Lowering your Ford F-100 has become a popular subject recently. If you’re researching how to lower your Ford F-100 (1965-1979), or the one you have yet to find for sale, you have come to the right place. Ridetech is an industry favorite when it comes to lowered suspension kits for classic trucks, as they enhance both performance and improve ride quality. Our bolt-in F-100 Lowering Kits enhance handling performance and improve ride quality, and provide a sleek and aggressive stance, making them them an ideal choice for these applications.
Ridetech products are engineered to the highest standards of quality and performance. Each of our kits are manufactured in the USA at our Jasper, Indiana headquarters. Our F-100 lowering kits are meticulously designed and built to the vehicle, so you can experience the road like never before without causing any new problems.
Whether you are a weekend warrior or a seasoned automotive enthusiast, Ridetech delivers on quality, support, and performance. In the below sections you’ll find a comprehensive overview of our F-100 Lowering Kit, providing evidence as to why Ridetech should be your primary choice, and share the best approaches to lowering your Ford F-100.
Product Overview:
With its no-fabrication-necessary bolt-in design, rack-and-pinion steering conversion, and top-notch ride quality, this kit is ideal for F-100 truck owners looking to bring their classic truck’s suspension into the modern ‘restomod’ era. The Ridetech system achieves a sleek and aggressive stance and is designed for those who want to put their trucks to use on a fun backroad, pro-touring autocross, or simply turn heads at your local Cars and Coffee.
Built Exactly How You Want It
While some kits on the market offer basic adjustability, they often lack the precision found in our HQ series single adjustable monotube shocks. They feature 24-position rebound adjustment, giving drivers the ability to control how quickly the shock absorber rebounds after hitting bumps. A slower rebound improves road contact and grip, especially on uneven surfaces, ensuring a smoother ride and better control. Faster rebound settings are great for performance driving, allowing the truck to recover quicker from compression events or bumps.
Additionally, the bolt-in design requires no welding, making installation far easier than kits that require fabrication skills. This feature is ideal for DIY enthusiasts, simplifies the installation process, and saves both time and money while reducing risk of error during installation.
Another standout feature is the inclusion of a rack-and-pinion steering conversion, which delivers modern handling and responsiveness. This upgrade drastically improves steering precision over the original “twin i-beam” design, giving the driver a more responsive and direct feel when turning or maneuvering, which is especially useful for everyday driving or high-speed situations where control is crucial.
Lastly, while basic adjustability is common in many kits, our triple adjustable (TQ) shocks provide a far greater level of customization. For drivers, this means they can fine-tune not only the rebound but also the compression settings, allowing them to refine their suspension for a wide range of conditions—whether for comfort during long drives or superior handling during performance driving. This flexibility is perfect for those who demand the highest performance from their suspension system.
Out front, our design replaces the archaic and heavy I-beam suspension of a bygone era, vastly improving performance and ride quality. A strong yet lightweight tubular crossmember replaces those old components, reducing front end weight by over 130 pounds! These fundamental changes allow the integration of more proper, modern suspension geometry thanks to tubular upper and lower control arms that favor handling and provide a smooth, confidence inspiring, and controlled ride. The front drop lowers the vehicle approximately 4.5’’ in the front (based on recommended coil-over height). These components work together seamlessly to improve handling, reduce body roll, and enhance overall performance. An appropriately sized front sway bar rounds out the front of the kit, improving front end balance.
Coil-Over w/Pin Spindle
Traditional Pin or Late Model Hub spindle Options Available
ShockWAve W/Pin Spindle
While leaf springs are cost effective and economical for heavy loads (why new trucks still feature them today), they wear out over time, are not adjustable and favor load capacity over handling. We waved “Goodbye” to the old school leaf springs and bracketry in favor of a parallel four-link conversion and c-notch, achieving the desired 5.5’’drop in rear ride height. These upgrades improve handling and reduce the overall rear suspension weight by 50 pounds, ensuring the rear of your truck can keep up with the upgraded front end.
Lowering your F-100 truck has several benefits that make it a worthwhile investment. First off, let’s be honest. It simply looks awesome! There is just something about taking an old farm truck or a “Grandpa special” and turning it into a lower, more aggressive head turner. Secondly, it lowers the vehicle’s center of gravity while maintaining proper suspension geometry, improving vehicle handling and stability without compromising ride quality.
Installing the Ridetech F-100 Lowering Kit is a straightforward process that is best completed with a few friends and a lift or jackstands over a weekend. The kit comes with detailed instructions and all the necessary hardware, making it as hassle-free an experience as possible. If you’re not super mechanically inclined, we invite you to check out our website’s Dealer and Installer Locator and consult with a dealer local to your area to seamlessly transform your truck with a Ridetech F-100 kit.
When it comes to lowering your Ford F-100, the Ridetech Lowering Kit is the ultimate choice. Depending on your style, it is a complete air or coil-over suspension system, including everything needed to install the system. With its exceptional features, multiple benefits, and straightforward installation process, this kit will transform your truck into a high-performance machine. Get ready to turn heads and enjoy an exhilarating driving experience like never before!
Why Choose Ridetech:
Ridetech is the go-to brand for anyone seeking a top-quality lowering kit for their classic or late-model car or truck. With over 30 years of expertise, our products are built to last, and deliver exceptional durability and performance that you can rely on for years to come.
