Carli Suspension Pathfinder 2.5 Leveling System | 2011–2016 Ford F-250 / F-350 Super Duty Diesel 4WD | SKU: CS-FLVL-PF-11
Couldn't load pickup availability
Before ordering, verify your vehicle details, current setup, and SKU with OFAS fitment support so your upgrade matches your build.
Shipping & Delivery
Free shipping is available within the lower 48 U.S. states. Large or heavy items may ship by freight, and delivery timing can vary by warehouse, carrier, and product availability.
Fitment, Shipping & Product Support
Verified Fitment
| Year Range | Make | Model | Drivetrain | Engine | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011–2016 | Ford | F-250 Super Duty | 4WD | Diesel | All cab configurations |
| 2011–2016 | Ford | F-350 Super Duty SRW | 4WD | Diesel | Full Progressive Leaf Springs strongly recommended over Add-a-Pack |
| 2011–2016 | Ford | F-350 Super Duty DRW | 4WD | Diesel | Confirm fitment — text (469) 407-7538 |
Verify fitment: text (469) 407-7538
Does NOT fit:
| Exclusion | Reason | Correct System |
|---|---|---|
| 2011–2016 F-250/F-350 Gas | System tuned for diesel front geometry and spring rates | CS-FLVL-PF-11-GAS |
| 2017–2022 F-250/F-350 Diesel | Different platform — different suspension geometry, track bar design, spring specs | CS-FLVL-PF-17 |
| 2023+ F-250/F-350 Diesel | New generation — different system | CS-FLVL-PF-23 |
| 2020+ F-250/F-350 (any) | 2020+ platform produces 3.5" of front lift with these coils | Platform-specific kit required |
| 2010 or earlier F-250/F-350 | Prior Super Duty generation | CS-FLVL-PF-05 |
| Ford F-150 (all years) | Entirely different front suspension architecture | Not applicable |
| F-250/F-350 2WD | 4WD only — system designed for solid front axle | Not applicable |
| Trucks with Onboard Scales / Smart Hitch | Carli systems are incompatible with factory Onboard Scales/Smart Hitch — modifying ride height or spring rate interferes with system performance | Cannot be resolved — do not order |
Component Specifications
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| SKU | CS-FLVL-PF-11 |
| System name | Pathfinder 2.5 Leveling System — 2011–2016 F-250/F-350 Diesel 4WD |
| Base kit price | From $3,741.00 (rear leaf spring required — additional cost) |
| Front lift height | 2.5 Inches |
| Front wheel travel | 8.7 Inches |
| Rear wheel travel | 12.9 Inches |
| Front shocks | Carli-SPEC 2.5" Remote Reservoir — hard-anodized aluminum body (black-anodized billet components), heat-resistant red shock oil, fully serviceable and rebuildable; superior heat management over Backcountry 2.0" shocks |
| Shock warranty | Carli warranty — serviced by Carli |
| Front coil springs | CS-FLC-05 diesel leveling coils — 2.5" lift, linear rate, shot-peened and pre-set |
| Adjustable track bar | CS-FPRB-05 — FK Race Heim frame joint + offset machined tapered rod end (axle); corrects axle centering for 2.5" lift; will not work at stock height or with drop brackets |
| Caster shims | CS-FCASTERSHIM-2.5 — 2° caster shims; corrects and improves caster over stock |
| Front brake lines | CS-FORDBBL-11 — stainless, DOT-compliant, accommodates extended front suspension travel |
| Rear leaf spring | Required — selected at checkout, not included in base price; Full Progressive Leaf Spring Pack (CS-FFSP-LVL-11) recommended; Progressive Add-a-Pack (CS-FPAP-11) also available |
| Tire fitment | 35" x 12.5" without trimming; 37" x 12.5" with some trimming |
| Recommended wheel | 17"–18", max 9" wide, 5.5" backspacing (with Carli Fabricated Radius Arms) / 5" backspacing (with factory arms) |
Pathfinder system positioning: Carli describes the Pathfinder as sitting between the Backcountry and Pintop kits — delivering a supple, controlled ride that soaks up pavement imperfections while remaining capable off-road. The Carli-SPEC 2.5" shocks (larger diameter than the Backcountry's 2.0" shocks) provide superior heat management, more damping oil volume, and improved consistency under sustained cycling. The hard-anodized finish, black-anodized billet components, and heat-resistant red shock oil make the Pathfinder visually and mechanically distinct from the Backcountry.
