I am trying to figure out what method of lifting my (being built soon) new f150 4x2. I want to put it up to about the stock 4x4 height, and I am curious of an inexpensive way to do this. I would prefer not to use a body lift, because I don't care for the way that they look. I don't mind the ride getting a little more "truckish" but I don't want to feel like I am off-roading on the highway.
I have looked at the fabtech leveling for the front, but someone said that it rides too harsh.
Also, does anyone know roughly how much higher a stock 4x4 is than a 4x2. thanks.

 

I have the fabtech 3 1/2 inch lift, its only rough on bumps..the highway is smooth as before it was lifted, most roads are fine too....But if you are afraid of the ride go with the spindles, you ride stays the same. Bbut if you are like most of us, you wont be happy and you will want to go taller. I will be adding the spindles before April to get another 3 inches...My truck sits alittle taller than a stock 4x4 now but I want more....Dave

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1998 F-150, SC/Flairside,oxford white 4x2,4.6,auto,3.55s,nerf bars,cls 111 towing,bed liner w/mat,atlas polished wheels w/285/75 R/16 BFG A/Ts (black side out),all plastics guards/bug shields,air raid/k & n filter, superchipped, duals out the back corners, flow master 3 chamber, snug top lid, f-150 online sticker back window-honk if you see me!!! Fabtech 3 1/2 lift .coverking dash cover.
San Antonio
DWESSELS89@AOL.COM

 

A 4x4 shop and I measured and it the diff. was 2.78 inches. I put 3" spindles on the front and 1.5" on back and it sits like a .25 of an inch taller than stock 4x4 by looking. You can see pics of my truck compared to 4x in events and happenings board under the dfw rally sections. Dave's truck is definitely higher than stock 4x. It looks sweet Dave. You are right the spindles are not high enough for me . But if you want to resemble a 4x they are the way to go. If you want to be higher like me than go with the spindles and something else. Pro comp is coming out with a 5 inch sometime. I even think they use the same 3" spindles in their lift so I may add the extra 2 inches with that.

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1998 F150 XLT Reg. Cab, STX, White, 4.2 v6, 4x2, K&N, 3.55, Manik grill gaurd, **** Cepek 100 watt driving lamps, Kenwood mask CD-player, drop hitch, Ford hitch insert, 16x8 Atlas rims w/ 285/75/16 BFG All-Terrains KO all on a 3 inch bullseye spindles. Looks like a serious truck now

 

Sorry about the typo in my reply. It was not the only one. The difference in height is 73.9" vs 76.9" or 3" difference. I got the heights from the Supercrew specs. on www.ford-trucks.com
(Maybe not a fair comparison to a F150 SC but it shows the height difference). Subtract the 1/2" difference in tire height and 2.5" lift would be required. Just for my own sake I measured my 4x4 against a fellow workers 4x2. Both are short bed SC with tow package, stock tires and suspension and full gas tanks. I got the following differences:

Measurement 4x2 4x4 Diff.
Tail gate height: 51.5 55.25 3.75"
Cab Height: 72 76 4"
Bottom of hood: 39 42.75 3.75
Tire size: 265/70/16 265/70/17

Maybe 4x4 ORP springs are different?

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Mine: '97F150,XLT,SC,4x4 ORP,4.6L,3.55LS,auto,6 CD,Towing package,alarm,Rhino grill guard w/PICCA lights,dual exhaust.

Wife: '99Explorer Limited,pearl white/tan leather,4.0L,4:10LS,CD,sunroof,towing pkg.,alarm

 

Ford specs show curb height for 4 x 4 is 6" more than 4 x 2. But, the tire diameter is 1" more on 4 x 4 which gives you a 1/2" extra height. Thus tou need another 5 1/2" to be the same.

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Mine: '97F150,XLT,SC,4x4 ORP,4.6L,3.55LS,auto,6 CD,Towing package,alarm,Rhino grill guard w/PICCA lights,dual exhaust.

Wife: '99Explorer Limited,pearl white/tan leather,4.0L,4:10LS,CD,sunroof,towing pkg.,alarm

 

Wow, I never would have guessed that much from looking. Just out of curiosity, where did you get these specs (I have been looking for specs like these and can't seem to find them). Thanks.

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-Jay

 

Dewayne, first of all, thanks for posting that, those are the numbers that I wanted. Second, what size tires did the 4x2 have on it? cause there are two sizes you can get on a 4x2, and that would have an effect on the measurments. Thanks.

