around level but not being exactly level depending on which number of inches you get? And two, the yukons and tahoes and escalades have adjustable air suspension and magna ride. How will a lift on such an suv affect those, affect the air ride? If normal minimal road clearance is 8", and in 4H you can go to 9" and 4L to 10", if you add a 2" lift, does that also raise the air ride, so that normal road clearance becomes 10", 4H can go to 11" and 4L to 12", or if not, does the lift screw up the effectiveness of the air ride? Or is there something to be done to raise the air ride also, and does that cause problems? Thanks. I'm not sure who to ask or where to go to learn about this air ride question.

[@jacobsupgrades]

@Nate-zy5ce, I think the ultimate question is what do you plan to do with your vehicle? Are you doing these upgrades for appearance or do you plan to overland and wheel some challenging trails? Shorter wheel base and narrower track will always win in technical terrain. I lean toward the F150 with my experience because upgrades are very common and relatively affordable. If your just wanting looks a spacer level will do just fine with 2" and will only adjust the front end. Anything above 2.5" will need a full lift with upper control arms to allow the suspension geometry to work correctly. I think a spacer lift is the only way to lift the air ride without deleting it with a new clover lift and cutting the air ride out. Personally I think air ride is unreliable for true off-roading. I've had to tow my buddies LR3 off the trial due to failed air ride. He tore it out then threw in a coil over lift. I've got family members with the GM air ride and it seems like it goes out or has a problem every 30k miles. The squared off GM wheel wells aren't easy to add larger tires too unless you go with a large lift.

[@Nate-zy5ce]

Thanks again. This new info is also very useful to me. I'm in a serious self education mode. Appearance is part of it, but some added capability would be nice, I just don't want to decrease capability, thus my concerns about the air ride and magna ride. Your comments about air ride are thought provoking and valuable to say the least. I'm older now, don't do the crazy off roading, do a lot more onroad than offroad driving, mostly local roads and highways, some dirt roads or occasional trails to get to a buddy's cabin or to a favored fishing or camping spot or trailhead. I do long distance highway road trips as well, from sea level to desert to high altitude. But mostly I live in high altitude, mountainy ski country, with often rougher roads due to poor maintenance or bad weather, and since the best skiing is during or right after the worst snowstorms, I am looking for luxury interior, but the best go anywhere, anytime, any kind of weather vehicle I can find. When I look out the window in the morning and see a major blizzard going on, I'm the guy dying to head out in my vehicle to get to the ski area, where so many others see that storm and want to just stay in. It will also be my daily driver, my only vehicle. I love the Raptor, but with that super wide wheelbase, I'm concerned not only will it forever be sliding around in ruts rather than riding smoothly within them since most are made by normal width vehicle, but if you've ever driven during bad snowstorms you know how if you stay in the tracks in each lane you drive fine, but if you change lanes and cross the deeper snow between lanes outside of the tracks you lose stability and feel less secure until into the next lane, and I'm concerned the Raptor will forever be feeling unstable b/c will forever be outside of the tracks of the other vehicles. So if I go the pickup route, I'm leaning towards a modified max luxury F150 platinum, levelled, bigger tires, would love 35's, a bit of a poke, smooth fender flares if more of a poke, and putting the smooth, black Diamondback HD bedcover on. The one thing I love about the raptor though is how so many youtubers say it drives so buttery smooth even on highways, some say as if driving a BMW or Mercedes, which I assume is due to coil springs front and rear instead of leafs. I wonder how the Platinum would compare to that, and if it would help, if coil springs can be added front and rear. I see them in fronts but all seem to just add a better shock to combine with the leafs in the rear. I need to learn more about that. The max luxury seats of the Platinum will help, but will that be enough, I don't know. Oh, and I love the added road clearance of pickups, thus my interest in the adjustable air ride of some suv's. Ironically, the Audi Q8's and SQ's have the air ride, but start at a higher 9" instead of the more common 8" road clearance, and from 9" can go to 10" and 11". I love them, but small for me, and though they're called sports suv's, I don't see much in the way of the suv side of that in them, more the sport, with incredibly thin rubber tires, good for smooth roads but not much more. Don't love the idea of cutting, certainly not too much though, and compromises that might cause, so am learning all I can. With the 5.5' bed I'm hoping the old issue of not enough weight in the rear causing poor snow performance might be alleviated some, though the heavier bedcover might help with that, and I could do the old tried and true put some sandbags inside the bed just behind each rear wheel, though I've been told that's less relevant these days with these newer trucks. Oh, and Lol, but another advantage of the F150 is a small option that no one else offers, their fold out flat work surface in the front center console. I would use that so much, with my phone, my laptop and a mobile hot spot, I can take my home office mobile, and get out and about much more often during the weekdays, even bring my home office with me on road trips. I can jury rig something on other vehicles, but it's right there built in so well in the F150's. @@jacobsupgrades

