Hey all - I have some questions about lifting my truck and making sure I do the right stuff - because I don't want problems to come up in the future where I am told - well if you would have done this or you should have done that type scenerios. Truck details: 2003 F150 Screw Lariat FX4. I am new to the "lifted truck scene" so I am hoping that you all can help with some decisions that I need to make. I have been doing a lot of reading in this forum but now it is time that I ask some questions.

1. I was reading that the Fabtech 6" lift kit is the best for the Ford Screw - is this true? What about the Fabtech shocks? I was reading other posts that was saying the Bilsteins are the best to go with but since I am going to be driving on the road most of the time, will the Fabtech shocks be good enough? If not what other shocks would you suggest? Or is it best that I spend the extra $200 on the Bilsteins?

2. I was thinking about going with the ProComp Extreme A/T tires (35x13.50x18) - does anyone know anything about these tires. Do they last? Are they a good tire? Are they bad for road noise - I don't want to deafen the people that are riding with me? Any information will be much appreciated. Also, the reason why I chose this tire is because I liked the tread pattern and because the guy at the shop told me that they would last 60k miles or more - so tread wear is really good.

3. I was thinking about going with the ProComp 6001 series rims - 18x9.5 - does anyone know anything or have opinions about ProComp rims? Of course I want something that will be strong for those off-roading trips. Backspacing is 4.5" - will this combination of tires and rims make my truck look more like a huge skateboard or will this give the truck a nice stance?

4. Also I have been reading where changing out the gears is essential - the guy at the shop said that they usually suggest that new lift owners drive their trucks for a while to determine if they think it needs new gears. He also said a couple of months wouldn't hurt the tranny or diffs - is this true? Is this something I can get done in 2 months or so or is it absolutely necessary that I get it done when I get the lift?

5. Is there any safety concerns that I need to know about - like will the truck be less stable or feel like it is going to flip at every turn? Again the guy at the shop said that it would actually feel safer, handle better and perform better than it does stock - but I want your opinion.

As far as in cost I was quoted today (and got the quote in a fax) that for the fabtech 6" lift, rims, tires, dual steering stabilizers, installation of the kit, new alignment, M&B of tires and chrome lugs and add-a-leaf's will cost $4800 including tax - out the door. Does that sound like a good deal?

And last but not least, what about re-calibrating the speedometer? I was reading where the SuperChips was great for doing this as well as giving better gas mileage, more hp and more torque. Does anyone here have any experience with this programmer?

Sorry I wrote so much but I like I have said I have read a lot in these forums and now I just want to get some help for myself. Is there anything that I should ask the shop that will be doing the work? Is there anything that I should think about - like what about axle strength or anything else? Is there anything I should know or expect once the truck is lifted? Any and all help will be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

 

You sound like you've done a lot of research and are right on track. The Fabtech and RCD lifts are probably the two best and will allow you to fit the wheel/ tire combo you are looking at. The new Pro Comp Xtreme AT's are getting good reviews. Regearing is always a good idea, but whether or not it's absolutely necessary will depend on your powertrain. If you have the 5.4 engine and 3.73 gears, you may be perfectly happy. Any other combo and you will probably want to regear.

 

Thanks wandell for your response. I have done a lot of research and reading the forums here have been real helpful.

I guess one of my main concerns is the safety of the truck afterwards. Is there anything that I should think about that comes to mind? I have ridden in lifted trucks but never drove one.

Also, do you think the wheel/tire combo will stick out too far making the truck look awkward?

 

No, those wheels won't stick out too far. I have 10 inch wide wheels with 4.5 inches of backspacing and they are just about even with the edge of the fender flares.

 

I came to a lifted truck from driving an Intrepid that could take corners at like30 with no problems. With my truck, I feel safe taking turns going 15-20 even on some. it does not feel unstable at all. As far as regearing goes, you will lose some low end and like wandell already said, if you have any other combo than the 5.4/3.73 then you may be real lacking after this lift. What gears do you currently have? they will help your low end and help some with the drop in gas mileage you will probably see. With my truck, I am averaging about 12-13 miles/gallon with a v6 and 3.55 gears. That is pretty good considering there are guys stock with 14-15 mpg.

 

Well I called the dealership, gave them my VIN and found out that the gears are 3.73. For now I guess I will stick with those and make a determination as to whether or not I will need to get new gears. The guys that are putting on the lift said that with the 5.4/3.73 setup I shouldn't have any problems but if I want them to change the gears then they would.

Thanks slimshady0479 and wandell for your input on my questions.

The truck is going in to get the lift on Mar 27th and should be finished with everything on the 29th - I am really looking forward to getting it done. I have already ordered the kit and the Pro Comp wheels and Pro Comp tires...I hope they look good on the truck.

I will be taking before and after pics and then I will post them if y'all are interested!

 

Oh yeah, we wanna see pics!!

 

Hey i have a 2005 150 with the leveling kit and 285/70/17 bf all terrain. i test fitted a 315 bf all terrain and it will only rub a little on the lower control arm on a tight turn bc of the tread on the sidewall but it will wear down.