The 2015 to 2020 Ford F-150 is one of the most modified trucks on the road today. Installing a lowering kit on your Ford F-150 can completely transform its look and handling. If you're aiming for a sleek, lowered stance while maintaining a smooth ride, the DJM Ford F-150 lowering kit install is exactly what you need.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of installing the 3-inch front, 5-inch rear lowering kit for your F-150. By the end of this post, you’ll be ready to perform the install yourself.
Let’s first look at what a lowering kit installation changes on your truck.
What a 3/5 Drop Changes on a 2015–2020 F-150?
A 3/5 drop lowers the front by about three inches and the rear by about five inches. This typically involves installing new front lower control arms, rear flip components, shorter rear shackles, revised bump stops, fresh hardware, and rear shocks designed for the new ride height. The front keeps the factory strut assembly, but the mounting method is changed at the lower end.
This combination gives your F-150 a level, aggressive stance while maintaining clean body lines, whether you’re running stock-style or larger diameter wheels. Many street truck owners love this drop because it reduces fender gap without requiring a full frame modification.
The DJM 3/5 drop Ford F-150 lowering kit offers the following benefits:
1. Better Stance and Wheel fitment
Lowering your F-150 helps create a more aggressive stance, eliminating the large gap between the tire and the fender. This also allows for improved wheel fitment, ensuring that larger wheels fit without rubbing.
2. Lower Center of Gravity Feel
A 3/5 drop lowers your truck's center of gravity, which helps boost stability and cornering performance. You'll notice reduced body roll, especially when navigating curves or making sharp turns.
3. Reduced Factory Rake
The factory F-150 comes with a noticeable front-to-back rake, where the rear is higher than the front. A 3/5 drop helps level out the truck, giving it a more balanced, uniform look.
4. Improved Visual Balance
The 3/5 drop creates a more proportionate stance, particularly for regular and crew cab trucks. It enhances the truck's visual appeal by aligning the body and wheel well more evenly, making it look lower and more aggressive.
5. Stronger Street-Truck Appearance
This lowering kit gives your F-150 a tough, street-ready look without needing extreme modifications to the chassis. It delivers a bold, stylish stance without compromising the truck's overall functionality or ride quality.
What You’ll Need for This Ford F-150 Lowering Kit Install
Before we jump into the step-by-step guide, here’s a quick rundown of the essential tools and components:
- DJM 3/5 Lowering Kit for F-150
- Jack stands
- A floor jack
- Wrenches and socket set
- Torque wrench
- Sway bar link removal tool
- Bump stop tools and hardware
- Replacement shackles for the rear
You’ll also want to have safety gear like gloves and eye protection while working. A tape measure is also needed in the rear to center the axle before final tightening.
Step-by-Step Guide to the DJM 3/5 Lowering Kit Install
This step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire process, from preparing your truck to installing the front and rear suspension components. Whether you're looking to reduce that fender gap or improve your truck's cornering ability, this kit provides a perfect balance of style and performance without compromising ride quality. Follow these steps to get your F-150 sitting just right.
Step 1: Prepare the Truck
Start by lifting the truck with a floor jack, then secure it with jack stands to make sure it's stable and ready for the lowering kit install. Once the truck is elevated, remove the wheels to get full access to the suspension components. This will allow you to easily work on the lowering kit install without any interference from the wheels.
Step 2: Front Suspension: Lower Control Arms
During this stage of the Ford F-150 lowering kit install, the first task is to remove the tie rod end using an impact wrench to take off the nut. A few taps with a hammer will help loosen it if necessary. Next, disconnect the sway bar by removing the sway bar link, giving you the freedom to move the lower control arm.
After that, remove the strut assembly by loosening the bolts securing it to the lower control arm and take it out. With the strut out of the way, replace the factory-fit control arm with the DJM lowering control arm.
This part lowers the front of your truck by adjusting the position of the strut assembly. DJM provides replacement bushings to make the process smoother.
Now, reinstall your struts, making sure they are properly seated, and torque them down to the specified settings. Finally, reassemble the tie rod end and sway bar link to the new control arm to complete the front suspension modification.
Step 3: Rear Suspension: Install Rear Flip Kit
For the rear, begin by lifting the rear axle with a jack to slightly relieve tension from the suspension. Next, remove the rear shackles, which are shorter than the stock ones, to provide the lower rear stance.
Replace them with the new shackles. Then, install the rear flip kit by flipping the rear axle to sit on top of the leaf springs, providing that 5-inch drop. Be sure to center the rear axle before securing it.
Now, install the U-bolts from DJM to secure the axle to the leaf springs, tightening them according to the torque specifications. Finally, install the bump stops, as the factory bump stops are too tall for the lowered setup. Replace them with the new bump stops included in the Ford F-150 lowering kit.
Step 4: Reinstall the Shocks
Install the rear shocks, which are specifically designed for this lowering kit. Insert the metal sleeve that comes with the shocks and mount them securely to both the axle and the truck frame. Once everything is in place, torque all bolts and nuts to the specified settings from the DJM manual to make sure the lowering kit installation is solid and secure.
Step 5: Final Checks and Testing
Before lowering your truck back to the ground, check the alignment of the rear axle. With the rear end and front suspension adjusted, take a moment to confirm that everything is properly centered. This will help maintain the right geometry for smooth handling.
Next, you'll need to check the pinion angle. Use the adjustment bolts provided to fine-tune the rear end’s pinion angle, as this can significantly impact the truck’s drivability and minimize potential drivetrain wear.
Lastly, double-check that all bolts and nuts are tight before lowering the truck. This final safety check after the lowering kit install will help prevent any issues down the road. Once everything is tight, lower the truck from the jack stands and replace the wheels.
After it’s back on the ground, take the truck for a test drive to make sure everything feels solid and secure. If it feels like your F150 needs adjustment, make it immediately.
Complete Your Ford F-150 Lowering Kit Install the Right Way
Once you finish your Ford F-150 lowering kit install, the final result comes down to the details. If you want the right stance, solid ride quality, and dependable performance, taking your time with your lowering kit install really pays off.
DJM Suspension is a trusted name for quality truck suspension parts, especially if you want a cleaner drop without giving up everyday drivability. Their kits are built for fit, function, and the kind of lowered look F-150 owners want.
Ready to upgrade your truck? Check out lowering blocks from DJM Suspension and find the right kit for your Ford F-150 today.
