I am planning on lifting my truck 6-7" in the next few months. After a 4" suspension lift,
what would be the best options for gaining 2-3"? Which option would have the least affect on the ride? Also, when lifting the rear are blocks better than add-a-leaf for handling?

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'98 Ford F-150 S/C ORP
4.6L, 3.55LS, AT,
Teal with silver two-tone
Delta Flow 40-Series Flowmaster with dual rear exit. Hypertech Power Programmer.

 

BIG D 98,

So far, the companies available to us only offer a 4" sus lift (TM, SL, Rancho, PC, Warn). Superlift does offers a 5" lift, but I haven't called them to ask how they get that extra inch, yet.

To get another 2 or 3 inches, that don't sacrifice any more ride quality after you've done the sus lift, a body lift is very popular. This utilizes 2 or 3" plastic or aluminum spacers between the body and frame (at each existing body mount location. be aware of extra mods to the steering arm/tranny shift lever/4x4 shift lever/ brake lines/exhaust) to obtain the added height. I would not reccommend tightening the torsion bars any more than one inch (as I'm sure everyone's getting tired of me rag on about).

When lifting the rear, for *ride*, blocks may be used to retain the factory comfort. With just a 4" sus lift, the lift company may only offer 2" blocks in the rear (w/a full 4" IFS lift for the front)(the front is usually lower than the rear) because they assume you can only go w/35" or less size tires. Full size leafs that came in a truck w/V-8's would be ok to handle the new torque characteristics from the (moderately) taller tires. But since you want more clearance, I'll assume you are wanting taller than 35" tires. So, if the company has an option for add a leafs or new leafs, opt for the new leafs (a little more $$$, but worth it) because the stock leafs probably couldn't handle all the torque w/the (very) tall tires (off-road, highway...maybe they can).

If you have a heavy foot, and since you do have a V-8, you will induce "wheel hop." Leafs do not like this, nor does the U-bolts, U-joint, driveshaft, etc. The new leaves will be stiffer (comes with the "bigger" addiction), but tougher to handle bigger meats.

As far as *handling*, again, go with the add a leafs or new leafs. With the blocks, you're leafs aren't in direct connection with the axle. But with only 2" blocks, it's hard to say that handling will be sacrificed *severly*. But if you haul pallets of roof shingles, gravel, i.e. heavy loads in your bed, or with a trailer, you will notice differences w/new leafs vs. lift blocks.

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1999 Red F150 4x4 5.4L XLT X-Cab
Towing Package
Corporate 9.75 Rear Axle, 3.55 Limited Slip
Corporate 8.8 Front Axle, 3.55 Open
K&N Generation II
Jet Chip
32x11.50 Super Swamper SSR
coming soon
Gibson Headers
40-Series Flomaster exhaust

 

This is to RedBullSr, I just wanted to let you know that since I've done research upon research on lift kits for 4x4's that all Superlift uses to gain the extra inch is cranking the torsion bars. They recommend getting aftermarket torsion bars if you crank them because the factory ones will sag after a while, thus causing you to lose some height.

 

I don't plan on running anything taller than a 35" tire. I primarily drive a lot of highway back and forth to school, but during the winter I using the 4x4 3 or more days a week. I want the additional clearance because IMO 35" seem to be squished under the truck with a 4" susp. lift. I don't haul any heavy loads, so I'm looking for a balance of ride quality and handling. So this appears to mean purchasing a kit with 2" blocks is better than a kit with add-a-leaf.

Are there more extra mods to do with a 3" body lift vs. a 2" body lift? I have the electric shift 4x4, so are there mods to do for that?

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'98 Ford F-150 S/C ORP
4.6L, 3.55LS, AT,
Teal with silver two-tone
Delta Flow 40-Series Flowmaster with dual rear exit. Hypertech Power Programmer.

 

Big D
There's no mods to be done on the electronic 4x4. Ensure that you check all body lift bolts after a few months. Also check the steering shaft extension, it loosened on me a couple times.

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Y2K, 5.4L, Black, Lariat Super Cab w/all options, 35" BFG MT's w/ 16.5" by 9.75" Eagle Alloys, 3" Performance Accessories Body Lift, Smitty Built Stainless Step Bars, Hellwig Anti Sway Bar, Hellwig LP 25 Overload Springs,K&N FIPK, Super Chip, Flowmaster Catback, Brahma Camper Top, Herculiner Bed Liner, Rancho Dual Steering Stabilizers


Waiting for Pro Comp Suspension Lift Production Fall/2000

 

sdiesel316,

Really? So that's why the price doesn't change for the 5" lift from the 4"? Maybe you can answer this: What if the sagging of the stock torsion bars is due from the taller tires. Does Ford know the torsion bars loose their tension after tightening them up for one more inch after stock? Because they have stated that they are "height adjustable." I think, for some people, that do have the Superlift 5" sus lift w/33 or taller tires and stock TBars, they drive and pounce hard on those HEAVY tires... causing the sagging of the torsion bars. Maybe because the stock torsion bars aren't designed to withstand such abuse... hopefully. Because I will be tightening my STOCK torsion bars up for the extra inch soon, but w/the same size tires I have now.. 32's. Thanks for the info on the 5" lift.

