So, I know what you must be thinking, "Is this kid for real? Does he know what a search button is? I bet he's gonna ask a bunch of stupid questions!!"

Hopefully you're not thinking that cause oddly enough it's not the case haha.

I come to you today to bring awesomeness to F150 lovers alike as I'm taking upon the most ridiculous task ever. (maybe over exaggerated)

Last week I was traded a car for a 2003 F150 Sport 2wd. (sunroof, flair side, completely loaded)

This week, I start my SAS. Right now, it's in the driveway ready to be completely torn down and built back up. I've got all the time in the world as I'm currently getting ready to get out of the Army (2nd Ranger battalion) so I don't actually go to work. Plus, i've got a plethera of parts availibility so I'm hoping this goes relatively smooth. I'm not looking to lift this thing 80 feet in the air, I'm mostly just doing this to prove to a friend of mine that it's possible AND inexpensive. So, with that, I ask for any awesome advice (aside from the usual "go buy a 4x4" crap please and thanks) and any input you guys think would make this thing awesome!

Specs currently, 4.6l Ford 9" 3.73 in the rear, was axle over, the guy I got it off of flipped it. IFS in the front.

Adding; Dana 60 off of a 78 F-250. Leaf springs off a 87 chevy K10 and enough 1/4 steel to fab hangers all day. I plan on running NO BIGGER than 35's unless I body lift it. Then maybe 37's.

Now, the only questions I have, will come when I add either the manual transfer case OR a whole new tranny t-case combo. AND, any steering suggestions. Estimated budget right now, cheap.

So, Thanks much! And I hope I didn't make anyone poopy by posting this!

 

Steering, I was told to do a crossover steering arm, I did and enjoy my ride quality.

Check out my gallery here and on FTC (see sig for link to build thread on this board, click me for FTC gallery / thread) as I have done damn near the same setup you mentioned. 35" tires and 2002 F250 axles (this'd be the damn near part)

You could look into a divorced t-case setup, it may be cheaper and more fun.

 

ill be watching this closely

 

Why closely?

 

cuz im planning a sas in about a 1-2 yrs and all the info i can get and see is beneficial and then who knows maybe current truck gets a 4x4 conversion also

 

Ah thanks for putting the two together for me.

I was thinking WTF, i thought this kid already had a lift and seen me change mine too?

 

dont wanna clutter this thread up but im currently looking into whether i should do a 4 link or just do leafs.

this video bout sums up why i want to do it. its a sick *** frontier

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YRep...layer_embedded

 

Leafs is simpler to put together and functions well.

 

yea thats the trade off and im just wondering if/why it would be worth 4 link instead. they guy in town thats finishing his did a 4 link but havent had time to talk alot with him about it

 

4-link can yield better articulation and smoother articulation. I know my shackles bind at full flex and actually hit the frame.

Nice frontier actually, I'd wheel my truck, but its my baby and I've got too much cash into her.

 

yea your truck is a great inspiration for me. haha

i want wheel it but only on wide open stuff and not super hard, hopefully id make it into a capable tow rig and something for the family

 

I definitely feel mines capable of tow/hauling anything I can possibly afford, let alone steal (HA!) though the back seat leaves something to be desired for the kiddo. Wheeling = out away from trees I'll smash up the B2 into the trees, it was $350

 

thats what im saying. if i can spend 20-25K or less (including the truck) building a screw 4x4 solid axle with built lightning motor and trans that can do more than a brand new f150 or f250, and open spaces is the wheeling im gonna be doing also.

we put the carrier in the truck over the weekend and if i didnt have buckets idk if it was gonna happen hah

 

To the op i personally would shoot for enough SUSPENSION lift to clear 37's. You are going to run into some clearance issues with the crossover steering, You could run full hydo but thats expensive and normally not street legal.

Look HARD at Klitch's setup his is basically the lowest you will want to go without having to do alot of clearancing undernieth.

As far as cheap IDK my first setup was 4k and this setup is already over 6k and thats with me doing the work, but mines also on semi-built 1 tons and 44's.

Now its going up on 2.5 tons and a bigger motor. Gonna keep it on 44-47's dont want it any taller than it is now, 8.5' to the roof.

 

Honestly, If your considering a different truck, just grab a used 00-03 PSD crew cab with the 7.3 and modify that. If I had the cash and lack of attachment to my truck I would have. I'm at that # for cost now myself with the s-cab, motor, trans, suspension.