Pathfinder vs. Backcountry vs. Pintop:
| System | Shock | Front Travel | Rear Travel | Price Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Backcountry (CS-FLVL-BC-CS-11) | Carli-SPEC 2.0" Remote Reservoir | 9.0" | 13.8" | $2,690.00 |
| Pathfinder (CS-FLVL-PF-11) | Carli-SPEC 2.5" Remote Reservoir | 8.7" | 12.9" | $3,741.00 |
| Pintop | King 2.5" Remote Reservoir | More | More | Higher |
The Pathfinder's 2.5" shock diameter over the Backcountry's 2.0" delivers more damping oil capacity, better heat dissipation under sustained off-road use, and a premium appearance package — at a higher price point. The trade-off vs. the Backcountry is marginal travel reduction in exchange for the larger shock body's performance characteristics.
What Is and Is NOT Included
Included in base kit (CS-FLVL-PF-11):
| Component | SKU |
|---|---|
| Carli-SPEC 2.5" Remote Reservoir front shocks (pair) + reservoir mounts | CS-FLVLSPKG-CS25RR-A (front portion) |
| Carli-SPEC 2.5" Remote Reservoir rear shocks (pair) + reservoir mounts | CS-FLVLSPKG-CS25RR-A (rear portion) |
| Front diesel leveling coil springs | CS-FLC-05 |
| Adjustable track bar | CS-FPRB-05 |
| 2° caster shims | CS-FCASTERSHIM-2.5 |
| Front brake lines | CS-FORDBBL-11 |
| Hardware and installation hardware | Included per Carli specification |
Not Included:
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Rear leaf spring (Full Progressive or Add-a-Pack) | Required — must be selected separately. Without a rear leaf spring, ride quality and height result will be unknown. Full Progressive Leaf Springs (CS-FFSP-LVL-11) strongly recommended — especially for F-350 which has stiffer factory main springs |
| F-350 payload restoration (if Full Progressive Springs selected) | Full Progressive Leaf Springs reduce F-350 to "light ¾-ton" capacity; an aftermarket airbag system can restore payload if needed — sold separately |
| Fabricated Radius Arms (CS-FARA-LVL-05) | Optional upgrade — adds tire clearance, limit strap shock protection, serviceable spherical bearings, caster correction |
| Torsion Sway Bar | Optional upgrade — reduces front sway bar spring rate for improved ride quality on and off-road |
| Steering stabilizers | High Mount and Low Mount options available separately |
| Leaf Spring Shackle | Optional upgrade for improved rear ride quality |
| Professional installation labor | Required — not included |
| Post-install alignment | Mandatory — schedule with installer; not included |
Critical Compatibility
| Condition | Interaction | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Rear leaf spring — required | Carli explicitly warns that selecting no rear leaf spring will produce unknown ride quality and height. System is tuned for either Full Progressive Leaf Springs or Add-a-Pack | Select rear leaf spring at checkout — Full Progressive (CS-FFSP-LVL-11) recommended, especially for F-350 |
| F-250 vs. F-350 rear spring recommendation | F-250 has a lighter-rate main spring pack — Add-a-Pack improves F-250 rear ride meaningfully. F-350 has a stiffer 3-spring main pack — Add-a-Pack does little for unloaded ride. Carli strongly recommends Full Progressive Leaf Springs for F-350 | F-350 owners: order CS-FFSP-LVL-11 unless payload maintenance is critical |
| Factory wheels with oversized tires | Carli explicitly states factory wheels should not be run with oversized tires — known to rub radius arm, sway bar, and brake lines with oversized tires. Factory tires on factory wheels work without issue | Order correct aftermarket wheels (17"–18", max 9" wide, 5.5" backspacing with Carli radius arms; 5" with factory arms) for any oversized tire fitment |
| Onboard Scales / Smart Hitch | Carli's own page explicitly states this system is incompatible with factory Onboard Scales/Smart Hitch | Do not order this system if your truck is equipped with Onboard Scales or Smart Hitch |
| Track bar — no drop brackets | CS-FPRB-05 will not work with track bar drop brackets | Confirm no existing or planned drop bracket configuration |
| Gas-powered 2011–2016 Super Duty | Different coil tuning, shock valving, and geometry specs | Order CS-FLVL-PF-11-GAS |
| 2017+ Super Duty | Different platform, different track bar design, different lift height per spring | Order CS-FLVL-PF-17 |
Installation Notes
Skill level: Intermediate to advanced. Complete front suspension system with rear leaf spring replacement. A shop with Ford Super Duty experience is strongly recommended.
