Semantics........

 

I don't understand a body lift. Seems like if you want to lift it, you would do a suspension lift. Just makes it harder to get into.

 

I'm going to paste a couple of articles from 4 Wheel and Offroad Magazine.

From the Februrary 2009 issue:

The new-style '04 Ford F-150 has big shoes to fill, since it's the 1/2-ton truck known as "the best-selling pickup truck in the world," but many of the new owners will find that the stock suspension and tires are just not high enough for their tastes. However, with the new Explorer Pro Comp 6-inch suspension lift and larger tires, a more aggressive look is available for those aiming to get their new Ford ready for some 1/2-ton hell-raisin'.

We're going to tell you flat out that lifting an IFS 1/2-ton truck will not make it the ultimate rockcrawler or desert racer, but you already knew that. But what it will do is give you clearance for a taller tire, which in turn will help you get a little bit further down your local trail, over some taller rocks, or through a deeper mud hole. Plus there is the fact, proven by our own 30 years of research, that a truck on bigger tires just plain looks better.

This kit from Pro Comp does require a fair bit of mechanical knowledge, but if you have a healthy toolbox, something to cut metal, a good set of jackstands, some buddies to lend you a hand, and a weekend, you should be able to install it in your driveway. We went to the Pro Comp research laboratory and watched the experts install it in half a day. They never needed a hammer for a single part of the install, which is proof that the kit was designed better than some suspensions we've tested.

The new Pro Comp 6-inch F-150 kit is a simple IFS lift kit that incorporates drop-down brackets for the lower A-arms, sway bar, and front axle, with taller spindles, coilover spacers, and lift blocks for the rear axle. We watched the Pro Comp techs install it in half a day, but the average home mechanic could do it over a weekend with some help.

Read more: http://www.4wheeloffroad.com/brandpa...#ixzz1OebSlzh1

Note the part that I highlighted.

Now, from the May, 2010 issue:

In this age of high-performance shocks, solid-axle conversions, and cutting-edge suspension systems it can be easy to overlook some of the more traditional ways to raise your 4x4. While advances in off-road technology are great, for many people these high-zoot components simply surpass their needs. For the average wheeler who's looking for a subtle boost and room for a larger set of tires, a body lift is an excellent and budget-friendly lift alternative.


Since the first body-on-frame constructed vehicle rolled onto the highway many moons ago, body lifts have been an active instrument in the automotive world. Used by OEMs to squeeze larger powertrains into existing vehicle models and by rockcrawlers to tuck their drivetrains up high for a flat underbelly, body lifts have definitely secured their place in the performance aftermarket.

While body lifts have a wide array of uses, the most basic is to raise the body of the vehicle 1-3 inches so that larger tires can be installed. One of the biggest advantages of equipping your rig with a body lift as opposed to a suspension lift is that a mild body lift allows you to raise the stance of the rig without modifying the suspension or drivetrain components. This means no changes in driveshaft or CV angles and no unique suspension parts to contend with.

To get a closer look at a modern body lift, we headed over to the 4Wheel Parts store in Van Nuys, California. We then followed along as the parts crew installed a 3-inch Performance Accessories body lift on an '06 Chevy 1500 4x4

Read more: http://www.4wheeloffroad.com/techart...#ixzz1Oed2XSCw

I don't mean to say that a body lift is superior to a suspension lift. Not at all. A high end suspension lift will provide superior performance both on and off road.

But the suspension companies have "raced to the bottom" by cutting the quality of their kits to make them as cheap as possible to attract the biggest share of the market, the budget shopper. They've lowered the bar to the point where the only positive attribute of the product is the ability to clear larger tires.

And where they have done a masterful job is in marketing. They have many people convinced that these budget kits are somehow delivering some kind of superior performance. You can get the same performance out of a leveling kit and a body lift as a "budget" priced suspension lift for half the cost.

 

I like it, sweet ride man!

 

Sweet! Its your truck, enjoy it. I'm thinking of a 3" BL for mine also, but I don't wheel it. Just for looks, personal preference.

 

Looks Good.

 

A body lift is a great way of gaining clearance without screwing up the factory suspension...
I personally have issues with a 3" body lift but thats besides the point.
I also have issues with screwing with a truck that is basically a factory ready race truck. :-/


For the hood, fenders, & grille off a Raptor, you will basically need to spend loads of money or commit to building a fake Raptor.
The hood fits right on but the body lines do not match over the top of the hood. The grille is different. Raptor has an arch
down the hood edges so it doesn't match up to the fenders. Then you need to replace fenders too. But then your non-Raptor
wheels are dwarfed inside the wheel well because Raptors have longer A-arms. If you do front fenders, you should do rear fenders.
etc etc. Don't do it because its a money pit.... Save your money and buy a real Raptor. :-)

 

Currently available from ...Tentatively available Nov'2014 (reference: Raptor Style Grille Kit for NORMAL F150) ...