Ford F-150 has been the most popular truck in America for the past 47 years, and its rear suspension has gone through various designs. Majority of these trucks are used for work, where a simple and durable suspension is sufficient. Although many are sold as personal vehicles, the reality is that the ride can suffer, especially for those using it largely for daily commuting.
While the front suspension remains the same across the different versions, the rear suspension differs significantly. The base model uses a leaf spring suspension, which has been the common design for over a century. This design, known as the Hotchkiss suspension, is cost-effective but has its drawbacks, including wind-up under braking and acceleration, and twist during roll.
On the other hand, the Ford F-150 Raptor, designed for off-roading, features a five-link suspension with coil springs, eliminating the limitations of the leaf spring system. This upgrade required significant changes to the frame and brackets, but it has improved the Raptor’s off-road capability and performance.
One of the most unique rear suspensions can be found in the F-150 Lightning, an all-electric truck. The Lightning requires an independent suspension to accommodate its electric powertrain and large battery pack. This design change not only required new brackets and cross members but also led to a lower frame rail, resulting in a more efficient crash structure in the event of a rear-end collision.
In the end, the Ford F-150 offers three very different rear suspension designs, each tailored for specific purposes. The ability to accommodate such diverse architectures within one truck platform provides consumers with options that best fit their needs and preferences.