That all depends on what your definition of cheap is.

OEM 2wd take-off shocks $170 f/r sets
2wd u-bolts $40 set of 4
drop shackles $60 pair

Roughly $270 for everything using OEM 2wd shocks

If he wants to use 2wd Bilstien shocks, figure on $400-450 for everything, the going rate for bilstiens are in the $300-350 range for a set of 4.

Just checked eshocks and the bilstiens are $310 for the set of 4, here is the link

http://www.eshocks.com/bil_Ind.asp?V...ubChar=Q&Spec=

 

Glad someone knows how I feel. I read your thread. You did it all, Planned the mod, did it yourself, reported progress with pictures, and defending your wife and your plan the whole way. I on the other hand am waffling like Bret Favre at a press conference.

I know I don't want to do the drop shackles, but the rest looks great.

If I just pull the rear blocks out, do you think I'll be level?

 

Tylus,

I'm thinking of 4 2wd Bilstein shocks and u-bolts. Replace the u-bolts in the rear and replace all 4 shock at the 2wd level.

Problem is, one thing I learned about redfx04's thread is I need to think about the step bars and 4x4 sticker.

If I get the bilstein 5100 series shocks, will they work for both 4x2 and 4x4? If that's the case, then I'll just put them on as it is, and think about it.

I don't know what this means: "This is a set of 4 New Bilstein 5100 Series Monotube Gas Shocks for the 04-08 Ford F-150 4x4. Designed for stock height or to level the front of these trucks. The fronts are zinc-plated and install like factory replacement shocks and are designed to correct the factory rake. The OEM spring seat can be positioned to provide no front lift or provide 2" of front lift (the front shock has 2 spring seat settings). The result is a level front to rear ride height. An extremely simple and effective solution, offering increased wheel travel while accommodating a 33" tire. (2) front and (2) rear. Front coil springs are retained. "

 

Here is a pic of mine with just the rear blocks out, long before I lowered it even more.



It's not perfectly level, but it is close. Within a half inch.

 

Good point. I wanted a Lariat, so it was going to be 18 or 20" rims either way, but the smallest stock 17" tire is only 30", 235/70/17. Those come on the XL, so maybe that is not reasonable. More reasonable is the 255/70/17 at 31.1".

 

Yes, and the new shocks are what really matter most. Plus, if I tell you the real truth, it may be more because I may pay to have all this done now that we are talking about unbolting the rear axle.

 

That's perfect! I like the back up a little, that way it evens out with a load. That's my perception of leveling.

 

You shouldn't have to pay anyone to pull your rear blocks. All you need is a 21mm or 13/16 deep socket and a floor jack.

1. park truck on level ground, block front wheels, leave truck in neutral.
2. crawl under rear of truck and remove all 8 nuts and 4 ubolts from axle.
3. jack up one side of truck until the leaf spring lifts off the axle, pull out block.
4. SLOWLY lower truck until spring touches axle, rock tire back and forth until pins on spring drop into holes on the spring perch (that's why the truck is left in neutral) then lower truck completly.
5. repeat steps 3 & 4 on other side.
6. crawl under truck again and install shorter 2wd u-bolts and reuse the 8 nuts from before.
7. your done, have a beer.


here is a pic of my truck as delivered, the day I brought it home. You can see how high the back was before I pulled the blocks.

 

Wow, It's that easy. I have all the tools. Thanks dude.

 

either pull the block or run a drop shackle... not that difficult.. im not sur ehow the shocks will run but get another set of shocks to mach the 2" lower. It shouldnt run you more than $200.

 

my method is only to remove the rear block...aka $40 for the u-bolts according to your list.

the stock rear shock should have plenty of travel for this to occur. so how is my way not cheaper? I applaud what you have done with your truck, but it appears he want to acheive the leveled look by only removing the rear blocks.

$40 is cheaper than $270 (2wd stuff) IMO

 

I would try the blocks first and see how that does. Do not get the 255/70/17 tires, that's what came OEM on my truck and I stuck a piece of steel in the sidewall so one had to be replaced. It is a very limited size and if I remember right General Ameritrac is the only one availiable and it is not a very good tire and cost around $180 each.

 

Your right, it is cheaper. But at the time I wrote that post, I thought he wanted to do more than just pull the blocks. If he is only pulling the rear blocks, then the stock 4x4 rear shocks are fine. I've gone even lower and I still have the 4x4 rears and they don't bottom out.

 

Thanks, that's good to know.

 

That's good to know.

My hesitation now is what after market shock to buy. Before I spend the big bucks on new shocks I better be sure I know what I want.