Well, I just got my Fabtech 3.5" lift kit for my '97 XLT 2wd ex.cab in today. I started reading the instructions and found that Fabtech doesn't recommend OEM wheels with the lift due to the backspacing. I was not told of this when I ordered the lift. Has anyone run OEM wheels with no problems? I don't want to buy new wheels, it took me long enough to get the lift...

 

I read that in Fabtech Catalog Too. Thats why I went with the Bullseye spindle lift first. I plan on getting new wheels any way, but I can use my factory rims if I want to. Fabtech's catalog says the rims can't have more than 4 1/2 inch backspacing. I don't know what the factory rims have. Let me know How it turn out.

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98 F150 2WD,Bright Red, Regular Cab, 4.2, 3.55, Superchip, 3 Inch Bullseye Lift Spindles, Manik Grill Guard,Nerf Bars, Vent Visors, Fog lights, Kc Lights, Alpine CD Player, 2 Kenwood Amps, Tinted Windows. And Coming Soon: 3&1/2 Inch Fabtech Lift Kit, 16x8 American Racing Baja Wheels Wrapped With 33's

 

I installed the lift and it clears the stock wheels by at least an inch during the entire travel of the suspension. I talked to Fabtech about this and they said that the backspacing warning was for the people combining the Bullseye spindles and the 3 1/2" lift. Guess I'll have to save for new wheels when I save for the spindle kit...

 

NO1TRUCK, I ALSO HAVE A 98 F-150 2WD AND HAVE MY FABTECH 31/2" SUSPENSION KIT SITTING HERE BEGGING TO GO ON. THE ONLY PROBLEM IS THIS:: IN THE FABTECH INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE CONTROL ARM KIT IT SAYS THAT YOU MUST HAVE THE ADJUSTABLE "D"BOLT ON THE REAR ARM OF THE UPPER CONTROL ARM SO YOU CAN USE THE ECCENTRIC CAMS THE KIT COMS WITH. I CALLED FORD AND THEY SAID ALL 98 2WD CAME WITH THEM BUT FABTECH DISAGREES. DID YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WHEN YOU PUT YOUR UPPER CONTROL ARMS ON? WAS IT THE "D" BOLT OR DO I NEED TO PURCHASE THESE ALSO. PLEASE RESPOND SOON, WANNA GET TO WORK!! THANKS PHIL

 

HEY GUYS FORGET MY LAST EMAIL, I STARTED INSTALLING MY LIFT AT 8:00 THIS MORNING AND FINISHED IT AT 6:00 THIS AFTERNOON. THE ONLY THING WAS, I DID NOT HAVE THE D BOLTS IT CALLED FOR SO I HAD TO ORDER THEM FROM FABTECH, THEY'LL BE IN ON WED. NOTHING MAJOR THOUGH, QUICK INSTALL THEN OFF TO THE ALIGNMENT SHOP. WHAT AN EASY LIFT, I CAN'T WAIT TO GET A PICTURE ON THE GALLERY PAGE. IF YOU GUYS HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ON THIS PLEASE LET ME KNOW, I WILL DO WHATEVER I CAN TO HELP, LATER, PHIL

[This message has been edited by PHINICEM (edited 08-06-1999).]

 

I would like to get the FabTech 3.5" kit. How much were they?
How does the truck ride compared to stock..
-on the freeway???
-on the trails???

Are there any special tools needed?

 

Hey DrD, No special tools needed, but before you start you need to make sure your truck has "d bolts" on the upper control arms (where they mount to the frame). I didn't have them and I had to order them from Fabtech which was an extra $50. The only thing is is that they are a little short and the nut doesn't go all the way on the bolt. I have them torqued down pretty tight but I am going to check with my local Ford Dealership and see if I can order the factory D bolts. Maybe they are longer. As far as the ride, I have BFG MT's on my truck so I kissed my smooth ride away but it's a truck so.... It handles the same, little less turning radius, but other than that I couldn't be happier. Took me and my buddy about 8 hours from start to finish. Just be careful on the coil springs, little tricky. I bought mine from 4Wheel Parts Wholesalers for $700, Fabtech sells it for $800. take care, Phil

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98 F150 XLT 2WD; 31/2" FABTECH SUSPENSION WITH 33X12.5/16.5 BFG M/T ON WELD SCORPIO V 16.5X8.25; K&N GEN II;HERCULINER BED COATING; AND COMING SOON: SUPER CHIP AND CAT BACK EXHUAST SYSTEM.


[This message has been edited by PHINICEM (edited 08-24-1999).]

 

I NEED SOME HELP. I JUST INSTALLED A 2'' LEVELING KIT FROM FABTECH ON MY 2WD F150. I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP TO BE ALIGNED AND THEY TOLD ME I NEEDED EXCENTRIC CAM BOLTS IN ORDER TO ALIGN IT. I GOT THE BOLTS I TOOK THEM TO THE SHOP, BUT TONIGHT WHEN I WENT TO PICK UP MY TRUCK I WAS INFORMED THAT EVEN WITH THE FRONT CAM BOLTS THEY COULD NOT BRING THE TRUCK TO ALIGN. IF ANY OF YOU GUYS KNOWS WHAT I NEED OR HAVE EXPERIENCED SOMETHING SIMILAR, PLEASE, HELP ME UNDERSTAND WHAT IS GOING ON HERE. THANK YOU.

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99 xlt sc,4.6 2w.d.,gibson catback,superchip,airaid,rsx shocks,hellwig sway bar(soon to be removed),3" front lift.

[This message has been edited by veloci (edited 08-24-1999).]

 

The bolts from Fabtech were $50? that's pretty good- The Ford factory bolts cost $17.50 apiece. With tax, it came to about $80. My '97 didn't have the bolts, and I went to the dealership to check on what models had them- It seemed to be random, one particular year and style had one, and the next one of the same year and style didn't.

 

Veloci,

I have heard of the alignment problems with the 2" leveling kit. It tops the stock upper A-arms out, making the truck impossible to align correctly. The problem is mostly with the lighter regular cabs, although I have heard complaints even with the supercabs. My advice is to go with the 3 1/2" lift- I have had no alignment problems at all. Perhaps the Fabtech A-arms will help.