[@jacobsupgrades]

@@Nate-zy5ce , I think you would be happy with the F150 Platinum with 2" level and 33" tires. Once you wear out the factory suspension you could swap out to a BDS lift with Fox performance elite coil overs and get the buttery smooth ride like the raptors but they are manually adjustable unlike the Fox live valve on the raptors. Weight in the bed isn't a huge issue like it used to be. With 4WD and traction control these trucks are very capable. I typically leave a heavy toolbox in the bed of my truck year round with some basic tools, recovery gear and spare parts that has a good amount of weight and acts like those old sand bags. Personally I like getting these trucks a little loose in the snow and I have to turn off traction control in order to. Or you could go the GM SUV route. My suggestion would be to take each vehicle for an extended test drive to find out how you like the drive-ability, interior and parking. If you haven't driven a truck before the long wheel base will be eye opening around town and in parking lots, don't forget to swing wide and it's always easier to back into a parking spot.

[@mkbmj]

Excellent video. Answered a lot of my questions

[@jacobsupgrades]

@mkbmj, good I'm glad my video helped out!

[@Northlandvintage]

Nice to meet you!!

[@jacobsupgrades]

@Northlandvintage, it was great meeting you neighbor!

[@tommipham4553]

Great video! My only curiosity is the cv angle look? Is it possible you can make a video or post a picture of how the cv angle sits? I hope its leveled though

[@jacobsupgrades]

@tommipham4553, thank you! I will try and cover this when I film the review video. This lift kit maintains a slight rake and is not a true level. Right now I think the angles are good, I haven't had any problems with the CVs. I did add 1/2" of preload to account for the bumper and winch weight like Fox recommends. I was told by a few mechanics at 4WP going above a 3" lift will chew through CV's. That's why you see trussed lifts for the front ends when you get to 4" lift to drop the cvs and align them to prevent bad angles.

[@richardisaksen9366]

I don’t know if you know or not but you have your front reservoir brackets upside down, your reservoirs should almost be touching the crash bar bracket. Just have to flip them around.

[@jacobsupgrades]

@richardisaksen9366, thanks for the heads up I thought they were hanging way to low and exposed! 😂

[@jacobsupgrades]

@richardisaksen9366, Thank you for the info! I've posted my 10 month review of this kit here kzbin.info/www/bejne/b56uYnmZl8iVb7M

[@mrbeatty13able]

Wish you made an update video on your experience after 6 months. Talking about how to make adjustments, what adjustments give the best ride quality etc

[@jacobsupgrades]

@mrbeatty13able, Thank you for the comment. I'm working on that review video now and should have it posted soon.

[@mrbeatty13able]

Looking forward to it.

[@jacobsupgrades]

@mrbeatty13able, here's my 10 month review video, let me know if you have any questions! kzbin.info/www/bejne/b56uYnmZl8iVb7M

[@3clipse1809]

Thank you for this guided installation. Question how is this a 3” lift, when the advertised lift for these 2.5 elite is 2”.

[@jacobsupgrades]

BDS and Fox are under the same ownership group. BDS has these specifically set up at a 3" lift for this kit to work together along with the UCA's and rear lift blocks. I'm sure Fox sells them at a 2.5" lift to prevent contact with the UCA or other damage if not bought as a kit. I didn't measure the before and after but it clearly sits higher than the 2.25" Halo Lifts I had on here before.

