This short article will address the problem of trying to use Timbren SES suspension upgrades on a lifted Ford F-150. Timbren SES kits are designed to work on trucks with a standard ride height. In other words, they don't work on lifted trucks. Read on to learn about Timbren spacer kits.
What are Timbren SES Spacer Kits?
Timbren SES kits are designed to work on vehicles with factory ride height, allowing for a 1 inch space between the Aeon® rubber spring and your vehicle’s suspension when unloaded. But if your truck has been lifted, the increased distance between frame and axle can impact the performance of a Timbren SES kit.
Fortunately, you can still enjoy a level, controlled towing experience with your lifted truck. Timbren SES spacer kits allow a Timbren SES kit to function properly with a lifted pickup truck.
How? Timbren SES spacer kits reduce the gap between the Aeon® rubber springs of an SES kit and the increased distance between your lifted pickup’s frame and rear axle — enabling your Timbren SES kit to perform properly.
Each spacer kit comes with two 1 inch and two ½ inch spacers, along with necessary hardware — so you can mix and match the spacers to achieve the desired ride height.
My F-150 is lifted and sags when I tow. Is that dangerous?
It's always dangerous when your F-150 sags too much while towing a heavy trailer. But it's even more dangerous when your lifted F-150 is doing the same thing. Why? Because adding more space between your axle and frame means you have even more room to sag.
So, here’s the thing: A lifted F-150 isn’t the most ideal setup for towing. When you modify the suspension, things like steering, braking, aerodynamics, and stability are suddenly altered. In some cases, your personal safety will be compromised. There are basically three reasons why any truck that has been lifted is less than ideal for towing:
First, the extra-height (the added space between frame & axle) of a lifted truck will make it difficult to keep the trailer stable. When you change the factory geometry of a standard suspension, you change a lot of things. One of them is the location of the hitch. If the tongue on the trailer doesn’t line up properly with the hitch on the truck, that’s a problem.
Second, if the rear of your lifted truck squats, the front end is going to sit higher than normal. If that happens, the front tires will lose their traction, creating a serious issue with steering. At the end of the day, a sagging rear suspension creates instability, hampered steering, and reduced traction – an accident just waiting to happen.
Third, if you regularly tow with a saggy rear end, the suspension components will wear out faster.
Would an SES suspension upgrade fix the sag on a lifted truck?
If you've ever installed a Timbren SES kit on your lifted truck to prevent suspension sag, then you’re familiar with the problem: SES kits are designed to work on trucks with a standard ride height. In other words, an SES suspension upgrade – by itself – won’t fix the problem on a lifted truck.
What else do I need if the SES kit won't fix it?
If you have a truck that has been modified with the addition of a lift kit, there is a solution! Timbren has created a product that will compensate for the extra space between axle and frame.
You don’t need to sacrifice towing and hauling performance just because your pickup sits a little higher than stock. A simple and easy-to-install Timbren spacer kit will compensate for the extra height.
Here’s how it works: Each Timbren SES spacer kit comes with two 1 inch and two 1/2 inch spacers along with all the necessary hardware to allow you to mix and match to achieve the desired ride height.
Whether you’ve got a leveling kit, body lift or full suspension lift, Timbren spacer kits allow you to make effective use of your Timbren SES kit while hauling or towing your gear.
To determine whether you need a spacer kit, measure between the frame and rear axle of the truck when empty. If the gap between frame and axle for your Ford F-150 is approximately 9.00” - 10.50” you will need to order a spacer kit.
Timbren SES spacer kits make it possible for an SES suspension kit on a lifted truck to provide the maximum suspension performance you have come to expect.
How is the Timbren solution for trailer sag and squat better than the others?
Rear squatting will cause instability, tire misalignment, and component wear such as damage to steering and braking. If your truck is squatting under the weight of a trailer, both driver and tow vehicle are in harm’s way. However, there is an easy fix that will level out your lifted vehicle for good.
Timbren SES suspension upgrades give you the biggest bang for your buck when it comes to keeping your Ford F-150 level and stable. Here are several reasons why Timbren makes the best suspension upgrades for the Ford F-150:
- Affordable
- Easy to install
- Absorbs road shock
- Levels out the trailer
- Stabilizes the trailer
- Stronger than steel
- More reliable than air
- Very low maintenance
- Prevents roll and sway
- Help maintain control
- No BS Lifetime Warranty
- 100-day Satisfaction Guarantee
Remember: when buying your Timbren SES suspension upgrades for your lifted F-150, your towing experience is only as good as its weakest link. So, after installing a Timbren SES suspension upgrade on your lifted F-150, remember that a Timbren Spacer kit will solve the problem of sag when you decide to hook up a trailer.
For more information on Timbren SES, visit Timbren.com
