The Backcountry on steroids — meet the Carli Pintop Suspension System.
This is Carli’s most popular all-around suspension upgrade. The on-road ride is phenomenal—sharp edges are smoothed out, and light to moderate off-road driving becomes controlled and uneventful. In fact, most Carli videos feature the Pintop kit demonstrating its full range of capabilities.
Jack-of-All-Trades Performance
Designed for the Ford Super Duty platform, the Pintop system delivers a dramatic improvement in ride quality and control. Featuring 2.5” diameter shocks—which provide 55% more piston surface area than standard 2.0” shocks—this kit redefines what your Super Duty can handle, both on- and off-road.
While higher-end Carli systems do offer more off-road performance, the value per dollar offered by the Pintop is unmatched. It’s the perfect upgrade for daily drivers, weekend warriors, and heavy-duty users alike.
Carli-Specific King 2.5” Shocks
- Custom pistons designed for proper flow and tuning for heavy-duty trucks
- Seat-of-the-pants tuning approach for real-world ride quality
- 17-4 stainless steel shafts—machined, polished, and corrosion-proof
- Filled with King shock oil rated to -55°F for cold climate performance
- Plated steel shock bodies—recommended 3M wrap for added weather resistance
Front Suspension Upgrades
- Raises front ride height by 3.5” with lighter rate Carli Coil Springs
- Adjustable Track Bar for axle centering
- Stainless Brake Lines for improved braking and travel clearance
- Radius Arm Drop Brackets & 1° Caster Shims for corrected geometry
- High-Clearance Bump Stop Drop for spring clearance
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Sway Bar Options:
- Sway Bar Drop Bracket (budget-friendly)
- Extended Sway Bar Links with relocation brackets (robust option)
- Optional Torsion Sway Bar upgrade for max compliance and articulation
Rear Suspension Options
Choose between:
- Full Progressive Leaf Spring Pack – Best ride quality, lowers rear capacity to light ¾-ton, shifts axle forward for 37" tire clearance.
- Progressive Add-a-Pack – Retains factory payload, removes factory block. Recommended only for F250s with stock rear springs.
Important Notes: F250s with the Tremor or high-capacity tow package have F350 rear springs and should not use Add-a-Pack. F350s with stock springs remain stiff with the Add-a-Pack—Full Spring Pack is highly recommended.
If maintaining full payload capacity is important, consider aftermarket airbags designed to disengage during suspension cycling.
Stance & Rear Ride Height
Without any rear option, an F250 will sit slightly rear-low. If not purchasing a Carli rear upgrade, a 2017–2019 Ford 3" rear block may be used to achieve a level stance, though rear ride quality will not be optimal.
Factory Block Part Numbers: HC3Z-5598-A, HC3Z-5598-B
Wheel & Tire Fitment
- Factory wheels with oversized tires are NOT recommended – they may rub the radius arms, sway bar, or brake lines
- Factory wheels & tires are compatible without issue
- Recommended: 17–18” wheels, max 9” wide
- Backspacing:
- 5.5” with Carli Radius Arms
- 5.0” with factory arms (may require additional trimming)
- 37x12.5” tires fit with trimming; 35” tires likely fit without trimming
- Smaller wheels with more sidewall = better small bump compliance
Summary
The Carli Pintop Suspension System is the ultimate all-around upgrade for Ford Super Duty owners seeking unbeatable ride quality, suspension travel, and everyday drivability. With premium Carli-tuned King 2.5” shocks, front and rear system enhancements, and unmatched quality throughout, this kit stands as the benchmark for performance suspension.