 

Y2K Hawaiian Lariat,

Do your 35" BFG MT's w/ 16.5" by 9.75" Eagle Alloys fit well with only a 3" body lift? I am considering the same setup. Do they rub on the rear of the front fenders? I know that I will have to trim the front valance. Also, did you crank your torsion bars? Is Eagle Alloy making the 16.5x9.75 with the 5x135 bolt pattern now? What style of wheels do you have?

I'd appriciate any advise that you could get me.

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1997 F-150 Lariat ORP ext
cab 4.6 auto, 3" body
lift, westen nerf bars,
tube bed rails, custom
dual exaust w/ 3.5" X 24"
ss tips



[This message has been edited by cpdice (edited 08-11-2000).]

 

Hey guys, well I can say that with a 4" lift, the 35's fit great, with no trimming needed. I don't think they look squeezed in the wheel wells at all. If you have any ?'s, feel free to ask.

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98 F150 4x4 ORP 5.4L Super Cab XLT, Loaded. 4" Trailmaster Suspension Lift, 35x12.50x16.5 BFG Mud Terrains, 16.5 x 9.75 Weld Racing Super Single II wheels, Stull Billet Grill and Bumper Insert, Billet Antenna, Ford Bug Guard, Custom Dual 40 series Flowmaster Exhaust out the back, Airaid FIPK, Super Chip,Tinted Windows, Ford Racing decal on Rear Slider, Ford Motorsport License Plate Frame, and a Ford Hitch Cover to top it off!

 

Z71killer,

What was the method Trailmaster used to lift the IFS (i.e. brackets, spindles, new TBars, blocks, springs)? Did you do research on the lift? Why did you choose it other than Pro-Comp, Rancho, or the others? It (the TM 4" lift) was reccomended by a Ford magazine.

 

Hey Z71killer, I'm thinking about the same setup. Could you post some pics of your truck with the lift? Thanks.

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1997 Ford F-150 XLT 4x4 extended cab short bed
Options: Off Road package, Towing package, 4.6L V8, Captain's chairs, LS rear axle, green with two tone tan
Modifications: Westin Brushguard
Pioneer Premier cassette receiver with 6-disc CD changer
Goodyear Wrangler AT/S
Future mods: Superchip
Nerf bars(Manik or Warn)
Spray-in-bedliner
KC Daylighters
Winch(Ramsey or Warn)with hidden mount
Trailmaster 4" Lift Kit
35" BFGoodrich tires
Dual exhaust(Borla or K&N)
Next Generation K&N II Kit
Custom hood with air intake
Seat covers(water proof)

 

Does anyone know if stronger aftermarket torsion bars are available?

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1999 F150 4x4 sport package,4.2 V6
planning lots of mods

 

cpdice
I cranked the torsion bars four full turns to raise the front end a little, about an inch. It doesn't rub on the rear of the front fenders either. I have the 589's eagle alloys with a 5x135 pattern. I purchased it as a wheel and tire package from four wheel parts wholesalers. I offroad when I go fishing trough lava fields with no problems. I'm still researching on which suspension lift will be sufficient for my needs.

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Y2K, 5.4L, Black, Lariat Super Cab w/all options, 35" BFG MT's w/ 16.5" by 9.75" Eagle Alloys, 3" Performance Accessories Body Lift, Smitty Built Stainless Step Bars, Hellwig Anti Sway Bar, Hellwig LP 25 Overload Springs,K&N FIPK, Super Chip, Flowmaster Catback, Brahma Camper Top, Herculiner Bed Liner, Rancho Dual Steering Stabilizers


Waiting for Pro Comp Suspension Lift Production Fall/2000

 

I'm really not too sure about how new lifted spindles effect the drivetrain, but this site (Fourwheel Parts Wholesalers) will help you understand how each coompany lifts each vehicle (spindles, knuckles, crossmember assembly, steering fix) http://www.4wheelparts.com/category....AKHLV8EBES75A9

 

Hey Y2KHawaiianLariat, first of all do you have any pics of your current setup? Secondly at the bottom of your post where you say, "Waiting for ProComp Suspension Lift Production Fall/200" What do you mean by that? I thought Pro Comp already has a suspension lift out on the market. Or is the one you're waiting on a 6" one or something?

 

Y2K Hawaiian Lariat,

Did you have to do a realignment after cranking the T Bar bolt?

I spoke with someone at the Ford auto shop and explained that I want a level 4x4. I said, "Even with a load, the *** is still in the air." The Ford guy said, "I'd only do TWO FULL TURNS. That will give you about half an inch. And you won't need to bring it in." I said, "Well, what about an inch? I'd like to have it level." They said, "You probably won't hurt anything, but you may need to bring it in for a realignment if you do FOUR TURNS."

Just last night, I turned my adjuster bolt for the torsion bars TWO FULL TURNS and gained approximately ONE INCH. What's goin on here? The ride is a little stiffer, but handling is surely increased. I got it up to about 70 on a back road (paved, but still has earth problems). Before, it used to wander over imperfections. Now, the tires just hug the road. Oolalaa.

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1999 Red F150 4x4 5.4L XLT X-Cab
Towing Pkg, Corporate 9.75 Rear Axle, 3.55 LS, Corporate 8.8 Front Axle, 3.55 Open, K&N Generation II, JET Chip 32x11.50 Super Swamper SSR
-coming soon
JBA Headers, 40-Series Flomaster exhaust