Got my starting problem fixed. Bogus Ford in McAllen Texas (yes it's really the name) fixed it 80/20 out of warranty for $43, new starter, solenoid, relay and labor included.

Now my question. a shop here in town will 2/3 lower my 99 L for $550 alighnment bolts included. This is a spring change and shackle job, parts and labor.

Any words of advice?

 

That is a fair price if good parts are used. Coil springs up front are about $115.00, Shackles for the rear $45.00 plus shipping. Alignment cams $16.95 per side. Total for parts = 193.90 plus shipping.

However, I do not think you will get 2 inches in the front with just a coil spring change. The 99 L is already 1 inch lower in the front than a stock F-150. So if the coils being used are rated based on that comparison they are only going to give you one inch of drop. A two inch drop with only coils in the front of the L is going to cause a bump stop issue also. For more than 1 inch I would suggest lower control arms and coils. Also, 3 inches in the rear with just a shackle change is unlikely. Probably will give you 2 inches since your truck is already lower than the stock 150 in the rear also. Be sure that the install includes a pinion adjusting shim inserted between the axle and leaf spring in the rear this is very important to prevent excessive pinion wear. If you want to spend the money for labor for a modest 1/2 drop then its probably an OK deal. Some manufacturers and installers are not aware of the lightning's stock height being different and do not rate the drop correctly, so check this out with the shop in question. The shackles are a really, really easy do it yourself mod. The coils are a little more difficult but can be done without any special tools. Find some help and do it yourself and save $$$

 

I might be wrong.... but i think you will get the full advertised drop in the back. because the back is lowered with springs from the factory and most kits lower with shackels/hangers. and the front you have too subtract an inch... because it is lowered factory with springs and then you lower it again with springs.... so, a 2/4 drop would actually be 1/4.. i dont know if this is right, but it seems to be my understanding. let me know.

-steve

 

Yep the jury is still out, If was home I'd do it all myself but I'm on the road. Not sure I trust the shop I'm dealing with, so I plan on interviewing them alittle more.

I really don't want a low rider, so maybe the minimal drop will be ok, don't know about the bump stop issues though. That scares me.

 

You can safely lower the front 2" without bumpstop issues. I've done it. It is critical, though, that you correct your endllink length, and get good shocks (the '01 replacement Bilstiens are good for this amount of drop). The rear drop will be slightly less than advertised. I would stick with a 3-4" drop in the rear.

Hope this helps. . .

WrongdayJ