Being an old model and thanks to rising fuel prices, the previous-generation F-150 has really started to become affordable as of late. The low price of these trucks can allow you to buy into a great platform to build a killer prerunner, but you'll need to figure out whose kit you want to use to race-out your 2WD '97-'03 F-150.
H&M Motorsports' Extreme Performance long-travel kit is the only off-the-shelf suspension system to win a SNORE Class 1450 championship without a problem. Having been built and designed with racing in mind, the kit will prove to be more than you'll ever need for driving around town or to the desert on the weekends.
As if the basic suspension system was not impressive enough, there are a wide variety of optional accessories available for this system.
These tricked-out and featherlight waterjet- and laser-cut T6 aluminum upper A-arms are available polished. Besides decreasing the weight of the system, they look good too. | 
Additional options of the Extreme Performance long-travel kit include 2-1/2-inch hydraulic bumpstops by either King or Fox. Stainless braided-steel brake lines are also offered in extended lengths for maximum suspension flex and fewer headaches. Keeping things in alignment and from being overextended, limiting straps are offered and bolt directly to predesignated locations on the shock-mounting bracketry and lower A-arm. Best of all, they feature adjustable mounting hardware. | 
Hub upgrades are also available with the system. In this photo, a set of Desert Specialties race hubs were installed. ProAm hubs are also offered as an option. By replacing the OE hubs, not only are brake-system upgrades easily achieved, but the wear on the other suspension components is decreased substantially. |
H&M Motorsports' Extreme Performance long-travel suspension system provides a full 16 inches of front-wheel travel and is built for '97-'03 Ford F-150 2WD trucks. Included in the base system are new 4130 chrome-moly upper A-arms, 4130 chrome-moly boxed lower A-arms, a set of custom 4130 chrome-moly raised spindles, and a pair of aluminum tie-rod ends. Shocks are offered as options based upon the owner's requirements regarding brand and valving. | 
The pair of custom-fabricated 3/16-inch 4130 chrome-moly spindles have been waterjet- and laser-cut to produce a race-grade component. The 3/16-inch plate material is welded to a 1-inch 4130 chrome-moly baseplate for uncompromising durability. | 
The lower control arm is box-constructed from 1/8-inch 4130 chrome-moly steel plate and provides an additional 5 inches of track width on each side of the truck. Making the system a true bolt-on, the upper and lower A-arms install in the factory locations. The shocks (sold separately) available for the system consist of one 10x2-1/2-inch coilover unit and one 10x2-1/2-inch bypass unit made by either King or Fox. The components are available in your choice of three finishes: black powdercoat, silver powdercoat, or a raw metal race finish (shown), which makes inspecting the various components for cracks and other race-related signs of wear much easier, as there are no finishes to obscure the signs of fatigue. |
Attached to the spindles are 7/8-inch T6 aluminum tie rods via 1-inch FK rod ends that have a Teflon liner inside of them. All rod ends within the system contain custom-milled stainless steel inserts for the most solid mounting and pivot points available. | 
The upper A-arm is fabricated from the same 4130 chrome-moly plate steel as the lower control arm. The attachment hardware included in the kit is rated at Grade 9 for the ultimate in strength and durability. The upper control A-arms feature 3/4-inch FK rod ends with Teflon inserts. The optional aluminum A-arms are shown. | 
A side-by-side comparison of an OE spindle snout and the one included in the H&M system is night and day. Although the OE unit features a 1-5/8-inch snout, the H&M system features a 2-inch ProAm snout to ensure that whatever wheel-and-tire package that's installed stays installed. |
No, your eyes aren't playing tricks on you. The suspension system really does flex and perform well enough for high-altitude excursions across the sand dunes on any given day. Best of all, the landings are as smooth as the takeoffs. | | |