05-07 FORD F250/F350 2.5" PINTOP 2.5 SYSTEM, BASE, DIESEL

The Backcountry on steroids, take the description for the Backcountry and throw an exponent on it. This system is our most popular, all-around suspension system. For quite a while, this system dominated. While the Coilover and Coilover Bypass Systems existed, we continued to run the Pintop 2.5” and 4.5” lift systems on our personal trucks as there wasn’t much reason to upgrade a rig that wasn’t a dedicated off-road truck. The on-road ride is terrific, sharp edges are rounded and light to medium duty offroad escapades become completely controlled and uneventful. Most Carli videos were filmed with the Pintop kit showcasing the extremes of its capability.

The Pintop is a Jack-of-all-trades system from which every Super Duty owner would benefit. Raising the Super Duty Platform then adding the 2.5” diameter shocks (55% more piston surface area than a 2.0” shock) will support the argument that these trucks should come equipped with 2.5” shocks from the factory. The higher end systems will get you more off-road capability, yes, and even a bit more on-road. The premium paid for these systems, however, doesn’t compare to the on and off-road ride quality per dollar spent on the Pintop. For these reasons, it will likely remain our best seller for years to come.

The Pintop system boasts Carli specific, blueprinted, King 2.5” shocks on all four corners. In an effort to provide customers with the best product, we designed a custom piston to determine proper base flow rates to ensure the shock works well in the heavy duty truck platform; we then tuned the shocks around the custom pistons based on seat-of-the-pants feel. All King shocks have shafts machined and polished from a solid piece of 17-4 Stainless. Unlike King’s standard shafts, there is no coating to wear off, weather can’t hurt them, and if there is a small chip, you can round the edges with emery cloth to ensure the seal housing isn’t damaged as they’re not brittle like the stock, hardened shafts. Shocks are finished with King oil good to -55° F and are built with a plated steel body. We recommend wrapping shocks in 3M if subjected to extended inclement weather.

The truck will sit 2.5” higher in the front and have more wheel travel thanks to the lighter rate Carli Coil Springs. The included Adjustable Track Bar centers the front axle and Stainless Brake Lines firm up braking and ensure there is enough line for the newfound travel. Caster Shims are included to tighten the steering.

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 (maintains factory payload capacity and pairs with the factory 2” block). Since 2008, the F250 has a lighter rate spring pack than the F350. 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. For full capacity, aftermarket airbags should be used with the Full Progressive Leaf Springs to restore F350 payload while allowing suspension travel. The Full Progressive Leaf Spring Pack shifts the axle slightly forward for maximum tire clearance with 37” M/T at full compression.

If ordering this kit with an Add-a-Pack, Super Duties equipped with a 3-5/8″ tall block from the factory will require the factory 2″ tall Block to achieve a leveled stance. Part Number: 7C3Z-5598-L and 7C3Z-5598-K

Wheel and Tire: Factory wheels should not be run with oversized tires as they can rub the radius arm, sway bar, and brake lines. Factory tires and wheels work without issue. For 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” may require minor trimming). Tires: 37×12.5” will fit with trimming; 35” will likely fit without trimming. Larger tires improve small bump compliance at proper inflation pressures. The ride will firm up as wheel diameter increases. See our article on wheel and tire selection and tire pressures for details.