This is my current truck, a 2006 Ford F150 XLT 5.4 4x4 with ~43k Miles
The final goal of my project is to make a sleeper chase truck (functionality over flare) I thought I'd make a initial post to get some interest going on the forums.
My end result is intended to give my truck superior handling in the sand dunes, desert, and trails; however, still maintaining drive ability on road.
The first stage of the project should be completed by April.

My first step is going to be to replace the stock suspension system with some beefier parts.
I'm going with a Camburg Upper Control Arm
http://www.camburg.com/whats-new/per...-upper-arms-2/

King coil over shock kit. Remote res front coil overs and 2.5 inch rears w/ piggyback res.
http://www.4wheelparts.com/Lift-Kits...n=KST25001-178

A custom built set of leaf springs from National Spring of San Diego.
http://www.nationalsprings.com/products.html

I'm going to be mounting 4 Hella 500FF lights behind the front grill, similar to what other users on the forum.

Down the line I want to put a ARB Air-locker in the rear, so I'm going to go ahead and install a VIAIR system. In the mean time it will be useful because I can air down before driving in the sand dunes/desert.
http://www.viaircorp.com/OffRoad/10005.html

The 2.5 gallon air tank will be mounted in a tool box from UWS in the rear of the truck. Along with a jack/impact gun.
http://www.uwsta.com/products/produc...84445.0?pp=12&

I will be throwing some larger tires on down the line as well. The front coilovers will give an adjustable 1-3" of lift. I'm having the leafs built to maintain the stock ride height in the rear.
If the front is adjusted ~ 2" in the front the truck will be leveled out after all the parts are installed.




Current mods:

Airaid Cold Air intake

 

If you're putting that much money into such high quality suspension parts, why not lift it 6" or so? Not being critical, just curious

 

Thanks for checking my ride out MossyOak! The only benefit to going 6" for me would be clearing a larger tire. The majority of the "6" kits" out there are drop down brackets. The kits maintain the same stock suspension mounting angles , they just lower everything a couple inches depending on how much lift you want. So for the money I would be gaining no better ride quality, I'd just be stressing my front 4WD with the increased angle. My project is all about effectiveness for the cost. In the future, if I got more serious I'd spend the 1500-3000 the 6" lifts would have cost and put it towards a long travel kit.

 

You won't want to be getting rid of those king coilovers any time soon I wouldn't think. Those are so expensive. Are you putting 35s on it?

 

Right now I'm running BFG T/A's 265/70/17 (About a 31.5" tire) with only 10k miles on them. Not in too big of a hurry to get rid of them. The 2"-3" lift will not be able to clear a 35" Tire. I'll probably pick up a set of 33x11.50 tires down the road.

 

True, but lifting the front 2-3" with coilovers without the differential drop puts a lot of stress on the CV axles, especially if you are gonna be running the dunes. It also reduces downward wheel travel since your IFS is nearly maxed out with the 2-3" of crank.

Also, check with Camburg about using their UCAs with stock suspension. You may run into trouble with tire rubbing because the Camburgs are bigger than factory. I have larger spindles so mine sit high above the tire. Wonderful UCAs though, very effective and I love them.

 

Thanks for the input. The camburg UCA works with the stock suspension with wheels up to 5" backspacing. You are right about the stress on the CV's. What do you suggest, a 4" lift, then leave the coilovers at 0" lift?

 

Looks like fun enjoy.

 

looks awesome, this is pretty similar of what i want to do to my truck. i wanted the remote air, and was already looking at the same king shocks. also thinking about putting the banks power pack dual exit; and i also wanted to beef up my suspention and drive train. are you replacing the lower a-arms too?

 

No plans to replace the lower arm any time soon.
Shocks are in from King. As well as my lights and air system. I will install these over the weekend and get some more photos up.

 

 

For now I'd run those shocks maybe cranked up an inch, gives you a bit of lift but still allows for decent travel and not too much stress on the CVs. Later down the road if you really want to run the dunes hard, invest in a full long-travel IFS setup.

 

I'm with you here. I probably won't be doing a long travel while this is my daily driver. I ordered my national springs to ride stock height. With my toolbox in the back w/ the air tank,race jack, impact wrench, and my tools in there I bet it will sag 1-2". So with only 1" in the front my truck should be level.

 

The new shocks are installed, still working on the air system and lights. More pics sunday/monday

 

ground clearance is the main reason for lifting. dont want to bottom out with your chase rig. awesome shocks setup though