[@3clipse1809]

@@jacobsupgrades Thank you. I also realized that I was looking for the kit for a different year. I have a 21, and the kit that you are referencing is for 14-20. I wonder if the Fox Elites are the same part numbers. FOX 883-06-199 Front, 883-26-122 Rear.

[@jacobsupgrades]

@@3clipse1809 I don't know the exact specs of your truck but just a quick look for a 21 on BDS it looks like a 3" lift isn't offered in your year. You can get the 2.5's (BDS1912FPE) or 3.0 factory race series (BDS1914FRS) looks like nothing over a 2.5" lift for the 21+ trucks.

[@chrisreynolds6152]

Great video! Kind of an odd question... do you know what your roof height is now with the kit? My garage opening is only 82" high and i want to make sure it will still fit after installing...

[@jacobsupgrades]

I measured it a little while back and I think its somewhere around 78-80" tall at the top center of the cab. I have an 8ft garage opening and can make it through with my Rhino Rack platform with recovery boards on top and its' about 7ft tall with the platform and boards. This also depends on what size tires your running and average air pressure.

[@kwb402]

Did you just take a sawzaw to your front crash bar ?

[@jacobsupgrades]

@@kwb402 I unbolted the bolts that hold it in place then the bolts have to be cut off with a sawzaw because you can't pull them out unless the body is off. Then the crash bars come sliding out.

[@kwb402]

@@jacobsupgradesappreciate it! As soon as my wife gets her new car and the back deck, it’s on my list to lift the F150..hopefully before I’m 40…

[@jacobsupgrades]

@@kwb402 glad to help out! Hopefully you can get to it soon. I love the lift, it really changed the stance and performance of the truck.

[@Nate-zy5ce]

Good video. Thanks. I don't do this kind of work, but learning about it is helping me assess what type of mods I will want to do to my new pickup. One lesson, it seems lifts will raise the undercarriage but not the axels. Am I correct in assuming that means lifts will not increase the minimum road clearance for a pickup? Also, will a lift end up decreasing the suspension range, how far up and down it can go? Or at least firm it up to the upside? Thanks.

[@jacobsupgrades]

@Nate-zy5ce, suspension lifts will lift the body and frame of the truck giving better approach, departure and break over angles also giving more wheel well clearance for bigger tires. The only way to increase true clearance from the axels and differentials is bigger tires. Example if I go from 33" tires to 35" I'm only gaining 1" of true clearance. This may vary based on tire PSI of course. If you buy the proper performance lift like this BDS kit the suspension will actually have a larger range of motion to give a more stable ride in rough terrain. This is due to the Upper control arm with revised ball joint and upgraded struts. These performance elite struts have multiple settings so you can tune the firmness you need based on the weight of your truck and the terrain you're driving to give the ultimate ride.

[@Nate-zy5ce]

Thank you so much for the fast and thorough reply. Very much appreciated. @@jacobsupgrades

[@mrbeatty13able]

I noticed that you didn’t use a vacuum pump to disengage the front 4wd.

[@jacobsupgrades]

@mrbeatty13able, in my opinion it's not needed before disassembling or assembling. The best way to put it back together is to take the actuator off the knuckle and place it on the cv so you know the gears mesh before inserting the cv to the knuckle. After putting it back together test with a vacuum pump. Or you can turn the truck on and spin the cv. If it the hub and lug studs spin in 2wd it's not getting pressure, try putting it back together again. This is also a sign of a failed actuator.

[@mrbeatty13able]

I appreciate that. Once my kit arrives and I begin the install, I will keep that in mind.

[@cmolina77]

@@jacobsupgrades Just a simple question for learning .... was it absolutely necessary to remove the axel nut?? would using a pry bar to push the LCA down be effective?

[@jacobsupgrades]

@@cmolina77 to prevent damage to the CV. I think it would be wise to remove the axel nut and not force its range of motion. It will give you more room to work to get the coil over in which is slightly longer for the lift.

