It took from 0730 (12 Jan) to 0400 (13 Jan)! That’s right. Needless to say I won’t be doing that again anytime soon. Besides Ford having metric and US measuring system, running back and forth to Autozone, telling my buddy to follow Fabtech instructions (That alone cost a couple hours), looking for the damn correct socket (because we had them scattered all over the driveway), and having alignment off so bad, that my front tires look like I have had them for 1000 miles (because the toe is so bad the wheels look like Groucho Marx walks); it went great!

I thought the torsion bar was going to be the worst, but it was the damn outer tie rod. We couldn’t get that off to say our lives. Because of that I will have “another” friend come get me close to drivable as possible. Oh, it’s driveable, but trust me, I won’t go 5 feet until I get the tie rods out and new ones in to spec. (as close as possible.)

Any tips will be welcome.

I have new tie-rods waiting to be installed. The only reason we didn't was because we didn't have the correct size tool. (Ain't that a &%#@!!) I will get it this morning. I think I may have to cut the replacement tie-rods shorter inorder for the toe not to be so bad. At least it will get me to the shop.

Before:
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After:

 

It looks great! Sounds like it was a real pain, but it looks like it was worth it!!

 

Thanks.

And it was a pain. But well worth it in savings by DIY. Yeah, it's out of alignment but that will be fixed.

 

I was interested in getting the same exact lift for my truck. We have the same exact truck, but mines an 00'.

How much was it, and where did you get it? Is it worth instaling it yourself, or should I just fork over the dogh for a shop to do it. How much is it usually to get it done?

I am a pretty skilled mechanic, what special tools do you need to preform the installation?

Thanks

 

Do it yourself. I didn't know anything about what's underneath my truck, except for the tires, oil plug, and filter. The only special tools I used was a Torsion Bar Removal Tool (84.00 @etool.com)

It took me and my buddy 20 hours to install it. He knows more about vehicles than I do. But since you are a Mechanic...you are light years better off than we were. Good Luck.


Fabtech 6" from truckaddons.com $1500
Wheel and tires (Extreme Alloy Series 1069 BFG Mudders 315x75r16 $1250 4wheelparts.com

In my area the prices for installation are between $500 - $900. I am glad I chose to do it myself for a couple reasons:

1. I now know more about my truck and am capable of troubleshooting it.
2. I had to replace the lower control arm on both sides and both outer tie rod ends. I am pretty sure that the installers would have charged alot more.

 

How much is it to get your alignment for the wheeles?

 

$49. Fabtech provides a couple of the instructions in each kit. I suggest that you read them several times.

 

No welding or grinding/cutting required It deff seems like a 2 man job!

 

http://4wheelparts.com/4wp/packages/...rentPacID=126#

Whatcha think of that combo?

 

You will have to drill 4 holes though.

Those look tight! Why don't you go with 315/75r16?

 

Did u use a lift or do it in the garage?

 

We used floor jacks and stands; in the driveway.

I definitely reccommend that anyone who wants to put a lift on their truck; to do it yourself. It is very self-rewarding. You will even learn more about your truck, which will be helpful when you go 4wheeling and something mechanically goes wrong.

 

That's amazing looking, sweet ride and I bet it gets alotta looks. I know it was a pain, but I think your right, it is rewarding! I have had several project vehicles (3 Jeeps, (2) CJ7's and (1)CJ5, and an 88' Suzuki Samuria (6" of custom suspension lift w/ 33/12.50R15 Mickey's, I made myself, because I did it before Sammy's were all the rage, so their were no lift's out there) and my lastest project, my 2000 F150 4x4 XL ) and they all taught me something. That, and I'm really cheap when it comes to paying some dude 500plus dollars to slap on my lift. That's half the fun to see the finished product you built yourself!!!

2000 F150 XL 4x4 Standard Cab, Styleside Short Bed, Stock suspension w/ 285/75R16's, DeeZee Full Brush Guard(For Sale or trade for Prerunner Style, contact if interested at cibholder03@yahoo.com)[url]https://www.f150online.com/galleries/mygallery.cfm?gnum=

 

You are so right about the looks. I was not prepared as to how many looks and compliments that I have been receiving on my truck. But it definitely makes me feel good and thankful that I did it myself.

Thanks for the compliments.

 

Hi noirluispher:

Congratulations on your project.

If you remember, what's the size of the front axle nut?

I am getting all the tools needed to start my installation (Fabtech lift as well).

Thank you in advance for the response.