So I hate to make this post, but I am the FNG to fords and have a few questions. I am looking at/ put a deposit on a 2003 f150 STX 4.2 V6 manual with 4x4 with 90k on it.

First off, I know it's a V6 in a truck. But that is what I am looking for. I have an Cummings Dulley at my disposal so for my major towing needs I am good. I just frequently haul a lot of automotive parts for my work (dirty crap, wheels and tires etc) and I think this truck is exactly what I'm looking for.

From what I can tell this seems to be a pretty good engine trans combo and I am happy it has 4wd. When I buy the truck I want to do a full flush of all the fluids, new plugs, filters etc. is there somewhere I can see the more popular fluids I should use for my diffs, 5 speed trans, etc?

The tires on my truck are pretty shot and need to be replaced. I figure since I would like to do a slight lift kit or a leveling kit and new wheels now would be the time to do it. Any tips on a good priced leveling kit and what size tires pair with it best. Remember I have the 6 cylinder and would rather not re-gear so I would appreciate anyone's personal experience. I was thinking maybe a leveling kit with 31's? Anyone have pics of that?

Last but not least I would love to do something with that front bumper. It looks like it has a damn underbite to me. Any good websites where I can look at bumpers or brush guards for the truck.

Thank you all for your help. I come from the wrangler worlds so I have experience with lifted 4x4s but it's just so much nicer to be in a ford!

Thanks again

 

Since you would have 4WD, just turn up your torsion bars in front. I have 295/70/17 tires on mine. Welcome to the Forums

 

Engine oil: Motorcraft 5w20 synthetic blend
Oil filter: Motorcraft FL-400S
Manual trans and transfer case: Mercon V ATF
Front axle: 80w90 conventional or 75w90 synthetic
Rear axle: 75w140 synthetic, plus Ford friction modifier if it's a factory limited slip (check the axle code on the door jamb sticker, 2 characters, if first is a letter it's LS, example H9)
Spark plugs: Motorcraft SP504
Plug wires: Motorcraft WR6110

 

Will just cranking up the torsion bars cause ball joints, control arms and such to wear out quicker? Would it be more effective in the long run to go for coil spacers and small shackles in the long run?

Thanks for the welcome!!

 

Great post! Thank you so much!

 

Yes! That's correct. The more you crank them, the harder it is on the front end. In the long run, it's cheaper just to install a complete suspension lift.

 

The 4x4s don't have coil springs up front. They just have the torsion bars. I you crank the torsion bars up with the factory keys you should be fine as long as you get an alignment afterwards. DO NOT but a leveling kit it WILL make front end parts wear faster.

 

Best way to level it is with Bilstein adjustable shocks. Up to 2.5".

 

If you are going to use it for hauling, why would you put a leveling kit on it?

I haul my tools for work and they make my truck sit level, if you raise the front it will be dumped in the back as soon as you load it up.

 

Damn. -How many toilet brushes do you hall?

 

Not enough to keep up with yer BS!JK

I am a carpenter.....no terlit brushes needed! Besides I've never seen a toilet with enough hair that it would need brushing.

 

oooooooooo k then

 

Very good point sir! Thank you for that advice!

Anyone know if I can fit 285 70 17's stock on an 03 stx v6?

Also is the bolt pattern and everything the same as a 03 supercab 4x4?

Thanks again for all the help guys!

 

Probably could with a little rubbing, torsion key lift would take care of that. Your lug pattern is 5x135

 

You can fit 285's. I have 295/70/17's with no issues whatsoever. All of this generation of trucks have the 5x135 bolt pattern.