Post-install alignment: Full front-end alignment mandatory after installation.
Track bar adjustment: CS-FPRB-05 must be adjusted to the 2.5" configuration before installation. Incorrect adjustment leaves the axle off-center.
Caster shims: 2° caster shims are included and must be installed to correct and improve front end geometry over stock.
Rear leaf spring installation: The rear leaf spring selection must be installed simultaneously with the front system. Installing front components without addressing the rear produces an unbalanced result.
F-350 3-5/8" factory block note: F-350 trucks with a factory 3-5/8" tall block will require the factory 2" block (Part Numbers 7C3Z-5598-L and 7C3Z-5598-K) to achieve a leveled stance with the Add-a-Pack option. Full Progressive Springs do not require the factory block.
Shock reservoir mounting: Included reservoir mounts must be installed with correct line routing per Carli's installation instructions. Kinked or incorrectly routed remote lines damage the shock.
Required tools (professional shop):
| Tool | Required |
|---|---|
| Vehicle lift rated for F-250/F-350 | Yes |
| Torque wrench | Yes |
| Full socket and wrench set | Yes |
| Spring compressor | Yes (for front coil spring removal/installation) |
| Alignment equipment or scheduled appointment | Yes |
Torque specifications: Follow Carli's published torque values at carlisuspension.com.
Common Questions
What's the difference between the Pathfinder and the Backcountry?
The primary difference is shock diameter. The Backcountry (CS-FLVL-BC-CS-11, from $2,690) uses Carli-SPEC 2.0" Remote Reservoir shocks. The Pathfinder (CS-FLVL-PF-11, from $3,741) uses Carli-SPEC 2.5" Remote Reservoir shocks — a larger shock body with more damping oil capacity, better heat dissipation under sustained cycling, and Carli's premium hard-anodized / black-anodized aesthetic package with heat-resistant red shock oil. The Backcountry provides more front and rear wheel travel (9.0"/13.8" vs. 8.7"/12.9") but with the smaller-diameter shock. For owners who prioritize maximum travel on a budget, the Backcountry. For owners who want the 2.5" shock's performance characteristics and appearance, the Pathfinder.
What's the difference between the Pathfinder and the Pintop?
The Pintop uses King 2.5" Remote Reservoir shocks — the premium off-road shock in Carli's lineup at a higher price point. The Pathfinder uses Carli-SPEC 2.5" shocks, which are Carli's own manufactured shock in the same 2.5" diameter. The Pathfinder is the do-all daily driver and recreational off-road system; the Pintop is for owners who want maximum shock performance for sustained hard off-road use.
Do I have to buy rear leaf springs?
Yes — Carli explicitly states the system is tuned for either the Full Progressive Leaf Springs or the Add-a-Pack, and selecting no rear option produces unknown ride quality and height. The rear leaf spring is required and must be selected separately. For F-350 owners, Full Progressive Leaf Springs are strongly recommended due to the F-350's stiffer 3-spring main pack.
