Get an Upgraded Rubber Suspension on Your F150, F250, or F350
In this short article, we’ll talk about Ford’s F150, F250, and F350 for the last 2 generations. We'll outline their specifications give examples of the type of jobs that they’re able to handle, and recommend the best SES suspension upgrades.
Ford F150
The 13th generation of the Ford F-150 models began in 2015. It was a turning point for this particular vehicle. It underwent a complete redesign resulting in one of the best production runs that the F-150 has ever seen.
Specs on the F150:
The 2015-2000 Ford F-150 models were made with four engine variations. The standard powertrain uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine that creates 282 hp and 253 lb-ft of torque. Then, there is the turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 motor that pumps out 325 hp and 375 lb-ft of torque. Next is the turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 that generates 365 hp and 420 lb-ft torque. And the final option is a powerful 5.0-liter V8 that pushes out 385 hp and 387 lb-ft of torque.
The 14th generation of the Ford F-150 models began in 2021, ushering in a ton of twenty-first century advances. The most significant addition to the lineup was an all-new 3.5L PowerBoost full hybrid V6, which Ford says, “is targeted to deliver the most torque and horsepower of any light-duty full-size pickup.” It also makes the new F-150 the only light-duty full-size pickup to offer a full hybrid system.
This hybrid system is available on every trim level from the XL to the Limited and combines Ford’s 3.5L EcoBoost V6 with a 35 kilowatt (47 horsepower) electric motor, which is integrated into the truck’s 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. Ford is targeting an EPA estimated range of approximately 700 miles on a single tank of gas and will deliver at least 12,000 pounds of available maximum towing with the new powertrain.
The average Ford half-ton can pull a 7,000-pound travel trailer. The more-powerful 5.0-liter V8 F-150 can comfortably handle a 13,000-pound 5th wheel.
Recommended F150 Suspension Upgrades:
Even though the Ford F-150 can tow a good-size trailer, the suspension may squat under that much weight. To stabilize the truck and keep it level, a Timbren SES kit with rubber helper springs is the biggest bang for your buck. If you’re towing a medium-size trailer, SES kit # FR1504E is the ticket. If you’re hauling a slide-in camper, SES kit # FRTT1504E would be an even better choice.
Ford F250 / Ford F350
As early as 1958, Ford introduced the Super Duty engine family as large-block V8 engines for trucks. The largest-block V8 engines ever built by Ford Motor Company, Super Duty engines were the largest mass-produced gasoline V8 engines in the world for road-going vehicles.
The following is a brief history of how the Ford Super Duty series evolved...
First Generation of the Ford Super Duty (1999-2007)
Beginning production in early 1998 for the 1999 model, the Ford F-Series Super Duty consisted of the F-250 pickup truck, F-350 pickup truck & chassis cab.
The Super Duty trucks were produced with 3 cab configurations: 1) two-door standard cab; 2) 2+2 door SuperCab; 3) four-door crew cab. The standard-cab pickup was produced with an 8-foot bed. SuperCab and crew cabs came with a 6 3/4-foot bed, with an optional 8-foot bed.
Second Generation of the Ford Super Duty (2008-2010)
The second-generation Super Duty featured an all-new 6.4 L, 390.5 cu in PowerStroke diesel V8 with piezo fuel injectors and sequential turbos to replace the 6.0 L PowerStroke single-turbo diesel V8. The new engine produces 350 hp (260 kW) and 650 ft lb of torque.
Third Generation of the Ford Super Duty (2011-20160)
The Super Duty line received a significant exterior upgrade that includes a bigger front fascia. Its engines were also upgraded to better compete with the new Silverado HD and Ram HD. Ford stated in the 2011 Chicago Auto Show that the 2011 trucks have the thickest gauge steel frame of any truck in its class. The 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty was awarded the "Topline Pulling Power" award for 2011.
Fourth Generation of the Ford Super Duty (2017–present)
For 2017 production, the Super Duty line shares its powertrain lineup with its 2016 predecessor: a 6.2L gasoline V8, 6.8L V10 (F-450 and above), with a 6.7L diesel V8 available in all versions. The 6.2L gasoline V8 engine remains at 385 horsepower but torque rises from 405 to 430 lb ft.
The 6.7L diesel engine also remains at the same 440 horsepower but torque increases from 860 lb ft upwards to 925 lb ft. The diesel engine now produces its peak torque at 1,800 rpm instead of the previous 1,600 rpm. The F-250 receives a TorqShift-G six-speed automatic while all other Super Duty trucks are paired with the 6R140 6-speed automatic.
Suspension Upgrades for The F250 and F350 Super Duty Trucks:
Even though the Ford Super Duty series of trucks are much heavier than the smaller half-ton, their suspension will squat under load. To stabilize the truck and keep it level, an SES kit to upgrade your suspension is the only thing you’ll need to keep your work truck level and stable. For regular use part # FR250SDJ for the F250 and part # FR350SDJ for the F350.
If you’re hauling a top-heavy truck camper or towing a heavy 5th wheel with either an F250 or F350, part # FRTT350J will eliminate squat and prevent roll and sway.
For more info on Timbren SES, please visit Timbren.com or check out what’s available in the SES store.
