when i say functional i mean actually made to help get a 2wd through some mud. i dont want a huge lift that is just for show and some big wheels. i want something that will help me get through some mud and look good at the same time.im also in highschool and looking for a job(sophmore), so my budget is highly restricted. Oh and would a level and body lift do anything for me?

 

The level and body lift would make you higher but isnt the best choice for off-roading. Really any suspension lift is a decent lift. The concensus on this site is...

Rize (if your going big)
pro comp (on the lower end, but still good)
fabtech (good lift all around)
rancho (quality lift but usually only 4").

So it depends on the way you want to go. There are others out there, these are just what most people have on this site.

 

do all those companys have lifts for a 2wd?

 

For 2WD I think your best bet is the Fabtech. I have the 6" basic Fabtech on my 2WD truck and have absolutely zero issues with it. Lifting your truck will help give you additional clearance and help get you through the mud, but I think the Fabtech is best for our 2WD trucks.

 

i thought the fabtech lift was 7.5

 

wait nevermind my truck is 97-03

 

Best thing you can do with 2wd is get good tires and install a locking differential. I wouldn't spend much money on anything until you get traction from the one drive axle you do have.

 

Indeed, having a little extra ground clearance isn't going to help when you're just sitting there spinning.

Let me make sure I've got this right... You're a sophomore, which puts you right at about 16 years old, right? You're also unemployed, but you want to spend anywhere from $1000-$2000 on the lift (plus installation), and I'm going to guess you'll want to replace your tires with something a little bigger, maybe some M/Ts, so throw another $1000 into the pot and you're looking at $2k-$3k+. Of course once you do that, you'll be lowering your fuel efficiency, so you'll be buying more gas than you would right now.

If you find a a job making $10/hr and work at least 10 hours week, it's still going to take a year to save up for what you want.

Why not just enjoy the truck as is, and put whatever money you can earn away for when you move out after high school, or even put it towards a newer truck in a few years when the one you have now needs to be replaced.

- NCSU

 

that's gona be tough to do man.

I'm a senior, i've been saving since the 8th grade(granted, i did use that money to pay for half of my truck, so it's all gone), and i work 40 hours a week at $8.50 an hour.

i still cant afford a lift.

good luck with it though.

everyone seems to recommend fabtech for our 2WD's!

 

So why isnt a body lift and leveling kit good for offroad? Mine does just great. Yes im a 4x4 yes i have a built in leveling kit called torsion bar adjustement keys but im sure i can go though just as much mud as anyone with a 6" Fabtech lift and 35" tires.

The main thing you need when mudding is ground clearance, a suspension lift is doing nothing for TRUE GROUND CLEARANCE

The only thing that get true ground clearance is bigger tires. For mudding a body lift and leveling kit will work just fine for a weekend warrior

Now if you are trail riding or rock crawling then invest in a very good lift, and set of axles the IFS isnt gonna hold up to that for long.

And another question for you how can you recommend lifts when you have no specs on the mans truck.
>> First off Rize does not make lifts for 97-03 f150'S
>> Second Rize does not make lifts for 2wd's

So instead of throwing brands out there get the specs of the trucks so you dont confuse the man.

To the OP best bet for you would be a leveling kit 1.5" plus a 3" body lift and a set of 33" tires. Also too make this cheaper look for used tires.

 

yea NCSU i didnt realize id be that much into the thousands. was estimating 2 grand at the most. That being said what is the cheapest way to get some bigger tires and a locker for my truck. How much is a good locker anyways?

 

oh and for trimble and everyone the specs: 2001 F150 5.4l(stock) Supercrew Lariat White/Tan.

 

I hear that you can't quite make it through water though


I kid I kid

 

Ouch, really ouch that was so much of a low blow. did you ever take a look at the mud bog pics in the offroad section?

and to the OP.

If you are looking to spend 2k then heres what id do.
1. 2" Leveling kit $40.00ish
2. 3" Body Lift $180.00
3. use your stock wheels to save alittle money, unless you can find a used set, try craigslist/
4. Tires the most you will beable to fit is gonna be 35's and its gonna be tight, id also look used for these. For brands id check BFG, Toyo, Interco, Procomp, Mickey Thompson, Maxxis.
5. If you want a locker get a selectable locker, or a factory limited slip. If you have a limited slip then dont worry about getting a locker till you break the LS.

Do you have a factory limited slip? If you dont know check the axle code and we can tell you its located inside the door jam

 

I did actually, that looked like a good time. Glad to see your truck is still running strong. We still need to get a good central florida meet sometime. I'm always down to get my truck a little muddy.