2017 Super Duty | Carli Pintop 2.5″ Build
Ford is no stranger to pushing the envelope for full-size trucks, with their Super Duty long running as a favorite platform among the aftermarket. Fresh in off a thorough makeover for 2017, the latest edition of the Super Duty has already been embraced by the aftermarket and affectionately dubbed the ‘Alumni-Duty’ thanks to its cutting-edge, weight-saving aluminum body. Our customer recently upgraded from a first generation Raptor to a Platinum Edition Super Duty, and while the FX4 off-road package might include a decent set of skid plates, the white rocket shocks that are spec’d are really only a cosmetic upgrade at best. Since we’re dealing with a truck of such high caliber, only the best solution for suspension will do, and the natural choice was Carli.
Carli is known for being the industry benchmark in making late model Ford and Dodge heavy duty trucks fly over rough desert and dominating off-road drives with great ease. They have an impressive knack for over-engineering products and putting in the seat time required to fully dial in ride quality for the desired purpose, taking a complete approach to designing their systems. From their street-oriented Commuter systems to the dual purpose Pintop 2.5″ kits, or their ‘full gonzo’ Dominator and UnChained kits, rest assured every detail is obsessed over to ensure perfection. Our customer was looking for the best of both worlds as this truck is still his daily driver and family hauler, but will serve fun duty on the weekends as well. We settled on a 2.5″ Pintop leveling system and opted for the full boat of options including the fabricated radius arms and a full Deaver rear spring pack. A set of Raceline Clutch wheels in 20″ x 10″, and Toyo MT’s in 37×13.50 rounded out the transformation.
Radius arm style front suspension has been around since Ford introduced the Model T, and what currently rides under the Super Duty is simply the modern evolution of it. Carli has elevated this simple design to a true art form with their full fabricated radius arms. Made of laser cut and bent, cold rolled steel, no expense has been spared and no shortcuts taken. They utilize an internal X-brace down the length of the arm for increased rigidity, are notched for larger tire clearance at full lock, have been caster corrected for lift, and incorporate a durable Johnny Joint at the frame side pivot; this translates to the driver as a tighter road feel but with less restriction in overall wheel travel and articulation. Each pair represents a day in the life of one of their skilled welders and is a true work of functional art.
One of the most critical components on the front end of a solid axle truck is the track bar (or panhard bar). This bar serves as the lateral (side to side) link in a radius arm or 5 link (Dodge) style suspension. It keeps the axle centered under the truck and is what holds the body in place when the steering wheel is turned. Factory track bars usually have no adjustment and use rubber joints, which deflect, causing wandering and a generally more vague steering feel. Carli manufactures a great solution with their freshly designed track bar for the 17+ Super Duty’s. It features a MASSIVE 1″ rod end at the axle side, an encapsulated uniball at the frame side, and tubular steel . It is adjustable to accommodate up to 4.5″ of lift and removes virtually all of the side to side deflection in the steering system. The result is a significantly tighter steering feel, less wander, and greatly improved handling especially in side to side transitions.
No discussion about Carli would be complete without covering their unique shock packages. Working closely with premium shock manufacturers, like King, they have developed exclusive shocks which feature custom pistons, Barstow Main proven valving, and upgraded stainless steel shock shafts. Every trick in the book is pulled out to make sure these shocks deliver the damping forces needed, and fit the most available wheel travel possible into each application. We’re confident our customer will get years of smiles and service out of this build, and have no problem keeping up with his friends toys in the desert either!
