Perry Parts has expanded its 3D-printed bump stop product line to include rear bump stops for the 2009-present Ford F-150 pickups. These new bump stops feature a shape unique to the application and are said to provide significantly more support and energy absorption.

Perry Parts has expanded its product line to include rear bump stops for 2009-present Ford F-150s.

The Importance Of Bump Stops

Before we dig into Perry Parts’ new F-150 bump stops, we need to provide a refresher on the function of a vehicle’s suspension bump stops and some background on Perry Parts’ 3D-printed bump stops.

The purpose of a bump stop is to provide extra resistance and cushioning before your 4×4’s suspension reaches its maximum uptravel. It softens the jolt at bottom-out and also keeps metal suspension parts from rubbing or crashing into each other. Bump stops aren’t just out there doing their own thing; they work in combination with the suspension system. Thus, they can contribute to the total effective spring rate. In the end, bump stops have a crucial role.

About Perry Parts 3D-Printed Bump Stops

Perry Parts’ 3D-printed bump stops are the result of years of research and design. The company builds the machines it uses for manufacturing in-house. One of the benefits of this is that it allows the company to 3D print directly from injection molding granules. Perry Parts calls this process “Fused Granulate Fabrication,” though it is sometimes referred to as “screw extrusion.” Among other things, these industrial-grade materials have significantly higher strength.

Additionally, the company’s manufacturing process allows it to create internal structures within the bump stops. One of the advantages of 3D printing the bump stops is the ability to add and tune features that are often reserved for costly hydraulic or air bump stops. For example, by 3D printing internal air passages, Perry Parts can control the compression and rebound damping of the bump stops. Furthermore, the density of the bump stop can be adjusted to tune the stiffness. The overall result is that each bump stop can be tailored to the specific vehicles the company supports. For a more detailed look at Perry Parts’ manufacturing process, check out our story “Perry Parts 3D-Printed Bumpstops For 4x4s: Five Questions for the Inventor,” which takes a fascinating deep dive into the company and its bump stops.

Unique to the F-150 bump stops is a polyhedral origami shape. It’s not a fashion statement, it actually creates performance benefits.

About The New F-150 Bump Stops

The new Perry Parts F-150 bump stops offer all the benefits of the company’s 3D-printed bump stops, along with a unique shape that provides additional performance advantages. You see, the outer shell of each F-150 bump stop is a polyhedral origami shape. In addition to sounding cool, the benefit of this shape, from a bump stop perspective, is that it allows the outer shell to compress without kinking. Perry Parts notes that kinking, and its negative effects, are eliminated because the folding geometry is baked directly into the design. The company says the result is significantly more support (spring rate) and energy absorption (damping).

The Bottom Line

So, if you’re looking for a cost-effective and easy upgrade for your 2009-present Ford F-150, check out the new Perry Parts bump stops. They’re validated for all trim levels, too.