Lift 2wd '98 f-150

Scotty08 · #1 11-17-2006, 10:02 AM

I see everything from $1000.00 or less to $4000.00 + suspension systems. What am I going to be happy with?

I am looking at more for the look than the performance. But, as everyone states, I want it to be able to perform when needed. Mud runs will be biggest thing I try to tackle.

Truck is lowered now, -2"front / -3" rear. Just tired of the hard hitting stiff azzed Hotchkis springs. Been 1 year lowered, and I am glad I did it, Truck looks great in my opinion, but I want to go up now. I installed all of this my self, so I am pretty confident I can install the lift kit as well. As some of it will require putting back in some stock components. REAR Leafs for one. Lower ball joints were replaced when lowered.

Truck is a daily driver 30+ highway miles one way.

I have done some research, and I will be putting in 4.30:1 rear gear, with a detroit locker for traction, to keep near stock gear ratio (this is slightly lower than current) for the 35" tires I want to run. I will be hoping to run stock rims for now to keep costs down.

Truck is a '98 F-150 2wd reg cab Short bed. I would like minimum 5" lift. Cost is a huge issue, but I want a well engineered system usable system. Been looking at Fabtec 6". Would really like to go with a CST or something, so i know the ball joints won't give out on me. ALL opinions welcome. Advice from those who have kits is more appriciated.

Scott

Duffman0286 · #2 11-17-2006, 10:41 AM

both cst and fabtech are great system i think yall should upgrade ur balljoints rather than go back to the stock guys they really arnt the greatest for lifted trucks i think a suspension lift is much easyier than a body lift but that is just me i can do a suspension faster as well i take my time on body lifts they require much more care

great choice on gear selection 4.30 would be great for city/ highway driving
and if you plan on do mud run i think a wider tire like 12in or more would help you alot sence ur fronts aint gonna be helpin

wandell · #3 11-17-2006, 02:40 PM

Either kit would be a good choice.

Scotty08 · #4 11-20-2006, 11:15 PM

2 posts in a week?? What the heck is going on? This is the most opinionated forum in the world. What is wrong too old? 2wd? Or have I just already covered all the bases?

I do have a serious question. How much abuse will the Stock ball joints take? I really do not want to spend the extra $2000.00 if the stockers will handle what I will throw at them.

SCott

Duffman0286 · #5 11-21-2006, 12:46 AM

stock ones maybe fine for you but if plan on being really hard on this guy like jumping dunes and stuff like that yes upgrade other wise just understand there under more stress and will wear out a little sooner

GLCOOPER · #6 11-21-2006, 12:00 PM

I had a RCD kit on my 02 2wd and loved it. Might want to check them out also.

Scotty08 · #7 11-21-2006, 02:53 PM

GLCOOPER, What size tire did you run on your 2wd? When you had the stock wheels? How much did the kit cost? What does RCD use for rear lift? I am very interested in all the info i can get. I really do want to lift this truck the right way. Thanks in advance

SCotty

chiefFX4 · #8 11-21-2006, 03:25 PM

RCD runs blocks in the rear. only people, that i have seen, that have an option for leaf springs is superlift. a 2wd on blocks will be just fine since youll only be doing mud runs.

stock balljoints with 35" tires will do fine.

RCD makes a great system. cant go wrong with them.

Scotty08 · #9 11-23-2006, 12:59 PM

WHat is the verdict on PRO-COMP?? I found a good price on procomp 6". I have heard some bad about pro comp in the past. Was wondering if they still have the bad rep.

wandell · #10 11-23-2006, 03:12 PM

I don't think there is anything wrong with Pro Comp's lifts.

Pahrump · #11 11-29-2006, 07:55 PM

I would go FabTech on a complete kit.

But if you are on a budget...a spindle lift, and coil spacer kit will get you 5-6" in the front....blocks or block/add a leaf in the rear.

Hell you can do the entire thing for Less than $700 bucks and its all easy to install

Scotty08 · #12 11-30-2006, 07:47 PM

Thansk for the replys all. I have decide to do the Fabtech complete 6" lift. or is it 7.5". I have looked at too many Lift options.

I will post some pics when get it all done. Will most likely be after the first of the year. After I sell Hotchkis TVS lowering Kit.

I was looking at tire prices the other day, I about freaked.

Prices were much higher than I figured them to be. What is considered the best for Highway use.

I want a deep lugged tread, as it looks awsome, but I want something that will wear for a long time. At $100 + per tire, they need to last a long time.

Thanks again for the input all.

Scott

TXallstar · #13 11-30-2006, 10:09 PM

I had a 01' 2wd with 35" BFG mud terrains on the stock rims and didn't have any problem with rubbing or backspacing. They cost over $200 but out of all the mud terrains they have the best wear that I've seen. If you take care of them you could get at least 50K miles on them maybe more.