Ok, so here's my problem. I have a 2WD F150 and can't decide whether or not to raise or lower the truck. I like both looks, but question the idea of lifting it since it's not a 4WD and I can't do much by way of off-roading with a 2WD truck. I would like it to be more functional and practical, and not just for appearance. What do you all think? If I end up lifting it, what are some reasonable approaches as far as price, quality, and performance? BTW, I have a 14 month old son and do take him to daycare, so I don't want anything to extreme to where it makes it difficult to load and un-load him.

 

I guess its all a matter of what you like the looks of best. I know plenty of people who have lifted 2wds and some who have lowered 4wds. I would say you could add some 4wd blocks to your 2wd and achieve the same ride hight as a 4wd. I like the ride height of my 4wd the way it is stock and don't think I'd change it either way. And I wouldn't say that a 2wd is useless off road, just make sure you have a 4wd with you for when you get stuck...

 

I couldn't agree more. My truck is 2wd and lifted, and it has gotten me farther than I ever would have imagined but when I do get stuck, its nothing a little pull from a 4x4 can't handle

 

2wd trucks are fine lifted... 95% or better of lifted trucks never see dirt anyway.

And besides, let's be honest...the biggest reason to lift a truck is to make it look cool.

That said, given your comment about easy loading and unloading, drop it. Go with someone subtle like a 2/4 Ground Force drop kit, and then some 22s and either 305/40/22s for wider and beefier looking tires. 305/45/22 will also fit, be slightly taller, and slightly skinnier.

AND, with the lowered truck you can enjoy the function of the vastly improved handling whenever you drive it... I've already had situations where I was able to thank Ground Force and Nitto for keeping my truck planted on all fours in a potentially dangerous maneuver.

 

You could add a leveling kit to the front and some 2" blocks to the rear from a 4x4. That will give you a little more room for some larger tires.

I have a used 2.5" autospring leveling kit and some 2" blocks w/ u-bolts from my 07 FX4 that only had 35 miles on them when I pulled them off. Let me know if your interested.

 

Spacer up front to level or spacer up front and Add a leaf in the rear w/ some bigger tires to get a tougher look without doing an actual lift kit.

 

Exactly. If you go this route you can fit 33's under your truck and it'll look good. My 2WD goes in for a 6" Fabtech lift on Thursday, can't wait. IMO lifted looks better than lowered. Your's has to be practicle for your son though so going this route is probably your best option.

 

Ok. So with a 2.5" leveling kit and 2" blocks in the rear, where would I end up...closer to the look of a 4WD model? under? higher? the same? I guess I should have mentioned tires too, but if I do lift it, then I would likely want to add a rim and tire combo for a tougher look. Any suggestions for that? Pics?

 

THe 4x4's are about 2 inches taller than the 4x2's. A 6 inch lift would allow you to fit 33's or 35's and would look great.

 

There are tons of wheel choices out there......sizes, black, chrome, polished. Mud or A/T tires. It's all about personal preference.

 

You would be pretty close to a stock 4x4. FX4's and lariat 4x's come stock with 275-65-18's on 18x7.5 wheels which is basically a 32" tire.