XTF Stage 1 so many questions!!

[rthomas98]

First I really appreciate Dave and the team releasing a stripped down XTF with the stage 1 kit (just got the e-mail). However so many questions I have (Yoda moment)

- With the front suspension what is being added/replaced. Only mentions the A arms and tier rod ends. Is there new brakes? Is it a new drop knuckle like a lot of the lift kits use? Is the front subframe being changed or replaced? Any spacers being used on the top of the strut?
- With the new kit is Factory Five eliminating the crash bars that are in the fender well? Is there something being put in its place?
- In the rear it just mentions a long travel leaf sping. Is it using extended shackels to do this? or truely a longer more bent leaf spring?
- If I were to step up to the full XTF kit at a later date does any of these stage 1 components carry over in the suspension once the new chassis is installed? I know it says the body panels are the same as the main XTF.
- The truck in the gallery has upgraded bumpers are those included?

Just some of my initial questions. Hoping someone in the know chimes in (or others pile on thier questions).

But quite excited for this one as it is much more economical project to take on given the size of these trucks and the limited workspace I am working with. The MK4 was rough enough in my 2 car garage.

R.J.

[Bronco Mike]

I have all the same questions!

[Jeff Kleiner]

- The truck in the gallery has upgraded bumpers are those included?

With the XTF your choice of either tubular bumpers or street bumpers are included as part of the kit price.

Jeff

[David Hodgkins]

I'll be at SEMA tomorrow and will take tons of pics!

[rthomas98]

I'll be at SEMA tomorrow and will take tons of pics!

Excellent!! Lots of suspension pics please.

[Mad Dog]

- With the front suspension what is being added/replaced. Only mentions the A arms and tier rod ends. Is there new brakes? Is it a new drop knuckle like a lot of the lift kits use? Is the front subframe being changed or replaced? Any spacers being used on the top of the strut?

The Stage 1 front suspension comes with upper and lower control arms that allow for the extra travel as well as the extra width to fit the body. It also comes with tie rod extensions. extended brake lines, and longer CV axles. The Stage 1 re-uses the OEM/stock brakes, which means upgraded brake kits for the OEM truck will likely fit if you want to upgrade them. It reuses the spindle/knuckle, no changes to the sub-frame and no spacer on top of the strut. The lift comes from the Fox Shocks that are provided with the kit which are designed with multiple height settings.

- With the new kit is Factory Five eliminating the crash bars that are in the fender well? Is there something being put in its place?

Yes, as with most aftermarket suspension kits that accommodate 37" tires, those bars are removed. In the front, the tubular bumper is definitely stronger than the OEM bumper. This will aid in crash protection.

- In the rear it just mentions a long travel leaf spring. Is it using extended shackles to do this? or truly a longer more bent leaf spring?

The rear suspension uses an entirely new leaf spring, which yes has more arch as well as a multi-leaf pack which offers a more progressive and performance oriented spring rate that is more tuned for off-road use. The shocks in the back are also Fox Shocks that offer better dampening than OEM.

- If I were to step up to the full XTF kit at a later date does any of these stage 1 components carry over in the suspension once the new chassis is installed? I know it says the body panels are the same as the main XTF.

No, since the Stage 1 suspension components have to bolt to the OEM Ford frame, they will not fit in the full XTF chassis. You are correct that the body panels are all the same, so that will carry over as well as the tubular front bumper would just need different mounting brackets. The bumper itself is the same. The CV axles, tie rod extensions, and extended brake lines will also carry over. The tires you purchase for the Stage 1 kit will also be suitable for the complete XTF kit.

- The truck in the gallery has upgraded bumpers are those included?.

Yes, the Stage 1 XTF comes with tubular steel front bumper. The R&D team is working on confirming fitment of the fiberglass and carbon fiber street bumper as options.

If you have any other questions, you can contact us at 508-291-3443 or email [email protected] or [email protected].

[DadofThree]

I'm glad to see this this is already asked about. I've been away for years, and this Stage 1 definitely has me intrigued. (The original XTF also did, but this Stage 1 is more up my alley)

I'm glad to see a fully functioning bed, and the ability to keep the frame. The ability to keep the truck frame and add components to it just made it possible to create the project in the garage instead of needing the larger footprint and ceiling height of a shop.

I also like seeing a functional truck bed (which would help selling it to the wife). I've gone through the XTF instructions and am awaiting the Stage 1 instructions.

Dave

[Jim Frahm]

I know your association with Ford runs deep, however, is there any chance you’ll develop a Stage 1 kit for a GM truck?

[Mad Dog]

If sales for the XTF complete kit and stage 1 take off, and there's enough interest in a similar truck kit with other makes like GM, then yes, there's definitely a chance the R&D and engineering teams will look into other platforms for donors.

[narkosys]

Since we are using the OEM chassis, would it be possible to install the Stage 1 kit on a truck with the 6.5' bed?

I looked at the "What you get" section and really the only thing that is changed in the rear is the suspension components. (edit: just relooked and there are bed side fenders. may need to be modified)

[Mad Dog]

You are correct that the XTF fenders will not fit a 6.5' bed. They are designed to fit a 5.5' bed.

[narkosys]

Hence my edit that the fenders would need to be modified.

Never understood the fetish for the short bed. It's a truck, I want it to still be practical. And the proportions look off.