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-Jay

 

Vocaire,

Sorry all my numbers ran together - not the way I typed them. Tire size was shown above- but for clarity:

4x2 = 265/70/16
4x4 = 265/70/17

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Mine: '97F150,XLT,SC,4x4 ORP,4.6L,3.55LS,auto,6 CD,Towing package,alarm,Rhino grill guard w/PICCA lights,dual exhaust.

Wife: '99Explorer Limited,pearl white/tan leather,4.0L,4:10LS,CD,sunroof,towing pkg.,alarm

 

Thanks, I will be sure to check that out as soon as my truck gets here

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(Coming Soon) 2000 F150 Black XLT "Sport", SC, SB, 4.2L, 5 Speed, 3.55LS, AND Factory Fog Lights

 

you can also find numbers in back of ford owner's manual from glovebox

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1998 F150 XLT Reg. Cab, STX, White, 4.2 v6, 4x2, K&N, 3.55, Manik grill gaurd, **** Cepek 100 watt driving lamps, Kenwood mask CD-player, drop hitch, Ford hitch insert, 16x8 Atlas rims w/ 285/75/16 BFG All-Terrains KO all on a 3 inch bullseye spindles. Looks like a serious truck now

 

Dewayne and EXTINGUISHFIRE,

i was reading your responses and i just want to make sure i understand something. i want my truck to sit about the same as a 4x4...so Spindles are the way to go? I really do not want it much high...being a female and trying to get in and out in a dress can be hard sometimes...LOL. About how much does it cost to have those put on and do you recommend a place to take my truck? I live in south arlington but work in north Dallas (addison). I know this is alot of questios, and i appreciate the help. I have to say the info i have attained from this site has been invaluable...thanks
mel


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99' Black F150 ext-cab
V6-Manual
Tinted Windows
Lots of mods to add!!




[This message has been edited by mel (edited 02-01-2000).]

 

Hey Mel I have the spindles and I think you would like the way they look. I live in Mckinney which is north of plano and addison but I work pt in addison(north dallas)area if you want to get together sometime to see how it looks. email me if you want to meet somewhere for lunch or something @ extinguishfire@aol.com

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1998 F150 XLT Reg. Cab, STX, White, 4.2 v6, 4x2, K&N, 3.55, Manik grill gaurd, **** Cepek 100 watt driving lamps, Kenwood mask CD-player, drop hitch, Ford hitch insert, 16x8 Atlas rims w/ 285/75/16 BFG All-Terrains KO all on a 3 inch bullseye spindles. Looks like a serious truck now

 

Mel,
Actually a 4x2 cost more to lift than a 4x4 and you have two choices:
1)3.5" suspension lift, approx. $1500 and 1-1 1/2 day labor. This includes rear axle blocks, front coil springs and upper control arms,4 new shocks, plus alignment.

2)3" body lift, approx. $550 and 1/2 day labor. This is where the body is lifted off of the frame with spacers, by far the cheapest and easiest choice.

I installed aluminum steps on my 4x4 for easy entry for the "fairer sex". I like these better than the nerf bars because they hang a little lower and cost $100 a pair installed vs. $400 for the nerf's. You still have good ground clearance if you are off road.

I live in Duncanville (I20 near Hwy. 67) and would recommend The Accessory Shop on Hwy 67 near ****rill Hill rd. If you have questions talk to Matt at 972-572-8785.

Hope this helps. Extinguishfire may have other solutions.

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Mine: '97F150,XLT,SC,4x4 ORP,4.6L,3.55LS,17" ORP wheels w/265/70/17,auto,6 CD,Towing package,alarm,Rhino grill guard w/PICCA lights,dual exhaust.

Wife: '99Explorer Limited,pearl white/tan leather,4.0L,4:10LS,CD,sunroof,towing pkg.,alarm

 

Dewayne,

thanks so much for the info, that helps a lot. still not sure which why to go...the cheaper the better but i want it to look good. thanks again,
mel

 

Mel, in the same boat as you: choosing the right "mild" lift for something less than a king's ransom in cost. Leaning towards a body lift for the price aspect. '97 F-150 4x2 Supercab.

Also, can someone explain in a little more detail the spindle option? Can't picture in my mind what it involves.

tnx,
Gary