[@cmolina77]

Hi! Jacob thanks for posting this great video. Im leaning in this direction because i dont want to go as far as cutting up the truck for a 4" lift. You are the only reliable video source out there for this specific setup in a 3" package. Still dont have any issues with CV angle? i currently run a 5100 bilstien lift at 2.1" and its okay but i definately do heavier offorading than it warrants. Really wanting to pull the trigger on this exact kit with the 2.0 shocks in the rear

[@jacobsupgrades]

@cmolina77, This BDS/ Fox lift kit has been a huge upgrade and holding up really well. I haven't had any issues with the CV angles. I did add 1/2" preload to the front coils to account for the bumper and winch weight as instructed. I've taken the truck to Baja and bashed around the desert, climbed some peaks in Colorado and put plenty of road miles on it. Even towing its a huge upgrade being able to dial in the performance elite shocks. I highly recommend this lift if your wanting to jump to 35" tires. I plan to follow up with a review video soon.

[@cmolina77]

you rock brother thank you! cheers!!@@jacobsupgrades

[@jacobsupgrades]

@@cmolina77 glad to help 🤙🏻

[@mattdonaldson4439]

So this isnt a suspension kit , correct? This is a level? 35s on 9 inch wheel would fot with 3 inches?

[@jacobsupgrades]

@mattdonaldson4439, this is a 3" suspension lift kit. I'm able to fit my 35"x 12.50 R17 tires with 0" offset. I did have to do some trimming of the wheel wells and smash the crash bars back.

[@9663mu]

@@jacobsupgradesI guess my interpretation of a lift kit would be one that comes with additional suspension components like new knuckles etc. like say a bds 4 in lift kit. Your set up is absolutely sweet just mentioning

[@jacobsupgrades]

@ because the 3" lift is able to maintain similar CV and driveshaft angles to stock those components aren't needed unlike a 4" or larger lift.

[@adamjorgensen4881]

I installed this kit on my 2020 f150 with 17 and 35’s and every shock setting I can try rides like a straight axle dump truck on smooth paved roads🤷🏼‍♂️ any thoughts since it sounds like you love it

[@jacobsupgrades]

Sounds like they're set too stiff. Turn the high speed setting (the larger dial) counter clockwise until it stops. That's the softest setting. I drive around town with it maybe 1-3 clicks in clockwise once it's set all the way soft. You may also want to set the low speed settings (smaller dial) the same way. When I load the truck up for a trip or tow is when I stiffen up the high speed setting.

[@adamjorgensen4881]

@@jacobsupgrades thank you for the input I will give this a shot and see what happens, im about to just sell my truck and fox has been no help in this issue also which is extremely dissapointing🤷🏼‍♂️

[@jacobsupgrades]

Let me know how this goes, I hope it works for you! Sorry to hear about Fox’s customer service. That’s frustrating.

[@jacobsupgrades]

@@adamjorgensen4881 , that's a bummer about their customer service.

[@adamjorgensen4881]

Also where do you have your alignment set at? Couple degrees of camber or factory spec? I’ve seen videos of guys suggesting camber for better drivability and tire wear having bigger tires also🤷🏼‍♂️

[@shawnpullen9517]

Been looking at this lift for my 2015 how's the ride afterwards

[@jacobsupgrades]

It’s amazing, I wish I would have done this sooner. I have my 10 month unbiased review video coming out in the next couple weeks, so stay tuned.

[@jacobsupgrades]

@shawnpullen9517 here's my 10 month review video! kzbin.info/www/bejne/b56uYnmZl8iVb7M

[@mr.commander3947]

WOW,,, surely will take me whole day to do my 2021 f150 fx4.. the labor money save -------more than enough to buy all of your recommended tools on your links,,, again,, very nice detail video,, thx

[@jacobsupgrades]

It is a time consuming install but worth it for saving the money and having the knowledge for servicing your own suspension. Thank you for the positive comment!

[@javifeliciano7434]

Hey nice video. I have the same truck with BDS 4” on Stock shocks. I like the set up you got. How it handles? I’m in between Kings or Fox.

[@jacobsupgrades]

I love the Fox performance elite shocks. The adjustability and smooth ride is way better than the Halo Lifts coil overs I had. Truck handles great in the corners too with confident handling on back roads.

