Woh! Thats a lot of questions...ok.
First off, i say go with the 4x4...not that the 4x2's aren't capable of almost as much, but the 4x4s...trust me, you'll love it.
Second, in order to run 36's you'll need a 5" suspension...you could probably sneak by with a 4" and make adjustments, but a 5" will get you the 36s...Squanto's truck is running 36x14.5s with a 4" suspension and a 3" body...it looks really really nice.
I'd go with a Trailmaster, Rancho, Superlift, or RCD, they seem to be the most popular and well constructed of the ones on this board, and although some people have complaints, these 4 brands have the least. Installation is considerably more difficult than the 96 and previous models ( I believe) because the new trucks have torsion bars...i dont believe the old ones did...this new fangled IFS/Torsion Bar setup in the front can be kinda tricky but you'll find lots of people have still put the lifts on themselves...so, it is very possible for the mechanically inclined...
As far as engines...i'd say get the 5.4, and with 36s get the 4.56 gears front and back. That'll put you even or slightly above stock power and with the 5.4 you'll have lots of umph. Some people are running blocks in the rear, some are running add-a-leafs, and some are running a combo of like 3-4" block and an add-a-leaf. But axlewrap is not a word i see on this board often at all, so i think you are okay there. Oh and auto. transmissions are looking good...with the 5.4 4x4 (with tow pkge) you'll get the stronger 9.75 axle too, and a stronger,more towing sensitive transmission so thats a plus...anywayz, i think this answers most of your questions...feel free to email me...


------------------
-Brandon Warford
97 F150 4x4 Sport Brt. Red SuperCab
4.6l Triton V8
3.55LS Rear-end
MECHANICAL MODS:
3" Performance Acc. Body Lift & lift lips
1-1.5" torsion bar adjust. so it sits level
Clear Corner Lenses
315/75R16 Yoko. Geolander MTs
American Racing Atlas 16x10
True Dual Exhaust
--(2) 3 Chamber Flowmasters (Exits like the Lightning)
FUN MODS:
Pioneer 8000 3D series
Boston Acoustic 5x7s
Sony Xplode 4ch Amp
(2) 8" RF XLC Subs
Custom 4x4 Sticker
Viper Alarm
FUTURE MODS:
4.56 gears
Repaint around Headlights where clearcoat is coming off >=(
Fix ding in tailgate
Skidplate
New pinstripe
Heckethorn or Rancho Steering Stabilizer
Rancho RS9000 Shocks & Control System
Thats about it for now!
Check out my NEW WEBSITE:
****BigBadRed's Website****
Killintime4fun@aol.com
"F-150: The other woman!"

"...the road curves to the right and there are a lot of signs that say you cannot turn left...TURN LEFT."

[This message has been edited by BigBadRedLiftedFordMan (edited 04-10-2001).]

 

First off....Nice board and way cool rides! I currently have a '89 xcab 2wd ranger with 7" lift running on 33" tires. It's time to department with my ranger and move on to bigger and better things...Which leads me to where I am today. I am looking @ buying a 97+ x-cab f-150. I have not yet decided on 2x4 or 4x4. I am planning a 4" susp. lift along with a 3" b.l...I hope to run 36" tires. My questions in reference to susp. lifts....Who makes the best susp. lift for 2x4 and 4x4 fords? How difficult to install, compared to the old ford ('96-) is the lift?

Also what is the engine of choice? 4.6 or 5._? What is the tranny of choice? Those with automatics--any seriouse problems?

What form of lift are the majority running in the rear? Blocks, add a leafs or custom arched leaf springs? For those with blocks and add a leafs--have you noticed any axle wrap?

How does the driveline handle having 4" of susp. lift? Any vibrations or troubles with the driveshaft?

And last what gearing is recommended for 36" tires? Would 4.10 gears be ok for a daily driver/weekend offroader. I assume the v-8 would help compensate for some of the gearing..I prefer to achieve close to a stock ratio.

Thanks in advance for any and all information.

-jd

 

I'd go with the RCD 5" thats what I'm going with. If you want to get it go to www.central4wd.com they are selling me the RCD lift for $1390.00 compared to everywhere else at $1500.00 just call their 1-800 # and then ask if they can go lower than their price on the lift and they might. However, I'm also getting another lift so they might of given me the discount cuz of that but its worth a shot to try to get it cheaper.

------------------
1998 Ford F150 4x4 OFR
Moonlight Blue
Short Bed Flareside
Dual exhaust Staight Pipe
Hypertech Chip
Fiberglass Tonuea Cover

 

Thanks for the input guys!

I can't wait to get my truck and start working on it. I have read many previous post about how much lift is actually required to fit 36" tires and it seems to be atleast a 5" susp. lift and a 3"b.l......so the verdict is still out on the better susp. lift. I will continue to research and find the best lift suited to me. Anyway....here is a link to a pic of my old ranger....all she need to do is hang in there for a few more months....FYI its an '89 2wd Auto (A4ld) V6 (2.9)....210K miles and still going...no major engine or tranny work as of yet.....7" total lift and 33" tires on 15x8 wheels.

http://www.geocities.com/jdgarza_tx1/truck.html





[This message has been edited by jdgarza (edited 04-13-2001).]

 

how wide of 36" tire are you going to use? I know a buddy of mine had a 3" body and added 3/4 ton torsion bars (about 2" lift) and fit 36x14.5"ers well, so that adds up to about 5" of total lift and he was good. He took em off though because he didn't want to mess with re-gearing the truck and the 36s & 3.55 rear were kicking his butt in everything. Anywayz, my point is that you should be fine with only a 5" suspension to fit 36s...heck, i have a 3" body and 35s...if i messed with it enough, i could probably fit 36s on there...i also know a few people on here and in my town that have a 4" suspension +3" body and fit 39" tires, so i think you'd fine with just a 5" RCD lift...feel free to correct me though...hope this helps...


------------------
-Brandon Warford
97 F150 4x4 Sport Brt. Red SuperCab
4.6l Triton V8
3.55LS Rear-end
MECHANICAL MODS:
3" Performance Acc. Body Lift & lift lips
1-1.5" torsion bar adjust. so it sits level
Clear Corner Lenses
315/75R16 Yoko. Geolander MTs
American Racing Atlas 16x10
True Dual Exhaust
--(2) 3 Chamber Flowmasters (Exits like the Lightning)
FUN MODS:
Pioneer 8000 3D series
Boston Acoustic 5x7s
Sony Xplode 4ch Amp
(2) 8" RF XLC Subs
Custom 4x4 Sticker
Viper Alarm
FUTURE MODS:
4.56 gears
Repaint around Headlights where clearcoat is coming off >=(
Fix ding in tailgate
Skidplate
New pinstripe
Heckethorn or Rancho Steering Stabilizer
Rancho RS9000 Shocks & Control System
Thats about it for now!
Check out my NEW WEBSITE:
****BigBadRed's Website****
Killintime4fun@aol.com
"F-150: The other woman!"

"...the road curves to the right and there are a lot of signs that say you cannot turn left...TURN LEFT."