Let me see them! I would prefer to see the '97-03 body style, but all pictures are welcome!!

 

Check my sig...2002 SCrew with Fabtech 6" lift (4" rear block) and 35" Nitto Terra Grapplers. I never changed the gears, either.

5 years going strong and no problems.


-Mike

 

PERFECT! Thats the setup I'm lookin for, except I'm gonna run Micky Thompson MTZ's. Is your truck Painfully sluggish with the 35's? have you towed with the 3.55's? and lastly, How loud is your 14" Magnaflow??

 

The truck isn't painfully sluggish by itself, however, it is more sluggish than stock (obviously). So, if you are unhappy with your truck's performance right now, it will only be more disappointing with a lift. The first time I drove it with the lift and tires, I noticed the difference, but it has been 5 years since and I honestly don't think it is slow now (I am used to driving it). I can easily keep pace with other vehicles from a stop and I can still pass with authority on the interstate. Braking, OTOH, is much less powerful now (stock brakes). The 16" rims I have don't allow for a larger rotor/caliper combo, so I really had to adjust my braking habits to be safe.

If your intent is to floor it from every light, you probably don't want 3.55 gears. I've thought about 3.73's and although they would probably be nice, I don't feel like I need them. Any bigger than 35", though, and I would definitely change gears.

I have towed near-maximum loads with this setup (8" drop hitch) and you just have to be easy on the throttle. Outside of that, no problems. It isn't like a diesel, so towing heavy loads with a 5.4 and a lift can be slower than you might want as far as acceleration goes (I would consider it painfully sluggish at higher weights).

The Magnaflow 14" has a nice, deep rumble, but only at certain RPM's and start-up/idle. It quiets down nicely at cruising speed. If you are after -loud- noise at all RPM's, the Magnaflow is not what you want (and 14" is their loudest). I chose Magnaflow for durability, performance and a little bit of rumble. If you want loud, a Flowmaster 40 would be the ticket (but they corrode easily and you may get tired of the sound in the cab).

I love the Nittos (very durable tire), but you really need to keep up with the tire rotation and balancing with a 35. I also recommend the steering stabilizer (Fabtech makes one for this lift, sold separately). Outside of that, the stock Fabtech shocks were crap, so I quickly replaced them with Bilsteins.

Hopefully others will chime in with their thoughts. Good luck.

-Mike

*EDIT: I have 16x10 rims with a wider Nitto (315/75R16), so a narrower rim/tire combo may make it less sluggish. With my rim/tire combo, I needed to trim back a portion of the front airdam for clearance, but you don't notice it if you do a neat job cutting the corners back.

 

First time picture poster...hope it works.??

 

Nice ride! Are you a USMC E7?

 

Thanks. CWO-3

DD-976<----Spruance class destroyer?

Oops! Didn't read before posting my pics. Mines an 05 FX4

 

DD-976, love the truck...

Here's mine with a 3" Body Lift and 35's. I've got 3.73 LS, EDGE EVO and K&N Air Filter. With those mods, I am extremely happy with the power I was able to recoup after I lifted it.
More pics in my gallery...

 

Those are some purrty trucks!

 

As im trading in my old truck for the new one at the dealer.

01 f150 2wd 3.5 inch suspension lift


04 f150 fx4 6 inch suspension lift

 

GunnerB: Affirmative...Spruance Class DD (USS Merrill). Sadly, she's long gone along with the rest of the DD's. She happens to be the first ship I actually served on, though. From one DoN member to another, thanks for your service.

jk007: Thank you, your truck is pretty sharp as well (gotta love the 97-03 curves). If I didn't like silver so much I would have gone with the blue. How do you like the body lift? Did you order 3.73's from the factory or install them later?

 

jk007: Thank you, your truck is pretty sharp as well (gotta love the 97-03 curves). If I didn't like silver so much I would have gone with the blue. How do you like the body lift? Did you order 3.73's from the factory or install them later?[/QUOTE]

I like the silver also better than the blue. I wanted to get Silver but I got too good of a deal on the Blue, plus it came with 3.73 LS. I didn;t have to regear so that was the deciding factor. I put Bilstein shocks on it also and the ride is great.

I love the body lift. I was thinking about adding a 4" suspension lift also but then I know I would want to move upto 37s, which means I would need a 37" spare which wouldn't fit underneath the bed. So I would have to keep a spare in the bed, which defeats the purpose of having a PU, IMO (and I am not about to fabricate a spare tire holder for my roof). I've got 2 kids and my wife is only 5'3", so the height is perfect and I think I better scrap that idea before the wife leaves me

Anyway, I couldn't be happier with the BL. I off road on occasion and it seems to give me the extra added clearance I need with the 35s.

 

Here's mine.





The truck doesn't actually sit higher in the rear as the picture makes it look, it's the driveway that gives it that appearance.

Gunny B, very nice truck you got there. I think you have pretty much sold me on adding fender flares for my truck.

 

Thanks..But backatcha!

Those flares made a world of difference...I love'em!

 

cant figure this picture posting thing out but heres a link for my 02'