[@jacobsupgrades]

@javifeliciano7434, here's my 10 month review video kzbin.info/www/bejne/b56uYnmZl8iVb7M

[@juanbocanegra2790]

Hey I’m looking to get the bds level kit for my 2022 f150, but I’m stuck between the 2.0 and 2.5 fox level kits. Are the 2.5 really worth it for the price?

[@jacobsupgrades]

For me going to a 2.5" shock is absolutely worth it. It's night and day for high and low speed off roading and it also helps with towing and hauling. If you don't do a lot of off-roading then it may not be worth it for you. Here's my review video this will give you a little more info on the function of the 2.5" performance elite adjustability and use. BDS 3" Lift Kit Review - Fox Performance Elite DSC kzbin.info/www/bejne/b56uYnmZl8iVb7M

[@YuCkYcHaRm535]

Hey does the UCA hit or come close to hitting the strut? Or even when you jack it up does it hit the strut and how does it affect your dynamics/angles

[@jacobsupgrades]

@YuCkYcHaRm535, No the UCA does not contact the strut in any way. BDS tuned this well with their 3" lift kit. It gives a larger range of travel for more articulation off road. I've never had it contact and I've had the front end airborne in Baja. I had the coil-overs preloaded 1/2" to account for my bumper and winch weight as directed in the instructions. The shop that did the preload stressed not to lift beyond 3" or the truck will chew through CV's. I haven't had a problem yet and I've put over 7,000 miles on the lift.

[@YuCkYcHaRm535]

@@jacobsupgrades so is your CV angle bad? I have a bds 2.5 level and my aftermarket UCA and they still touch the strut 😑

[@jacobsupgrades]

@@YuCkYcHaRm535 I don't think the geometry is at any bag angles for the UCA or CV. The preload only accounted for the extra weight of the bumper and winch so the lift height would sit as it was designed by BDS. Is your UCA BDS or another brand?

[@YuCkYcHaRm535]

@@jacobsupgrades I have the upgraded rancho UCA the kit I was looking at came with BDS ucas

[@jacobsupgrades]

@@YuCkYcHaRm535 that could be why they're coming in contact. I try and stick with one brand and buy their full lift kit to prevent issues. BDS is pricey but their lifetime No BS warranty is hard to beat.

[@Novitskiy76]

Have you taken it off-road yet and gave you had any issues?

[@jacobsupgrades]

@Novitskiy76, yes I just got back from a 2,400 mile trip. 800 in Baja Mexico and 100 miles off-road. It performed incredible. Very smooth ride over mono tube shocks. Being able to adjust them to your weight and terrain is unbeatable. Loved the upgrade. While doing beach driving and camping I had one get stuck on the high speed setting from the salt and sand. I sprayed them down good and one was still stuck. I carefully used a rag and adjustable wrench and was able to work it free. I also don't like the mounting location I would like to get them up higher over the UCA they're just too exposed with my Road Armor bumper.

[@Novitskiy76]

I’m excited to purchase mine, I’m thinking of going in a similar direction as you are with your truck

[@Novitskiy76]

@@jacobsupgradesthank you for the video it was very helpful with the install. What settings do you use for daily driving and off-road

[@jacobsupgrades]

@@Novitskiy76 , for daily driving I have both the high and low speed settings pretty soft. I turn both dials all the way counter clock wise then turn clockwise about 2-3 clicks in. You might notice a little more body lean with them soft so stiffen them up one click at a time till you find the setting you like. When I'm going offroad I'll adjust them when I'm airing down or up depending on the terrain. If I'm hauling or towing a bunch I'll stiffen them up more by turning clockwise on the high speed dial.

[@richardisaksen9366]

Just to let you know your front reservoir bracket is upside down, your reservoir should almost be touching your crash bar bracket.

[@AquariumLiveClowns]

Chock. not Chalk

[@jacobsupgrades]

lol nice catch, I guess spell check didn't help me there.

[@maximecollin]

My heart stopped when i saw " aluminum lift blocks " 😭😭 aluminum and steel pretty much don't get along together

[@jacobsupgrades]

lol they're anodized but I see your point. Maybe an insulator / isolator material could be used between them?