Carli Spec 2.5/3.5" 2017+ Ford Super Duty Backcountry System
2017+ Ford SuperDuty Backcountry System
Utilizing Carli SPEC 2.0″ Diameter, Remote Reservoir shocks, we’ve developed a tune that delivers all around comfort and ride quality designed for on-road, in town, highway, towing/hauling as well as slow to mid speed off road use. The remote reservoir Carli SPEC 2.0 boasts 6063 Aluminum construction, anodized body for corrosion resistance, 5/8″ hardened steel chrome plated shaft, full serviceability & rebuildability and are built with 1-piece bushings in the 6061 billet rod-ends. These shocks are spec’d with a premium 5WT oil to balance lubricity, consistent damping and the widest available range in temperature variation. We back these with a 1-year warranty, serviced by Carli. More details on these shocks can be found HERE.
The Super Duty Backcountry 2.0 system is designed for people seeking the best ride on and off-road quality on a budget; basically, the Commuter for those that want to have a little dirt-road fun in their 8,500lb truck without losing the on-road ride quality or usability for which the truck was designed. You’re no longer limited to the highway while gravel roads become uninteresting as you can drive them at speed with one hand on the wheel.
The truck will sit 2.5” higher in the front and have more wheel travel thanks to the lighter rate Carli Coil Springs. The Adjustable Track Bar centers the front axle and Stainless Brake Lines firm up braking and ensure there is enough line for the newfound travel. To round off the front end, we include Caster Shims to tighten the steering and a fabricated, High-Clearance Bump Stop Drop to keep the springs clear from the contacting the factory bump stop. The front Sway Bar Geometry will need to be addressed with your choice of a Sway Bar Drop Bracket (more economical, maintains the factory Sway Bar End Links) or our Extended Sway Bar links – a FAR more robust option. The replacement End Links are the only option compatible with a plow bracket.
The rear can be outfitted with a replacement Full Progressive Spring Pack (reduces capacity to a “light” ¾-ton) or factory leaf-pack modifying Progressive Add-a-Pack (eliminates the factory block and maintains payload capacity; pairs with a rear bump stop drop). This is where the F250 and F350 are a bit different. Since 2008, the main spring packs on these two trucks is different; the F250 has a lighter rate spring pack than its 350 counterpart. The F250 Add-a-Pack equipped systems are a nice improvement over stock; the F350 with the Add-a-Pack is still very stiff in the rear as the main pack doesn’t move much unless loaded. We recommend the Full Replacement Leaf Spring packs for both trucks but especially the F350 given the super-stiff factory springs. If capacity is a concern, an aftermarket airbag system should be installed to complement the Full Progressive Leaf Springs to restore the F350 capacity. We recommend a system that will allow the airbags to disconnect from the lower mount during suspension cycling to ensure you’re able to take advantage of all your rear suspension travel. The Full Progressive Leaf Spring Pack will shift the axle slightly forward in the wheel well to ensure maximum tire clearance for a 37” M/T at full compression.
Wheel and Tire: Factory Wheels SHOULD NOT be run with oversized tires. They’re known to rub the radius arm, sway bar and most concerning – Brake Lines. Factory tires and factory wheels will work without issue but we DO NOT recommend running oversized tires on factory wheels. On our 2.5” Ford Systems, we recommend 17”-18” wheels, no more than 9” wide with 5.5” of backspacing with Carli Fabricated Radius Arms or 5” Backspace with factory arms; 5” will require a bit more trimming. Tires, 37×12.5” will fit with some trimming; 35” will likely fit without trimming. The more rubber, the better the small bump compliance will be at proper inflation pressures. The ride will firm up as you go larger in wheel diameter. For more details, see our article on wheel and tire selection and tire pressures:
Base Kit Includes:
- CS-FLC-05 - 2.5" Lift, Linear Rate Ford Leveling Coils
- CS-FLVLSPKG-CS20RR-A - Carli Spec Custom Tuned 2.0" Remote Reservoir Shocks, Front and Rear
- CS-FORDBBL-17-F - Extended Front Braided Brake Lines
- CS-FCASTERSHIM-2.5 - Caster Correction Shim
- CS-FBDF-2.5-17 - High-Clearance Front Bump Stop Drops
- CS-FPRB-LVL-17 - Ford Adjustable Track Bar
Lift Height Note:
2020 Super Duties were lowered 1” from the factory when comparing to the 2017-19. Further, the Tremor Package is a factory 2” lift on the 20-22 platform putting them 1” taller than the 17-19. As these all START at different heights yet utilize the same lifts, the stated lift height is different. They’ll all end up measuring the same with the lift installed!
Fitment Guide:
- 2.5" Lift - 2017-19 F250/350 4x4 Diesel, Base Kit
- 3.5" Lift - 2020+ F250/350 4x4 Diesel, Base Kit
- 2.0" - 2.5" Lift - 2017-19: F250/F350 4×4 Gas
- 3.0" Lift - 2020+ F250/350 4x4 Gas
Base Kit Part Number
- Old PN: CS-FLVL-BC20-17
- New PN: CS-FLVL-BC20-CS-17
Recommended Rear Lift Options
The Backcountry System has been optimized for use with the Full Progressive Leaf Springs. This system is also compatible with the Progressive Add-a-Packs but there will be a notable ride quality difference on and off-road. Selecting "NO Rear Leaf Spring Selection" will result in an unknown ride quality and height result as all Carli Systems are optimized to either the Add-a-Pack or Progressive Leaf Springs.
- CS-FPAP-17 - Progressive Add-a-Pack & Bump Drop
- Built in the U.S.A. By Deaver Leaf Spring
- Smooth progressive design
- Supplied with U-bolts and hardware
- Provides 1/2" of lift over stock when factory block is removed.
- The O.E.M. load capacity is still maintained while improved ride is achieved
- OR
- CS-FFSP-LVL-17 - Full Progressive Leaf Spring Pack
- Block eliminating, Full Progressive Spring Pack
- Includes new U-Bolts and Rear Bump Stop Drops
- Provides a 1", rear high stance on Matching 2.5" Leveling Suspension Systems
- 35" Tire Fitment