When it comes to suspension systems, Ridetech is a name you can trust. We have fine-tuned our knowledge and developed innovative solutions that elevate handling, comfort, and overall vehicle performance for decades. Our engineers and technicians are dedicated to crafting suspension systems that don’t just lower your truck—they transform how it feels and drives on the road. Our engineers use these products on their own personal vehicles too!
But don’t just take our word for it. Our F-100 customers rave about the Ridetech difference, with testimonials highlighting how our kits have not only improved their truck’s stance but have also transformed their driving experience. The combination of precision engineering and high-end materials sets us apart, ensuring that once you install a Ridetech kit, you’re set for years of worry-free driving.
While other lowering kits might offer cheaper, budget-friendly solutions, we believe that upgrading your pride and joy should be a one-and-done project. Our premium design ensures that you will not have to worry about redoing your suspension or dealing with subpar materials down the road. Ridetech’s complete suspension kits give you everything you need to restore and improve your F-100, providing the perfect stance and ride quality without any compromises.
Choosing the Right Lowering Kit: What You Need to Know for Lowering Your Ford F-100
- Desired Ride Height
How low do I want to go, and do I need the flexibility of adjusting my ride height for different situations?
Before lowering your Ford F-100, you need to determine how low you want your truck to sit. There are multiple ways to achieve this:
- Coil-Over System: Our static coil-over drop lowers the vehicle approximately five inches, with built-in adjustability for fine-tuning your ride height to suit your preferences. This option strikes a balance between performance and a lower stance.
- Air Ride System: If you are looking for a show-worthy drop or want the ability to lower your truck more dramatically, the air ride system is your best option. With our AirPod E5 air ride management system (sold separately), you can “air-out” your truck almost completely while parked and enjoy three preset ride heights while driving. Those presets are helpful when navigating any speed bumps that your vehicle may be too low to navigate without scraping.
- Our air system is capable of dropping the vehicle approximately 10’’ when fully aired out and parked
- 4.5’’ in front and 5.625’’ out back while sitting at ride height.
- Fully aired up will net a 3.25’’ drop in the front and 3.875’’ drop in the rear
- You can be confident no matter which way you decide to lower your F-100 because Ridetech uses Fox Factory shocks as standard. So whether you’re using coil-overs or our ShockWave air suspension, Fox Factory’s high impact forged aluminum monotube shock bodies offer superior performance to traditional twin-tube designs and will supply super handling.
2. Avoid Cutting Corners
Am I choosing parts that work together, and am I avoiding shortcuts that might affect performance or safety?
While it might be tempting to cut springs or mix products from different manufacturers, these shortcuts often result in poor handling and compromised performance. Here’s why:
- Cutting Springs: This method can cause poor suspension geometry, negatively affecting handling and ride comfort. It may also lead to uneven tire wear and difficulty aligning your truck.
- Blending Different Systems: Combining parts from different manufacturers can result in mismatched components, making it difficult to properly align your truck and fully optimize the vehicle’s suspension geometry.
3. Proper Suspension Geometry
Am I considering how lowering my Ford F-100 will impact suspension settings like camber, caster, and toe?
When lowering your Ford F-100, it is important to maintain the correct suspension geometry. This involves key factors such as:
- Camber: How the tires angle in or out, which affects tire contact with the road and wear patterns.
- Caster: The angle of the steering axis, which impacts straight-line stability and steering feel.
- Toe: The direction in which the tires point relative to the centerline of the vehicle, influencing the trucks willingness to turn.
Proper alignment of these settings ensures that your F100 performs optimally, delivering both the desired look and enhanced driving dynamics.
Why Ridetech Stands Out
Am I investing in a system designed and tested to work together for the best results?
At Ridetech, our lowering systems are designed as comprehensive solutions, ensuring all components work together seamlessly. This means:
- No Compromises on Handling: Our kits are built to maintain proper suspension geometry and alignment, ensuring improved handling and stability.
- Durability and Ease of Installation: The bolt-in design requires no welding, so you do not have to worry about complex modifications or compromising the integrity of the truck. Every part needed is included in the system.
- Customer Support: Our experts are available to walk you through the specifics of our F-100 system, ensuring it meets your needs. If you run into an issue or can’t find the answer to one of your questions, feel free to give us a call at 812.482.2932 or reach out to us via your preferred social media app. One of our qualified techs would be happy to help you out.
Achieving Perfect Stance and Performance
Am I looking for a balance between the aesthetics of a lowered stance and improved handling performance?
Once your Ridetech lowering kit is installed, you will have the ability to fine-tune your truck’s ride height, allowing you to strike the perfect balance between appearance and performance. Lowering your Ford F-100 reduces the center of gravity, improves cornering, and enhances overall drivability—all while giving your F-100 the aggressive stance it deserves.
Summary & Helpful Resources:
We hope this article has helped you better understand your options when it comes to upgrading your classic Ford F-100 pickup truck. Ridetech has gone the distance to ensure you have nothing but enjoyment out of bringing the handling of your truck into the modern era. We also filmed an installation video documenting each of the steps that our own project F-100 went through for your benefit so give it a watch through. Happy shopping!
Special thanks to the crew at KTL Restorations and Garrett Reed from American Muscle HD for their participation on this project.
