I am looking for ways to raise my 02 f150 4x4 w/o using a suspension lift kit on. I have decided to use a 3in body lift and 31 BF Goodrich KOs. I have heard of other ways to raise your truck such as the bushings and spindles and torsion bars. I am looking for any kind of suggestions that arent that expensive and time consuming. OR would i just be better to go ahead and put a 6 suspension lift kit on it? Thanks~!

 

torsion bars only cost your time and tools if you dont have them

 

depends on 3 things:
-how much you want to spend (free, $100, $4000...)
-what kind of use do you have for the lift (looks or off-roading)
-how big do you want to go (2", 3", 6"...)

cheapest way is cranking the torsion bars. body lifts are also pretty cheap, around 100 bucks if you install it yourself, but are not recommended for heavy off-roading (not as much ground clearance as susp. lifts). suspension lifts arethe best, but also the most expensive.

 

I plan on using it for light off road use.

 

well for light off-road use and no more than 300 dollars, i would go with a body lift. the kit costs about 100 dollars, but if you have a shop install it for you ive heard places charging up to $500 just for installation. it is a very easy install, however, if youre handy with tools. i recommend the performance accessories 3" body lift, very complete kit. thats just the lift kit though, if youre gonna add new tires also youre gonna go past that $300 budget. good luck!

 

Why would you want to lift the truck and install a smaller tire than stock? I say this because most of the 4x4s come with 32s (265/70-17) , but you didn't say what size you have now. These trucks will easily fit 33s (285/75-16 or 305/70) with stock suspension by only doing some minor trimming of the front bumper's lower plastic valance. If you install a 3 inch body lift you can fit 35s (315/75). I am thinking of a body lift also but am worried that my 33s will look too small.

 

Wandell......I am thinking the same thing you are.I too have 285/75/16 BFG's on a stock 99 scab.I am thinking about a PA 3 inch body lift as well, but have the same concerns about whether the tires will look too small.Tires are brand new so changing is not an option.Does anyone have a 3 inch body lift with 33's on, and how does it look?


Thanks..................FRF

 

Raptor has a Screw with a 3 inch body lift and 285/75s on 16x10s. He has a gallery set up at Fordtruckworld.com with some pics before and after the body lift. His truck looks really good.

 

Ive got a 2" body lift and sometimes i think my tires look to small. (305/70, 33")

 

go 33s...! you wont regret it, i promise!

 

Do NOT do 31" tires with a 3" body lift. Save yourself the money from upgrading tires when you see how bad your wheel wells will look with all that extra space. Do at least 33's.