Hey guys just looking to replace the leaves and coils in my truck and just wondering what kind of lift i can put on it without messing with the geometry of the IFS. I'm 17 and on a budget, so what would be an econimacal approach? I don't want a body lift though. Thanks for any input. And I am looking to fit 33's or 35's. Currently running 31x10.5x15

 

85 IFS??? Pretty sure all the older than 04 trucks are twin I beam suspensions dude

 

no man it is definitnitely ifs, it is not a solid axle. they switched from a solid axle in early 80's

 

the twin i beam suspension used by ford is/was a type of ifs. The i beams would connect to the undercarrige some where and one side would move independently from the other. It is a horrible design especially for people that want to lift their truck, because once you raised the truck at all the geometry would be all outta wack. i had a ranger and i had to learn the hard way.

 

just google it and look at some lifts, your truck should have the twin I beam IFS up front. see who makes a lift for it, in the description i should tell you how big of tires you can run, then give the company/ website a call to ask them more about angles and break lines, drive shaft lengths and angles etc..

 

Like most have already stated the TTB (Twin Traction Beam 4x4) or the TIB (twin I beam 4x2) were abominations. They worked stock but were HORRIBLE for lifting.

I had these setups under a Ranger, and Bronco II. I broke every suspension lift i put on them, except for the last one on the ranger and thats probably due to the fact that i only had it for about 6 months before selling.

But if you REALLY want to lift it honestly with that suspension a body lift is great cause you dont have to touch that suspension abomination. But if your dead set on a suspension lift then only buy Skyjacker. They made the only kit for the TTB that was worth the paper the instructions were writen on.

TTB or TIB = SKYJACKER

If i was you id do a 3" body lift that way the suspension stays unchanged, but if you are dead set on not getting a body lift then ignore this

 

alright thanks guys i guess i'll look into a body lift. are their any major problems with a body lift i should be aware of?

 

No, ive had 3 body lifts on the last 3 trucks ive owned. No problems with any.

As of right now i have a 3" body lift on my 99.

Make sure of these facts:
1. Buy Performance Accessories (NOTHING ELSE)
2. Make sure to use penatrating oil on the body bolts about 2 weeks before install, This will help get them out.
3. Make sure to read the directions at least once so you can plan for all the tools you will need.
4. Have a friend help out.
5. Make sure ALL the parts are in the kit when it arrives
6. Set aside a weekend to do the install.
7. Torch, grinder, and drill will help. Air tools arent recommended.
8. Lastly GET the 3" kit not the 2" kit the 3" will line up better.

 

alright sounds good thanks. wat will happen with the radiator hoses, brake lines, and steering?

 

All depends on the truck, but the Performance Accessories kit should come with everything you need, steering extension, hose extension, brake line relocators, etc etc.

 

nice nice thanks. my dad used to do truck pulling and knows a lot about the older type trucks with solid front axles so he should still be a big help. were also looking at replacing the rear leaves and the front springs cause there getting old and saggy, so where should i look for aftermarket or a heavier duty type spring to lift the truck back up? I wanna keep the back higher for towing though

 

id check sky jacker for replacement springs

just get springs with 0" of lift that would be a replacement.

 

is performing a SAS out of the question? it is SO much easier to perform one on a pre 97 ford, compared to the late model fully independent suspensions.

i would not lift a TTB truck, the suspension system itself is some sort of bastardization between IFS and solid axle. the geometry goes bad, and lifted TTB's have issues holding an alignment.

 

SO much easier? It sounded like a real pain to do it to a 97+. what would it involve? and thanks for the skyjacker info. u guys are a real help

 

just read some of my build thread (link in sig) thats what you will go though on a 97-03

but the Pre-97 like yours is MUCH easier. And you might beable to get it done for pretty cheap. Id look for a D44HD its a 3/4ton axle. Do leaf springs for simplicity and crossover steering. Keep the rear axle the same, and just get lift springs for that.

you could have a D44hd under the front of the truck for maybe $1000-$1500 if you do the install yourself. you can actually do it for cheaper than that if you get some good deals.