1997 - 2003 F-150

Need some expert opinions!!!

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Old Mar 21, 2010 | 10:35 PM
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kempnerplayer10's Avatar
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Exclamation Need some expert opinions!!!

hey guys, i have had my 2003 f-150 2wd extended cab for almost 2 years, and im now graduating. and for grad. my dad wants to help me do something to my truck. i love the truck, so im not going to get a new one.

i know nothing about lift kits but i have asked friends, and this is what i was thinking of doing.

7.5" fabtech suspension lift, 35" tires (absolutely no clue which kind).

1st i need to know what i need to get my truck re-geared to, and if anyone could please give me some suggestions on tires that look nice, but are not extremely expensive.

thanks for any and all help with this guys.
 
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Old Mar 21, 2010 | 10:44 PM
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Sounds like a good plan! For gearing 4.30, if I recall correctly, is ideal for 35s but 4.56 are what most people use. I like the look of my Nitto Terra Grapplers but in 35s any tire starts to get expensive.
 
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Old Mar 21, 2010 | 10:50 PM
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I could be mistaken but you said your truck was a 2wd? I wouldnt hear the end of it from my buddies if I lifted a 2wd. But if thats what you go for it. It will still look good.. here is a pic of my 99 F250 with a 8" Fabtech lift and 36x13.50x16.5 Super Swamper Irocs. Mickey Thompson Wheels. Triton V10 ~4x4~
 
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Old Mar 21, 2010 | 10:57 PM
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i know, ive already got some laughs and what not for wanting to lift my truck, but it may not last much longer, and i really just want my trucks for looks, not performance. approx how much does regearing cost. and about how much for tires and rims?
 
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Old Mar 21, 2010 | 11:12 PM
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i also need to say that my truck is a v6. will this change nething with the re-gearing?
 
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Old Mar 21, 2010 | 11:16 PM
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There's nothing at all wrong with lifting a 2wd and pretty cool if you ask me...if you know it's not going to be a serious mud machine you will be just fine. The good thing is you will only have to buy 1 gear (vs front and back on a 4x4) and I would go ahead and get a Limited slip/locker while your at it. 4:30 would be a real good gear for the 35's and up to 37's. You will have to shop to find the tire you like at the price you want to pay...there are tons of options out there. If anyone laughs at you for lifting a 2wd tell the to suck your PTM nut sack.. GL
 
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Old Mar 21, 2010 | 11:17 PM
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Re-gearing a 2wd will usually cost around $600 and having a v6 doesn't really effect anything, but because you have a v6 I'd go 4.56.

As for lifting a 2wd who cares? Most people I know with 4wd either hardly ever use it and more often then not they don't know how to use it correctly. It just makes their pee pee feel bigger.
 
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Old Mar 21, 2010 | 11:30 PM
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Good plan, that's a great high quality lift. Go ahead with the 4.56's it will really wake the truck up. I ran 46's on my 4.2l v6 and it ran just fine, not gonna win any races. I would recommend looking at the Terra grapplers aswell, they aren't the best but the price is imposible to beat, you will be happy with them. Remeber you will need new wheels bolt pattern is 5x135mm get something with 4-4.5" of backspacing. To keep things alittle cheaper stay in the 16-18" range for wheels.
 
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Old Mar 21, 2010 | 11:43 PM
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hahaha. thanks guys, this reallllllly helps. and i know, 4x4 in trucks are used what, 5-10 times a year. no biggie. i will put pics up when it is complete.
 
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Old Mar 22, 2010 | 10:05 AM
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I have got Stock gears in my truck.. i believe they are 4.10 not sure though.. They pull my 36s just fine.. I am thinking about some 4.56 though
 
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Old Mar 22, 2010 | 10:45 AM
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Originally Posted by RedNeck4sure
I have got Stock gears in my truck.. i believe they are 4.10 not sure though.. They pull my 36s just fine.. I am thinking about some 4.56 though
you also have 4 more cylinders than the OP and gobs more torque. Your stock 4.10's are lower gearing then the stock F150, which is either 3.55 or 3.73
 
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Old Mar 22, 2010 | 10:57 AM
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op go with the fabtech lift like you want and put some 35"s on it and get some 4.56 gears and maybe a LS if you dont have one or can find one cheap.

what trans do you have?

there is nothing wrong with a lifted 2wd v6 on 35"s check mine for example. also gears cost me 836 at allout in richmond this past week. more than i wanted to spend but they were highly recommended. imo they are overpriced for most every thing so i wouldnt get the lift installed there unless your dad willing to pay alot. its sugarland so they view everyone as modding with parents unlimited funds and charge a butt load.
 
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Old Mar 22, 2010 | 10:58 AM
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also get some pics up and if you ever need help with stuff in sugarland im there from time to time in missouri city
 
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Old Mar 22, 2010 | 11:41 AM
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What youll need to regear:

1. Money
2. $
3.$$$$$



gears and install for my truck is 2200 but i have 4wd ...youll only have to do one gear and the rear so it should be max like 1000
 
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Old Mar 22, 2010 | 12:54 PM
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Personally, I would probably go 4.88's considering it is a V6 for optimal torque. The very highest I would go is 4.56.
 
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