Does this include the adjustable track bar?
Yes — CS-FPRB-05 is included in the base kit. It uses an FK Race Heim frame joint and an offset machined tapered rod end at the axle.
Can I run my factory wheels with 35" or 37" tires?
No — Carli explicitly states factory wheels should not be run with oversized tires. They are known to rub the radius arm, sway bar, and brake lines. Factory tires on factory wheels work fine. For oversized tires, order 17"–18" wheels, max 9" wide, 5.5" backspacing with Carli Fabricated Radius Arms, or 5" backspacing with factory arms.
My truck has Onboard Scales or Smart Hitch — is this compatible?
No. Carli's own product page explicitly states this system is not compatible with factory Onboard Scales/Smart Hitch. Modifying ride height or spring rate interferes with the system's performance.
What is the Carli-SPEC 2.5" shock warranty?
Carli's standard warranty applies — serviced by Carli. Contact Carli Suspension directly for current warranty terms.
The Obsidian Take
The CS-FLVL-PF-11 is the Carli system for the 2011–2016 diesel Super Duty owner who wants the 2.5" shock body's damping characteristics alongside the complete leveling geometry package — coils, adjustable track bar, caster correction, and stainless brake lines — in a system that makes the truck genuinely better to live with every day and capable enough to trail confidently on weekends.
The 2.5" shock body over the Backcountry's 2.0" is the distinguishing engineering choice. More oil volume, better heat dissipation, more consistent damping through extended cycling — these matter on a truck that tows on Fridays and trails on Saturdays. The Pathfinder's hard-anodized finish, black-anodized billet components, and red shock oil also set it apart visually in a way the Backcountry's gray anodized package doesn't.
The rear leaf spring requirement is not optional and not an upsell. Carli's shock tuning on the CS-FLVL-PF-11 is calibrated for either the Full Progressive Leaf Springs or the Add-a-Pack. F-350 owners should order the Full Progressive Leaf Springs — the F-350's stiffer 3-spring main pack makes the Add-a-Pack insufficient for most unloaded use cases.
The Onboard Scales/Smart Hitch incompatibility is the pre-order check that catches Super Duty owners off guard. If your truck displays a payload readout or Smart Hitch weight on the gauge cluster or infotainment screen, this system cannot be installed without defeating those features.
This SKU is for: 2011–2016 Ford F-250 and F-350 4WD diesel owners who want the complete Pathfinder 2.5" leveling system — Carli-SPEC 2.5" Remote Reservoir shocks, progressive front coils, adjustable track bar, 2° caster shims, and stainless brake lines — with Full Progressive Rear Leaf Springs as the required companion purchase, delivering premium daily comfort and confident off-road capability.
This SKU is NOT for: Gas-engine F-250/F-350 owners (order CS-FLVL-PF-11-GAS), 2017+ Super Duty owners (order CS-FLVL-PF-17), 2010 and earlier Super Duty owners (order CS-FLVL-PF-05), 2023+ Super Duty owners, 2WD owners, trucks equipped with Onboard Scales or Smart Hitch, or anyone expecting rear leaf springs to be included in the base kit.
Manufacturer Data Disclaimer
Product specifications, component SKUs, and pricing are sourced from Carli Suspension manufacturer documentation and verified third-party technical references current at time of publication. Carli Suspension reserves the right to modify product specifications without notice. Confirm diesel engine, 2011–2016 model year, 4WD drivetrain, Onboard Scales/Smart Hitch status, and rear leaf spring selection before ordering. OFAS is not responsible for incompatibility resulting from gas engine applications, incorrect model year, 2WD configurations, Onboard Scales conflicts, or rear leaf spring selection errors.
Prop 65 Warning
⚠ WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead and lead compounds, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information, go to www.p65warnings.ca.gov.
Non-Returnable Notice
This item is non-returnable once installed. Confirm model year, engine (diesel), drivetrain (4WD), Onboard Scales/Smart Hitch status, and rear leaf spring selection before ordering. Questions? Text (469) 407-7538.