Hey guys, so I got a bit of a dilema on my hands. I have a 2003 f150 2wd which I would like to put some 18 in wheels on and then some 35 in tires. From what it appears, 6 inches is how much I am going to have to lift my truck in order to fit 35 in tires on it.

Now here is the problem, I do not have enought money at the current moment for all of that now, so I have to wait until I can get a summer job. Right now I have 17 in rims oem, and my tires are fairly worn so they need to be replaced soon.

What would you suggest doing for right now? Buying the 18 in rims and some cheap tires until I can get the money for the lift and tires? What is the cheapest way to do what I am trying to accomplish?

Thanks

 

if the tires really need to be replaced, do that and keep the oem rims. as for your lift, Fabtech makes a 7.5" lift for 2wd 97-03 f150s and can clear 35" tires so thats ur best bet for a lift.

 

doesn't fabtech also make a 6" lift? Also, why does everyone reccomend fabtech so much as compared to other companies? Are there any cheaper ways to do lifts, like not throught he suspension, using like spindles or something, but enough to clear 35" tires

 

The 6" is for the 4wd models. Fabtech has a lot of experience in lifts and is a go to company for 2wd lifts. I'm not too sure on alternatives for the lift, unless you buy a new bigger leaf spring pack or something. I'm not much of a suspension guy, except knowing how to order a lift off the net and the basic components. I'm more of an exhaust guy. But Fabtech is a highly experienced company and they are a good pick. But a lot of people have their own opinion on it, some hate them, others swear by them. Your choice

 

I agree. Fabtech is a great company and they seem to specialize in Fords.
As for an inexpensive lift, you do have other options with a 4x2. You can use 2 inch Daystar coilspring spacers, 3.5 inch lift spindles, or a 3 inch Performance Accessories body lift, or any combination of those for up to 8.5 inches of lift.

 

Any reason not to do that less expensive lift rather than a fabtech suspension lift?
Any other suggestions with my budget situation?
Thanks

 

The Fabtech will give you more suspension travel and perform bettert off road.

 

suspensionmax makes a 6" kit they sell on ebay for $880 shipped.

 

I have an 01 2WD and run 35's with no problem....I am going bigger as soon as I get off my lazy but and install my new stuff though.

I currently have 3.5" Spindles (FOR SALE CHEAP) with 2.5" Spacers, FabTech Cam Bolt kit in the front.

Rear is 2" Block, and 2" AAL

35's easily, the the lift was very inexpensive, would even cost less for someone else if they bought my used stuff.....lol

 

I am in the same boat but with an 04 2wd. I read you post about the spindles and add a leaf and block. what brands should I look at. about how much for the parts and how bad is the install on those peices. I also saw nobody mentioned anything about body lifts is there a reason or are they not even an option.

 

Body lifts are a good option. But if you get a body lift it raises just the body 3 inches and the bumpers. Then if you dont like the gap under your truck you have to buy gap guards and if you dont like the frame hanging lower than your truck some people buy steps to cover it. In the end its pretty close to a spindle wich looks great and doesnt impede your performance. I have a 3.5" spindle and i just ordered 2.5" lift coils and a upper control arm from suspensionmax.com. and i also order 4 MAXXIS 315/75 R16. Does anyone have pictures of their trucks with spindles and 2.5" leveler or coil? also i dont know how the geometry of the suspension will be with aftermarket c-arms so should i buy a camber kit?

 

Just a bodylift would still leave you nose down, you would still ned the spindles, or springs, or spacer to get the front up.


Here is a pic of mine with 35"s

 

yeah, i forgort the part on it being level. your truck b**ch'n, thats about the stance im looking for.

 

Thanks, thats a very affordable lift setup, and the truck performs well, rides well, and everything is holding up just fine, no matter what the naysayers tell you.


I think my cost was around $600 or so for everything and I installed it all in bout 5 hours in the driveway.


If anyone wants the spindles, and the rear 2" block/u-bolt kit, I will sell it for a great price.

You can get an AAL for like $80 and DayStar Spacers for $80...or the SKG spacers for $40, however I do not think with the SKG Aluminum spacers would would be able to clear the 35's

Scott

 

GregAsk, they are talking about 97-03 F-150 4x2's, which are completely different than your 2005. No one makes lift spindles for the 04-07's. Your best bet is a 6 inch Pro Comp or Fabtech lift. You could also install a 2.5 inch leveling kit (Autospring, Daystar, RevTek, etc) and a 3 inch Performance Accessories body lift. However, the body lifts for the 04-07's are much more difficult to install and are more expensive than the ones for the 97-03's.