Carli Pathfinder Build for 2026 F250 Tremor

[MidcenturySchizoidMan]

Hi everyone. Thank you for allowing me to participate in these forums. I look forward to posting and commenting here. I plan to post more pics of my new truck but first I wanted to ask some questions as I'm about to put down a deposit for a full Carli Pathfinder build (was hoping to pay it today), and I wanted to sanity check my plans before I do so.

I just bought (about two months ago) a 2026 F250 Platinum Tremor High Output 6.7 (in Avalanche) with pro-power and some other lesser goodies likes upfitter switches. I started with some upgrades right away, I got the Air Lift 7500XL w Wireless Air and onboard compressor. I also got the Wolfbox rearview mirror / camera system, some Baja Designs lights (A-Pillar and rear), and the Banks iDash (the Banks Pedal Monster is going in next week). I just received a Hornblasters air horn to install, a Starlink mount and some cool US flag embossed mud flaps so installing those this week.

Now to the question. I am looking to get a Carli kit to smooth out the ride. My complaints about the stock F250 Tremor is that it is bumpy, has loose steering and sways a little on the road. I also have a 2024 F150 Platinum Hybrid (also Avalanche) which I'm giving to a family member but I will drive it occasionally as well since it is staying within the family. But coming from the F150 to the F250 I find the ride very jarring (but fun!) and would like to try to get it to drive "closer" to the F150 in terms of road (bump) handling and steering.

I drive mostly unloaded but about 20% to 25% of the time I haul a 20 foot cargo trailer that depending on the load ranges from 4,000 lbs to 10,000 lbs. And currently about 5% of the time I pull a 28' Airstream that is about 9,000 lbs. Next year we plan to take the Airstream out a lot more so that 5% will hopefully climb to 15-20%. My unloaded commutes are usually 30 minutes to 2 hours, often on highways and smooth roads but also often on bumpy country roads and some light off-road - just your basic country land mix of dirt and grass but not anything crazy such as rock crawling. That said - maybe in the future I can do some off-road trips as that sounds fun but I have very little experience with it.

Ok so now that you know my use and what I have currently installed, this is what I'm wanting to get:

- Carli Pathfinder 3.5" kit
- Torsion Sway Bars
- Progressive Leafs
- Upper and Lower Stablizers

Also there are some small add-ons the shop I'm working with mentioned, that would help with on-board scale system and the leaf springs (shackels). But those are the main things listed above. I am keeping my stock 35" tires and wheels that came with the Tremor package so I don't think I need the Radius Arms.

While I'm typing this, the shop just emailed me back saying the Air Lift system I have installed will work with the Carli leaf springs. Uggh. It's been a process trying to figure out what I need (or rather want, since I technically don't need any of this). Originally I wasn't planning to get the rear leaf springs but I have read in these forums that getting the Pathfinder shocks without the leaf springs is less ideal.

Maybe I should just get the Commuter kit instead?

I was ok spending the extra money to have an ideal set up as I use my truck a lot (for work and commutes), it gets great smiles per gallon already but I figured the Carli system will increase that greatly. But I already paid a lot to get the Air Lift system - not sure I want to pay to replace it with something else unless the shop credits me back (it's only been about a month since I had it installed).

Any advice from those of you who have experience with this? Here's a pic of my truck as she sits waiting on her fate (what suspension upgrades will she get?):

 

[Ragin Cajun]

Welcome! I haul a 17K+ 5th wheel with my HO and have the same AirLift system you have. I have to say, its fantastic. Take your time and spread out your mods. I got forscan and lowered my stock tires to 40psi and the ride is measurably more comfortable. My next move will be new shocks and a level. Then 37's and Carli shackles. Then, if decide to keep her long term, Pathfinder.

Just work your way up...........or not. Just my 2 cents.

Cajun Joke,
Marie walked into da kitchen and saw Boudreaux wit a fly swatter. She axed him, “Any Luck?"

Boudreaux say, “Mais yea, I done kill tree males and two females."

Marie axed, “Mais cher, how can you tell dem apart?"

Boudreaux say, “Mais dats easy cher . . . tree was on dat beer can and two was on da telephone."

 

[Toxophilite]

Welcome to the Forum! -

It really comes down to what you will be using your truck for, but It sounds like comfort is your primary goal and that you will be 99% on road.

Based on what you stated, I would suggest the shocks, leaf packs, shackles, and airbags for the rear. Shocks and sway bar for the front at minimum. The upper and lower stabilizers are nice, but not essential, especially if you will be staying with 35" tires. The stock single stabilizer does a pretty good job when partnered with the Carli Sway Bar.

This will give you the ability to have the best ride possible with a Super Duty when unloaded and still allow you to tow heavy.

I would only get the Pathfinder if you will be driving offroad. Going to a 2.5" shock with a reservoir (Pathfinder vs Commuter) is only beneficial if you're driving offroad. You won't get measurable improvement or benefit if you are just on pavement.

Keep us posted on your build!

 

[donmatteo]

I had the new ICON commuters for exactly 500 miles before I swapped to a pintop. The Fox commuters were so much better.
Now ride is subjective so take that with a grain of salt.

If I were you, I would:
- Carli Pathfinder 3.5" kit / Pintop KIt
- Torsion Sway Bars
- Radius Arms (Aligments are a headache without them)
-Rear Spring Shackles.
- Upper and Lower Stablizers

Ditch the leafs for now.

Give up on the scales for now. No aftermarket solution works.