Pro Comp Suspension Adds 6-inches to the 2009 F-150

The Pro Comp kit requires the use of 20-inch or larger diameter wheels, due to the geometry of the new, taller front knuckles. The wheels are 20-inch, model 6088 Pro Comp Extreme Alloy, cast and chromed wheels. For tires, Pro Comp 35x12.50R20LT Xtreme A/Ts were selected.

The new 2009 Ford F-150 is a great looking truck, but buying one will still mean being just one of the crowd. The answer to standing out, is to stand up above the masses and be seen. Pro Comp offers new Ford F150 4x4 owners the perfect kit to raise their trucks and a few eyebrows too.
The new kit provides more than just 6-inches of lift. It has been engineered to meet the demands of savvy truck enthusiasts and laymen alike. With the kit in place, the suspension has only about 5/8ths of an inch of toe angle variation throughout the entire range of suspension travel. This means better handling and steering responsiveness as well as reduced tire wear. No spacers are required for the front driveshaft or half shafts as the kit keeps the angles within acceptable specs. In addition, this kit moves the front suspension forward about 1/2-inch to provide more tire clearance at the rear of the front wheel openings.

The stage II kit, pictured here, includes MX2.75C front coil over shocks and MX6 adjustable mono-tube rear shocks.

In addition, the front pinion is also rotated up slightly to improve joint life.
Kits are available in two versions, Stage I, and Stage II. The main difference is that Stage I kits reuse the front strut via a top strut spacer. In addition, the rear shocks are tried and true ES9000 non-adjustable units. For Stage II kits the front struts are replaced with Pro Comp MX2.75C front coil over shocks. These look cool and perform great on and off the pavement. At the rear, MX6 adjustable mono-tube rear shocks are used for the Stage II kits. Both kits come with new front knuckles, front suspension brackets and rear blocks.
Because of the new taller front knuckles, 20-inch or larger wheels are required. This shouldn't be a concern, as many manufacturers have increased their offerings in large diameter tires and wheels in the last few years.

The '09 Ford kit features drop down brackets for the front differential and relocation of the front A-arms. A front differential skid plate is standard and an additional full front suspension skid, not seen, is optional.

Having driven the truck seen here, this author can tell you truthfully that the kit rides smoothly on the pavement, handles well in turns and isn't harsh when driven on the dirt, at a reasonable speed. Take a look at some of the highlights of this kit installation. Some cutting is required, but experienced D.I.Y. types can reasonably tackle this installation at home. However, you will require more than just the Craftsman 128 piece tool kit. 

Note: Similar kits are also available for the 2009 Ford F150 2x4 trucks.

 

 

To raise the truck, the front suspension is lowered and as such the front anti-sway bar must be lowered too. Simple brackets and longer end links make this quick and easy.	Stage II kits come standard with Pro Comp MX2.75C front coil over shocks. These replace the factory struts and provide optimum performance both on and off the pavement.

Both the Stage I and II kits come with new, taller front knuckles. Here you can see a comparison between the new Pro Comp knuckle, in place, and the factory unit. These Heavy Duty knuckles are super strong and install easily.

At the rear simple blocks are used to raise the rear of the truck. The new blocks are not only taller than stock, but also features an integrated bump stop to maintain the factory bump stop limits. This system allows the stock springs to be retained, maintaining the factory ride. You'll notice the stock block resting on the axle; this is for comparison only. The new blocks level the ride height, but shims are available to bring back the factory rear high rake, if desired.

At the rear, Stage II kits get MX6, 6-position adjustable mono-tube shocks. Stage I kits come with ES9000 shocks, seen here for comparison.	The MX6, 6-position adjustable mono-tube shocks come with an adjusting key to make changing settings quick and easy. However, the key is not required as the knobs can be turned by hand. The key is just easier, especially in cold weather, with gloves on.