I am new to this forum and I think I was born a Ford man and would rather Push a Ford then drive a Chevy or Dodge and toyota's and Nissan's are for people who don't work for a living out of their truck! But now for my question I am looking to start out with a lift on my 05 F-150 4x4 supercab. I have a 93 F-150 with a 6" lift skyjacker and 35's on it but my 05 I really can't afford a 6" right away but I thought I could go with a 3" lift leveling kit and work my way up to maybe adding a 6" lift later! I scored a used set of 18x9" black powder coated Pro-comp wheels off ebay but the tires I have not got either, so I would like to go with 35x12.50R18 or a 325X65R18 semi aggressive tire maybe Mickey's or Nitto At's or BFG's. I Seen skyjacker made the 3" lift struts for the front with aal kit and I did not know if you could also buy the 2 1/2 inch spacer to add with a 1" block in the rear which I think would give me about 5" or so in the front and around 4" in the back! If some one could help on some advise you guys seem to be really knowledgeable and willing to help!

Thanks!

 

Let's start with those wheels. What is the backspacing? It may, or may not, fit your truck. If you plan on a suspension lift, most of the 6" kits recommend a 17X8 wheel w/ no more than 5" of backspacing. I believe 1 or 2 kits recommend 4.5" of backspacing. However, without a 6" kit, those wheels & tires would stick way out with your OEM suspension.

Now if the wheels work, you can get 35" tires on if you have a leveling kit.

A lot of people posting on this forum favor the Auto Spring. Keep in mind that they are not the only game in town. The only answers that I ever got from fellow forum members was that they liked this kit because it was cheap and it worked. However, I have yet to hear of a leveling kit that "didn't work". And "cheap", to me, is not the best reason to buy something. Fat Bob's Garage offers a number of different leveling kits made from different metals, in different sizes, and in combination with an add-a-leaf. Explore your options if a metal spacer is what you want.

I ran a 2 piece polyurethane kit. They are offered by Explorer Pro Comp & Daystar. I chose the 2 piece polyurethane coil spring spacer because it helps absorb impact and eliminates stress from "metal on metal" rubbing. The drawback is that it is a harder installation which requires a spring compressor to take apart and reassemble the strut. Unless you just happen to have a spring compressor sitting around the house, you may need a professional installation.

Another good way to bring the front up is with replacement adjustable shocks and/or coilovers. It is a lot more expensive, but will offer a better ride. It is not just an addition, but an improvement. Several manufacturers offer them. Start out by checking out Bilstein, Pro Comp, Rancho, Fabtech, & Donahoe.

It may not be the best idea to stack a leveling spacer onto an adjustable shock. Your suspension was just not meant for it.

If a lift kit is in your future, your main consideration will be whether you want a big spacer, or new coilovers. Then you should consider your budget. If you don't have the money, you can't afford the better lift. As a general rule, the more you spend, the better product you'll get. The cheaper kits tend to use a big spacer, which is almost like a giant leveling kit. The more expensive kits will offer replacement coilover struts which greatly improve the ride quality and handling characteristics. An upgraded addition is the steering stabilizer.

If you can wait, my advice is to save your money and then get what you want later. Then take the time to plan exactly which combination of lift you want.

 

This is the spec's on the wheels!

18x9, 6 on 135 Bolt Pattern
BackSpace 4.75 in.
Max Load = 2200lbs
Finish = Cast Blast
Hub Centric = No
Offset = -6 mm

Thanks for your advise!

 

You won't be able to fit 35's using those wheels and a leveling kit, but 33's would work. This is what I'd suggest. If you shop around, you can find the standard 6 inch Pro Comp lift pretty cheap. You want to wind up with a 6 inch lift and 35's it sounds like. You already have the wheels. Just start saving and try to find a good deal on some 35's and a lift.

 

I picked up my Fabtech 6" lift for $1500 delivered at performancelifts.com.

 

This is copyed strait from the site,PerformanceLifts.com Price: $2,119.00!!
ouch! If anybody has found a lift for cheaper please let me know! But guys maybe if I start with lift leveling kit and 33" s with blocks what do you guys think!, I am guessing but that would give me a 8" lift when I bought 6"lift and kept on the front lift level kit and the blocks or aal kit in the rear would it or would it not? Hey thanks for all the postings guys!

 

If I went with the leveling kit, would you guys suggestion on a 305X60R18 or 325X60R18 or would that rub any!

 

ebay has the cheapest procomp stage1
i just bought a fabtech basic it cost me 1445 from offroadtoystore.com
and the DL coilover kit is only 1700