I was wondering if any of you guys knew a cheap way to lift my truck's suspension a couple of inches so I can clear 285/70/R17 tires without rubbing. I was thinking maybe add-a-leaf on the rear, and cranking the torsion bars 1-1/2 inches. Any thoughts? Words of wisdom?

 

what year truck? and is it 4x4 or 4x2?

 

2003 single cab short bed 4x4 4.6L

 

crank the torsion bars and they'll clear fine

 

yea crank the t-bars and you can clear em easily

 

This is probably a stupid question, but do I have to have a "torsion key" to turn the nuts, or will a wrench do the trick?

 

Nope Just Turn the Bolts! Its A lot easier if you crank the front end up off the ground, use a 1/2" Ratchet and a Cheater bar, and its a breeeeze, Just try to get an alignment after your done. Its not Crucial, But it will make your tires wear unevenly if you don't get one.

 

Are you sure they wont fit? i have 285-60-16s on my lowered 2001 f150 and i dont rub at all

 

THey will fit easily without cranking up the torsion bars, but the truck will look better if you crank them up enough to level it.

 

What about a 98' XLT Expy 4x4?
I've read through a few forums saying that 285/70/17's would be fine as long as i do something with the front airdam. Input?

 

Here's Wandell's f-150...trimmed valance, he's running 315/75r16's

 

Many many thanks DRJ, that's all I needed to know. I was planning on stickin with the stock wheels till I get that fat tax return check.

Something just needs to be done to get these 265/70 Dominator Sports A/T's out of the picture.

Thanks again!!

 

 

I only had to trim the valance when I mounted the 285's on a 10 inch wide wheel. When I had them on the oem wheels they fit easily with plenty of room to spare.

 

I have the Pro Comp Coil Spring Spacer & Add-A-Leaf, and was thinking about 285/70R17. But another member of the forum advised that I would need to re-gear and go up from the factory 3:55. Any truth to that? Anybody doing just fine with factory gears?