Hey guys, I've recently started thinking about adding on to my truck. It's an 01 SCrew, 2wd with a 1.5 level kit. I've been seeing a lot of the 4x4 models and noticed that it sits higher than my 2wd which makes sense. But I was wondering what the stock height of the 01 4wd models were, what I'd need, and roughly how much it could cost. Labor will be done by me and a friend. Also I'd like to keep it reasonable since I am only a teenager. You do get what you pay for so I'm looking more mid range on "quality".
Thanks guys

 

The 97-03 4x4 f150's sit roughly 2-2.5" higher than the 2wd's. I say roughly because it really depends on your truck and the one your comparing it too.

If you want to go to 2", you can remove your 1.5" leveling kit and add a set of 2" lift coils. For the rear if you want the factory rake, you could add around a 3" block. Parts would cost around 2-300 depending what brand you go with. Note, pretty much all brands of the coil springs don't really differ in quality, so I'd go with whats cheapest.

If you want the 2.5" it's going to cost more and you'd be better just rounding up to an even 3" due to the fact that I doubt they make 2.5" lift coils anymore. Again, you'd have to remove your current leveling kit, and add a set of lift coils and a block to the rear end if you want rake. Cost will be generally the same as the 2" option for those parts. However, in addition you'd need to add a set of aftermarket control arms to correct the front end angles (such as Doestch, Springtech, Canuck Motorsports, etc.). Otherwise you'll eat up ball joints and tie rod ends extremely fast and won't be able to get an alignment (if it'll even bolt back together). The control arms will run you another 3-500 dollars.

Third option is remove the leveling kit (or keep it if you want more lift), add a 3" body lift and then a block in the rear (depending on what rake your truck had from factory). Should cost about 3-400 dollars, but if you and your friend aren't too mechanically inclined or don't have the right tools, you can mess some stuff up pretty easily.

Last option, is the spindle lift. They come in either 3-3.5" and don't affect the front end angles, so like the body lift you could keep the leveling kit if you wish. These will make the front end 1.5" wider per side. Again then you'd need to add a block to the rear. This will run you about 4-600 dollars.

Pretty much all of this will require removing a tie rod end and at least one ball joint during install, so if your not careful you can end up replacing those as well from damaging them. However, this is the perfect time to replace all the ball joints and tie rod ends if they're worn, that way you only have to get one alignment and tear down the front end once.

And like I said, for the parts left for these trucks, parts are pretty similar in quality.

 

Wow pizzaman. I really like the detailed info. I do have a question though. With the 2" inch lift coils in the front would I need to have to get longer control arms? I know you can't go more than 2" without getting aftermarket but nobody's ever said if I can keep my stock ones if I stay with a 2". And I hate the factory rake so I wouldn't add a block in the back correct? Just the coils in the front? I feel like that may be my best option for me financially.

 

Sorry for the double post but my friend is going to be doing a lot of the work and I'm going to learn since he lifts trucks for his job but the coils would only be in the front correct? Or would I need them in the back aswell? You said that they sit 2-2.5 inches higher than a 2wd so I'm assuming I would be adding 2" onto my rear end aswell? Sorry I'm kinda new to all this haha