Common Lift Questions

[06yz250f]

If you have information you think should be added or changed PM me. 1997-2003 (2004 heritage) information The Do's and Don'ts of Lifts provided by pizzaman711 2004-2013 f150's everything listed is for 04-11's, if there is a difference between the two body styles it will be posted Leveled Truck Pictures: 2004 and Newer Leveled Truck Pictures How To: Write-up: Auto Spring 2.5" Leveling Kit Install Provided by txst8tj 2" & 2 1/2" leveling kit: 2x4= up to 33" tires on oem rims 4x4= up to 35" tires on oem rims 3" leveling kit: puts to much stress on front suspension. cause parts to wear prematurely, not recommended. 3 Ways to level your truck: -spacer (autospring is a popular brand at a good price) -adjustable struts (bilstein 5100's and rancho's quick lift) -coilover Part Numbers for Bilsteins http://www.f150online.com/forums/200...ock-guide.html General rule of thumb: 04-05 use a 2.5" leveling kit to get level 06-2011 use a 2" to get level 3" body lift: 4x4- 35's 2x4- 33's Kit- $350 Install- $600+ Brands: -Performance Accessories -BDS --both come w/ bumper relocation brackets truck will not sit level unless you use a leveling kit as well. 2x4 w/ body lift and spacer- 35's 4x4 w/ body lift and spacer- 35's Lifted Truck Pictures Post pics of ur lifted F150... 4" lift: up to a 35" tire Rancho you can re-use stock wheels 6" lift: -2x4 and 4x4= 35" tires. possible rubbing depending on backspacing -most lifts require 4.5" backspacing, double check lift manufacturer wheel spec recommendation before ordering wheels. -2" leveling kit on top if you dont have a spacer already used in the lift - by doing a 2" leveling kit (8 inches of lift) you can do 37's. possible rubbing depending on backspacing - if you have the spacer you can use adjustable shocks to get that extra 2" of lift (ex. bilstein 5100s or rancho quick lift) - if you get a stage 2 kit (adjustable coil overs) you can crank them up to 2-2.5" of lift. no need for a leveling kit or new strut. -can leave gearing alone if you want, changing will only benefit - if you want to change use: - 4.56 gearing -2009+ F150's 4x4 - can fit up to a 37" tire on a 6" lift (larger wheel wells than 04-08's) with use of stock wheels or a wheel with 5.5" backspacing (only certain lifts allow stock wheels) - 37's require a change in gear ratios to remove stress added from the larger heavier tires. - 4.56 or 4.88's recommended 8" lift - 4x4= 37's - need to change gearing (37's put way to much stress on drivetrain) - 4.56 or 4.88's reccomended -If you have a 6" lift and want 8" refer to the 6" lift facts above -sometimes requires - lengthened drive shafts - long brake lines - brake pads will not last long due to tire size 9-10" Lift -combined 6" suspension + 3" body OR 8" lift with leveling kit -allows 38's -4.88 gears recommended 11-12" lift - 4x4= 40" tires - 4.88 gears recommended Shock Options: -many options for 6" lifts - 8" might require custom coilovers, shocks, leafs Leaf packs -deaver, atlas, national spring Coilovers - Kings This applies for leveling kits as well if your truck doesnt sit level (back is low) heres a few choices: -bigger block in rear -AAL (better towing capacity but stiffer ride) -Shackle lift -custom leaf pack -air bags (great option especially if you tow heavy loads) Gearing: 35" tires- 4.56's -if 2wd, you have the option of 4.30's 37" tires- 4.56 or 4.88 -If you do more highway, I'd recommend 4.56 -If you do more city driving, I'd recommend 4.88's 38+ tires- 4.88's or 5.29's -Front and Rear gearing must match each other or your 4x4 will not work. -Front diff is a 8.8 reverse cut -Rear diff depends on what motor your truck is equipped with Rims: smallest size able to fit are 17" Tires: You can fit 35x12.50's or 35x13.00 tires with a 4 inch lift on a 4x4 unless you use a really wide wheel with shallow backspacing (like 10 inches wide with 4.5 inch bs). You can fit 35x12.50's on 6 inch lift You can fit 37x13.50's on 8 inch lift Generally an AT will have better on road characteristics than a MT and get better tire life as well. Mud terrains usually perform better offroad at more compromise to on-road characteristic.

[RightTurn]

Thanks, this is a good idea. Maybe someone will chime in with their knowledge of the 4" options...

[06yz250f]

Originally Posted by RightTurn

Thanks, this is a good idea. Maybe someone will chime in with their knowledge of the 4" options...

i added a real basic on the 4". i think superlift has a 4.5" lift but havent looked up to double check.

[wandell]

You can fit 35x12.50's or 35x13.00 tires with a 4 inch lift on a 4x4 unless you use a really wide wheel with shallow backspacing (like 10 inches wide with 4.5 inch bs).

[IDNC76]

dont forget us good ole boys with our Body lifts

[06yz250f]

wandell,
did i get it right in the post?
idnc,
i added body lift. slipped my mind when adding them all. if you dont mind me asking what did you pay for total w/ install so i can add that as well

[wandell]

I think you got it covered 06yz250f.

[DARK KNIGHT08]

Great write up.

[IDNC76]

Originally Posted by 06yz250f

wandell,
did i get it right in the post?
idnc,
i added body lift. slipped my mind when adding them all. if you dont mind me asking what did you pay for total w/ install so i can add that as well

BL was $350

labor was about $600

[pop_r_master]

What size tire on 2.5" leveling kit stock rim. 35x12.50?

[wandell]

Read the first post.

[mason07]

Originally Posted by IDNC76

BL was $350

labor was about $600

where did u get that kit from for that much?

did it come with bumper brackets and all?

[wandell]

The Performance Accessory body lifts come with everything you need including bumper relocation brackets.

[IDNC76]

Originally Posted by mason07

where did u get that kit from for that much?

did it come with bumper brackets and all?

mine is acutally a BDS body lift.

and yes it came with everything

[FX4life]

You might add that 8" plus requires heavy modification (sometimes) to other areas you likewise would not have to touch with a lift smaller than 8"

For instance:
Driveshafts lengthened
Brake lines
Your going to eat through stock or crappy brake pads very fast (just upgrade or upgrade when they wear out)
If you have cranked your lift up ball joints and such will wear out faster (at least mine have)
regearing (as you mentioned) is a must to gain back some power and save the tranny

Also you could add that on 8" plus i beleive only king makes a coilover and also makes a piggyback for the rear but there are other options for rear shocks as well, you can upgrade the leaf packs to deaver, atlas, or national springs.

With 6" lifts there are lots of choices on coilovers, rear shocks, and leaf packs without having to get into the custom ordering.

tire choices might be a good add on

-Toyo MT
-Nitto MG
-Nitto TG
-Toyo AT
-Kumho MT
-Procomp
-DC
-Micky thompson

ill add as i think of stuff. This is a good idea though