I am thinking about lifting my 2004 FX4, I just want some personnal recommendations of the lift kits that are available. Fabtech 6", Pro-Comp 6", and the Rancho 4" all say that they clear 35's. I was Just wondering if the ride heights are about the same with them all. Also are any of them direct bolt on. I can spin wrenches but metal work is not my friend.

 

the Fabtech and Procomp are both 6 inch kits while the rancho says it's a 4 inch but I believe it actually lifts the truck the same amount (6"). As far as quality, they are all top notch and you won't have any regrets. I didn't lift mine (my buddy did) which is a pro comp and I believe he had to do some metal cutting but I'm not sure. I'm sure some guys who did their own will chime in with more detail and more accuracy. Anywho, I love my lift, great look, great ride, and more than clears my 35" Pro comp x terrrains (thinking about 37's). All of these lifts will clear the 35's and will look and work fantastic. My recomendation, buy the one that you can get the best price on. Hope this helps.

 

The Pro-Comp does require some cutting. The Fabtech does not. The Fabtech kit does require that the front drive shaft me modified a bit. A drive line shop can hook that up for around a C-note. If you take a look at some the the galleries that have the different lifts on you can see some of the major differences. IE-the radiused crossmember for the Fabtech lift and the straight rolled pipe on the Pro-Comp. Also if you choose the least expensive route which is the Pro-Comp, you have a 4 inch medal spacer for mounting the spring and shock too. There was one posting where that failed, but that also depends on driving conditions. The Fabtech has a long shock for the front end instead of any spaces. I have heard lots of positive for both kits.

I have the Fabtech and I am very happy with it. I run the 35 Nitto Terra Grapplers AT on 18 Pro-Comp Extreme alloys.

Hope this helps some.

 

Hey, i'm in the same boat as Ayresusn.... whats up guys? Let's get some more feedback/responses on this!

So your saying the Rancho is the same lift ( as far as height) as the other two companies, huh!? Can anyone confirm this? I can see what you mean though... The Fabtech and Procomp say 6" lift, but that 6" is only the front! Your only getting 4" in the rear, right? So really.... your truly getting 4" more than your stock height from the highest part of your truck. Hence, Rancho calling it a 4" kit. Am i way off base with this theory??

 

STX.... do you know why your kit needed modification to the driveshaft but the Pro Comp doesn't? So in your opinion, you think the Fabtech is a better choice?

btw... truck looks sweet in that pic, nice rims!

 

Sorry brother but the Fabtech DOES require cutting. All the Fabtech, ProComp, And Rancho require cutting. BUT, its very easy as long as you have a sawzall since the cutting is very minor. IF you can spin a wrench you can lift your own truck imo.


Click For Fabtech Installation Instructions

 

No, technically (For the Rancho and Fabtech) you are only getting 2.5" of lift since the block is a 4.5" block and you are replacing the Factory 2" Block thus a difference of 2.5". If you notice the rear is high from the factory so you only need a little bit of lift in the back to clear 35s.

 

I have the Pro Comp and am very pleased with it. The installation was simple, all the holes lined up, and the hardware was top quality. Ride is good too.

 

i installed my fabtech lift myself with a buddy. i was really impressed with the quality of the kit. the one thing i like about the fabtech over the pro-comp is that it uses new struts for the front instead of just bolting on a spacer. one bonus with the rancho kit is that you can run stock rims with 35's while pro-comp and fabtech recomend 5" basckspacing or less on a oversized tires.

 

Shadow,
I think the Fabtech is a better kit, I like the radiused crossmember and how it hugs the factory lines. The front drive shaft has to be reindexed and spline shaved down some. This is to reduce vibration and line everything up.

Sorry Sal, very mild cutting involved.

You can fit the 35's no problem. I had to do some trimming because I have a Ranchand Grill Guard and it brings down the front end some.

All lifts rock.

 

Not trying to be a leg humper, But I agree with you 100%.

On my next 06 F150 XLT I will be installing the Rancho I currently have and install a fabtech on my FX4. Just my 2 cents.

 

Hey loosebolt,m what wheels do you have on that beast.

jrbhc8

 

Eagle 178s.

 

Thanks Thumper, by the way like yur new rims and tires too!

jrbhc8

 

Thanks guys for all the inputs, they will all help me decide what to go with.