Any updates on this install? Id love to see if it is possible to use 4x4 shocks and coils to get an extra few inches with the 2.5 inch level kit up front. I am getting and add a leaf for the rear. I installed nitto 325/60/18s and would like a little more lift on my 4x2 without getting a $800 3 inch lift

 

Sorry guys, know I had promised doing this a few weeks ago. Been real busy and finally had the time to do the install today. I did not want to take it to anyone because if it did not work out, I would have had to pay double to remove it and redo with the 4x2 shocks.

Here goes.....before I disassembled anything I measured from the ground up to the lip of the fender. For the front I got 34" and the back was 37" high.

I took the 4x4 shocks that I bought and bolted the 2.5" spacer to it ( the actual height of it is 1 5/8". Now I know what Bill was referring to, fit was very tight and the upper swing arm rubbed against the spring. After you lower the truck , it is close but it does not rub. Now, the length of the 4x2 shock from ctr bolt to the top of the spring is only 5/8" shorter. The actual shock tube on the 4x4 shock is shorter than the 4x2's but with the extension added to the bottom, it ends up being 5/8" longer. Oh, you do have to pull the knuckle from the upper arm to get it in there.

The final height ended up being 39", so the lift was 5" from stock in the front. I also installed a new/shorter hanger in the back that increase the height to 38". Only added 1" to the height in the rear. I put a bubble level on the back and it was perfectly level. Kinda looks funny though, so I may try and find a 1" block to raise the rear a bit more.

The truck is a lot stiffer than when it had the 4x2 shocks. Feels great. I would definately recommend this install. No knocking or anything and now I have to look for some big tires to fill up all that space. The front install took about 3 hours and the back 1 hour. I had another person help me and we had air tools. Don't know how you would do the install without them.

Sorry I took so long, but at least it is now done.

 

What is very confusing is where did the 5" increase come from. This has been bothering me all afternoon. Based on my calculations, this is what was suppose to happen:

1 5/8" spacer was suppose to increase the height to 2 1/2".

The additional 5/8" due to the length of the shock was suppose to add approx. another 1".

Where did the additional 1 1/2" in lift come from?? Only answer I could come up with is that the 4x4 springs are much stiffer that the 4x2 and they did not compress because the 4x2 weights less in the front.

Anyone ????

 

Pics?

 

Camera went on the fritz a couple of weeks ago. Need to go and get another one. Hold on.

 

Ok I'm Confused. Answer This Question.
1. Your Saying That The Shock From A 4x4 Is 5/8" Tall Than The Shock For A 4x2.
I Was Looking To Just Raise The Front Of My 2005 Xlt Supercab About 1". So Could I Just Switch The Front Struts Out.

 

That is exactly correct. I cannot figure out where the additional height came from, it must be due to the lack of sag on the 4x4 struts. I love the feeling of the struts because they are noticably stiffer.

Well, I have lived almost a day with the lift and not sure I am going to keep it. Getting in and out of the truck is a major hassle. Wife is cussing that it is too difficult. In addition, I started hearing some noise coming from the area around the struts. Could only be either the upper arm knuckle or the sway bar link. Don't think it is due to rubbing though. I hear it particularly when taking a corner at full lock.

I think I may end up keeping the 4x4 struts and getting rid of the spacer. I hope someone else may be able to shed some more info on this.

Someone said that the 4x4 mounting point of the struts were 2" lower and that was where the lift from the 4x2 vs 4x4 came from. I don't think so because I have more than enough room to use a 3/8" ratchet to remove the 2 nuts for the top of the strut.

 

Take into account that not everyone can afford a 4x4. The cost of fuel, insurance, and the vehicle alone are expensive. If you live in Florida the cost of insurance is insanely high. Yeah I wanted a 4x4, yeah I could have afforded a 4x4, but I didn't want to pay double on almost everything that went along with having a 4x4.