I just bought a 2005 Ford F150 XLT Supercrew and I want to lift it. It came with the 4.6 V8 so I know I can't go too big. I was wondering if anyone out there has or had the same situation. I was searching through the forums and saw talk of regearing. If you lift your truck with a smaller V8 why regear? so you can turn the larger tires. If I dont regear will I blow my rear end or damage the tranny? What about comboing a body lift with a spacer/leveling lift?

 

You'll notice decreased acceleration, worse mileage, and faster trans wear. If you stay reasonable on size, you shouldn't have too many issues, other than the acceleration.

Regearing helps transmit torque better. The easy way to look at it is the rear end is a torque multiplier - I'm using the follow numbers as an illustration, it's more complicated than this...

start with 200 ft lbs of torque

3.0 rear gets you to 600 ft lbs
4.0 gets you to 800
5.0 gets you to 1000

There are trade offs if you go too far one way or the other - higher numerical gear worse mileage (typically), but better acceleration.

If you look at a gearing chart and go to something one step higher than stock (to make up for extra unsprung weight) you will be close to stock acceleration.

If all you are looking for is the "look", leveling and or body lifts (I personally don't like either) will allow for larger tires. Again, keep the tire diameter down to maintain performance. You can probably go to a 33" and not notice too much of an issue.

 

I think you will be fine if you stick with 33's.

 

from a person who has been there. if 35s are on your mind go with them. I start out with 33s and was happy for about 2 months. sat around for another 2 to 3 reading and learning. I have a 6inch lift with 35s with a spacer on top of that. my truck acceleration isnt what it was but i'll fix that this summer. also my gas mileaage hasn't change. my tank still lasts me the whole week doing the same driving.

 

I def want 35's, I was up at Westover Airforce base today and a white late 90's early 2000's f150 pulled in with a pro comp lift kit, 17" rims and 35" mudders. It looked awesome and def made up my mind. I dont have the cash to get a 6" lift but I am thinking about going with a 3" body and a 2-2.5" leveling/spacer kit in order to get 35's under there. I also like the new 3 " skyjacker 3" suspension lift i think it runs about 600. that with the body lift hopefully will also fit the 35's.

 

I have an 04' 4.6 with a 6 inch lift and 35' tires. I haven't had any problems. As long as you do not slam on the gas pedal all the time, you'll be find. And the acceleration sucks a little too. Add an intake and maybe look into Flowmaster/MagnaFlow exhaust system.