Fox Suspension feedback

Hello,

I'm considering upgrading the suspension on my 2018 SR5 TRD Off-Road pkg and would really like to level the front 2 inches for some light to medium offroading (no rock crawling) here in CO , so I'm thinking of getting the Fox 2.5 Factory Series Coilover. I dont think I'll need the Fox 2.5 Factory Series Coilover w/ Reservoir, but I have a couple of questions I need some help with...

I'm thinking of buying the parts through my shop as they have virtually the same pricing as online...just wanted to give you a links to show everyone which ones I'm talking about:

https://www.realtruck.com/fox-25-factory-series-coilover-shocks/R184035P2018Y610MA.html

https://www.realtruck.com/fox-25-factory-series-coilover-reservoir-shocks/R186186P2018Y610MA.html

1) I noticed that the Fox 2.5 Factory Series Coilover (non reservoir) doesn't have any recommendation to upgrade the upper control arm...maybe I'm mistaken on this. I did notice that the Fox 2.5 Factory Series Coilover w/ Reservoir does require the new upper control arms. I'm a little confused here as the coil sizes are the same 2.5 inches, so do I need an upper control arm for the non reservoir?

2) If I get the upper control arms it adds another $800 or so (parts, labor, taxes), but if I don't get the new upper control arm with the 2.5 non- res am I at risk of screwing up / over stressing the existing upper control arms? I'm trying to avoid spending another $1k, but at the same time I'm trying to do this the right way and I'm by no means an expert at this kind of stuff.

3) Dealership told me the be VERY CAREFUL when doing my own suspension as it screws up the trucks front safety sensors and that doing anything around 2inches or more severely jeopardizes the system...and that when dealers lift trucks in house they require the person purchasing the vehicle to waive the sensor liability since they tinkered with the calibration. I have yet to hear this feedback anywhere and have seen plenty of you all here lift your 2018s 2-3 inches without any problems. am I in the clear with at 2 inch lift in regards to the sensors? I dont trust that dude at the dealership.

 

I’m no pro, but 2 inches of lift.. I’ve never heard anyone say that they have had a sensor issue... going to fox CO’s, I’m sure you can use about any aftermarket UCA.

 

Hey Sean. I have heard several complaints about problems with the "safety sense" and lifted trucks.
At 2" you don't really need UCAs one reason you need them for the Resis might be that you need more room for the hose to clear.
Don't trust that dude at the dealership

 

sorry for the ignorance here. you mean 2" lift right? not 2" coil...cause the Fox 2.5 means that the coil size is 2.5" but the lift is 2"... correct me if I'm wrong as I'm new to all this stuff

 

If I remember correctly, the reason they tell you the Resi shocks need aftermarket UCA’s is due to them being extended travel, so new control arms help you utilize the extra travel. Not real familiar with Fox suspension, paging @xtyfighterx

 

2.5" means the shock body OD is 2.5" in diameter. Nothing to do with the coil size.

 

I just put my lift on my 2018, it added 2" in the front, no lift in the rear. No issues with safety sense, I was careful with the sensor wires that run along the UCAs, took the brackets off so not to stretch the wires or stress them. King OEM resi's don't require new UCAs unless you have them set the shocks up as extended travel, then you need new UCAs to accommodate the extra travel. Not sure if Fox is similar in that regard.

 

Yeah, 2" of lift. @zcarpenter92 mentioned extended length C/Os. Not sure but I think you can order either OEM or extended in the 2.5?

 

I think that’s with every company. I’ve heard a lot of issues with all brands..
I think Joon just had an issue with his Icon 3.0 bustin ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I think every brand that’s been mentioned is around for a reason.. they’re all great products. But sometimes you’re goijg to have a defective product.. what separates the companies is the customer service you receive when a problem does occur.. how they take care of the issue or leave you hanging..

 

Have been running FOX for 6years on previous builds and have been very happy. If an issue popped up they would take care of it. Having experiences with Billstein, KING, Icon, and FOX (including breaking multiple billstein) I definitely prefer FOX for ride and build quality.

The reason you're seeing one option require an Upper Control Arm is because thats the Extended Travel model. With the Extended Travel you get a little bit more droop than factory and this causes the OEM UCA to contact the coilover.

Here are some part numbers that you can use to make sure you're getting the right shock

IFP (no external reservoir)
2.5 Factory Series Coil-Over IFP - (0-2" Lift) - 883-02-021

Remote Reservoir
2.5 Factory Series Coil-Over Reservoir - (0-2" Lift) - 880-02-367
2.5 Factory Series Extended Travel Coil-Over Reservoir (Requires Upper Control Arm) - (0-3" Lift) - 880-02-947

DSC Reservoir (Allows High and Low Speed compression adjustment)
2.5 Factory Series Coil-Over Reservoir - DSC Adjuster - (0-2" Lift) - 880-06-367
2.5 Factory Series Extended Travel Coil-Over Reservoir - DSC Adjuster (Requires Upper Control Arm) - (0-3" Lift) - 880-06-947

 

I’m running stock control arms with the extended travel resi 2.5 shocks no problem. About 3in up front I’d say. The aftermarket UCA will let your shocks perform to the fullest but if you aren’t jumping it and stuff or doing. Crazy rocky tons of flexing terrain skip out on them unless you can’t align it then that’s different. You will be fine on stock arms

 

May I suggest that you watch this video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MsKf1lIYI0&t=2837s

I think in the end, you should buy a setup that the shop will spec the shocks to your spring rate, use of your truck, and leaf spring setup (if buying rear shocks). Plus you may get a better price buying UCA's at a different place than Fox. They don't have to be Fox UCA's. As you said, do it right the first time.