Please help me out...I am torn on whether to go with fabtech or rancho for a 3-4" lift on my 2WD F-150! The lifts use different techniques, fabtech uses control arms and springs, whereas rancho uses spindles, lower control arm drop, and springs, plus a new subframe and brake lines. I was talking to this guy at the "pacific 4 wheel drive" shop and I was asking him about the rancho 4" lift. He said that I don't want that for my 2WD because it utilizes a "lower control arm drop" and that the rancho kit is overpriced and fabtech is the way to go. First, what is a lower control arm drop? I was leaning towards the rancho kit because I didnt want to change out the control arms and change the truck's suspension angles etc...but now I'm confused! Any help would be greatly appriciated!!!
Thanks,

Chris


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1998 F-150 Standard Cab/Long Bed 4.2L V6

• Towing Package
• Rhino Bedliner
• 3.55 Gears
• Custom Graphics w/ Limo Tint
• Pioneer P-6000 Head Unit
• 4 Pioneer 3-Way 6x9's
• 800 watt Pioneer Amp
• 2 12" Pioneer Subwoofers
• PIAA High-Intensity Driving Lights mounted in bumper

 

if you put on a lower control arm drop, you are going to still be changing a control arm because you will still have to take it off. I have the fabtech kit and it was very easy to install and I thought it was very good. I really didn't look into the rancho kit just because of the cost. The ride is great and it shure is fun hitting big bumps on the trail and getting into the air and not bottoming out! Here are some pics of my truck with the fabtech 3.5" lift and 3" body lift.




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99 black f150 4x2 ext. cab sport w/4.6 V8. external mods. include:
3" body lift, airaid FIPK, JBA headers, Superchip headlight/taillight covers, wiper schroud, shadeblade, ventshade, bug deflector, bed liner, tonno cover, and Flowmaster Amarican Thunder cat-back system.
internal mods. include:
Pioneer indash cdplayer, 2 8" MTX subs, 400 watt amp, remote start, and aftermarket alarm

 

MX, what you should do depends on what you want out of your truck. If you just want a little bit higher stance, a 3in. body lift is very economical and should allow you to easily clear a 295 tire. I personally don't like the look of them or the higher center of gravity it gives to a truck. As you can see I have both the a-arms and lift springs, as well as the 3in. lift spindles(commonly sold by Bullseye or Fabtech after they've been powder coated blue) The springs are what lift the truck, and the new upper a-arm which is longer, is to correct the geometry and bring the top of the wheel out again. These are the best for bolt on offroad performance, but the ride is stiffer than stock being that a taller spring is a stiffer spring. Lastly, a 3in. lift spindle basically will keep the factory ride and handling characteristics. All it does is move the wheel down, therefore raising the truck. But all the suspension geometry stays the same. I got my upper arms and coil springs from California Supertrucks in San Bernardino. I believe their quality and balljoints in the kit are much better than Fabtechs. Whatever you do, have fun with your higher truck. Sorry for the long post, but I know you guys love em.
Rage

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97 F150 4.6 XLT, Ext. Cab,Black/Grey, 6in. lift w/spindles and A-arms, Am. Racing 'Baja' wheels w/Goodyear 305's,Dynomax cutoff,Speed Grille,Pioneer deck and changer

 

I appriciate the replies, that helps out alot! If anyone else has an opinion I'd love to hear from you!!!

Chris

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1998 F-150 Standard Cab/Long Bed 4.2L V6

• Towing Package
• Rhino Bedliner
• 3.55 Gears
• Custom Graphics w/ Limo Tint
• Pioneer P-6000 Head Unit
• 4 Pioneer 3-Way 6x9's
• 800 watt Pioneer Amp
• 2 12" Pioneer Subwoofers
• PIAA High-Intensity Driving Lights mounted in bumper

 

FORDMX. I HAVE 6" LIFT ON MY 2000 F150 WITH 33"PROCOMPS. IT SIT 3 TO 4 INCHES TALLER THAN A STOCK 4X4. IT RIDES FINE AND LOOKS COOL. PLUS YOU DO NOT WANT TO GET RANCHO BECAUSE YOU WANT TO HAVE CLEARANCE .

 

fordmx
I had to choose between Rancho and Fabtech as well. I have a 4x2 01 Supercrew and was looking to lift about 4-6 inches. I went with the Fabtech lift for a couple of reasons.
One, Fabtech has been making lifts for 2wheel drives longer than Rancho.
Two, you're basically changing the upper a-arm and spring. Where as the Rancho is adding another component, the drop bracket. By adding another part you are adding something else that can break or become loose. (Also I thought Ranchos lift dropped the upper a-arm not the lower. Any one know for sure, feel free to jump in.)
Third would be the price. The Rancho is a bit more expensive. The bottom line,like Roadrage said, is your preference.
I'm sure both are fine products, go with the one that works for you.