Clueless when it comes to suspension lifts
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,144
Likes: 1
From: Spring Hill, FL
no, you need to determine what size tires you want first. that will dictate the amount of lift you need. then, choose what specific lift you want to run. different kits have different wheel backspacing requirements. based upon the lift you want to run, and how wide of a tire you want, this will determine the wheel width and backspacing you will need to run to maintain your full steering radius w/o rubbing.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,535
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From: Germantown, MD 20874
^^^^Agree completely!
You've decided on the 6" lift and 35" tire correct? Next, decide what you want to spend and what you want out of the lift. As stated before, Pro Comp and Fabtech are both great companies for 6" lifts but the better of the 2 is Fabtech. http://www.fabtechmotorsports.com/ap...4-05f-150.html. If you don't plan on throwing your truck around too much just go with the basic performance kit. If you want all out performance and can afford it then go with the ugrade to coilovers. As stated on their site, go with an 18x9 wheel w/ 5" of backspacing. For tires go with a 35x12.5x18. Mickey Thompson ATZ's come in that size and will run you about $1200 for a set of 4. They're a phenomenal tire especially if you drive your truck on the street a lot. The only other thing you really need is some sort of device to recalibrate your speedo. I have a Hypertech programmer and have no complaints. That should get you to where you want.
Just my suggestion though. You can make up your own mind as to what lift, tires and wheels you want.
You've decided on the 6" lift and 35" tire correct? Next, decide what you want to spend and what you want out of the lift. As stated before, Pro Comp and Fabtech are both great companies for 6" lifts but the better of the 2 is Fabtech. http://www.fabtechmotorsports.com/ap...4-05f-150.html. If you don't plan on throwing your truck around too much just go with the basic performance kit. If you want all out performance and can afford it then go with the ugrade to coilovers. As stated on their site, go with an 18x9 wheel w/ 5" of backspacing. For tires go with a 35x12.5x18. Mickey Thompson ATZ's come in that size and will run you about $1200 for a set of 4. They're a phenomenal tire especially if you drive your truck on the street a lot. The only other thing you really need is some sort of device to recalibrate your speedo. I have a Hypertech programmer and have no complaints. That should get you to where you want.
Just my suggestion though. You can make up your own mind as to what lift, tires and wheels you want.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 402
Likes: 0
From: Seattle, Wa.
no, you need to determine what size tires you want first. that will dictate the amount of lift you need. then, choose what specific lift you want to run. different kits have different wheel backspacing requirements. based upon the lift you want to run, and how wide of a tire you want, this will determine the wheel width and backspacing you will need to run to maintain your full steering radius w/o rubbing.
that being said, if you order a lift first, you may have to "settle" for wheels that will work with that particular lift.
to each his own, but if you buy the wheels first, you get to personalize the style better. it really doesnt matter which brand lift you get, they all do the same thing..... but the wheels will say more about a person than which brand lift they choose.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,535
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From: Germantown, MD 20874
i have to COMPLETELY disagree..... first pick the style wheels that you like and want to run on the truck.... remember, not all wheel styles will come in all wheel specs.
that being said, if you order a lift first, you may have to "settle" for wheels that will work with that particular lift.
to each his own, but if you buy the wheels first, you get to personalize the style better. it really doesnt matter which brand lift you get, they all do the same thing..... but the wheels will say more about a person than which brand lift they choose.
that being said, if you order a lift first, you may have to "settle" for wheels that will work with that particular lift.
to each his own, but if you buy the wheels first, you get to personalize the style better. it really doesnt matter which brand lift you get, they all do the same thing..... but the wheels will say more about a person than which brand lift they choose.
Just like you said....to each their own...but not all lifts are the same. Not by a long shot. Yes they serve the same general purpose but they have different qualities and characteristics. Not trying to start an argument by any means....but.....there is a MAJOR difference between a cheap-o 6" lift and a quality 6" lift. You can't expect 2 products that vary in price by thousands of $$$$ to be the same. Well maybe in a small percentage of cases but most of the time the answer is an affirmative NO.
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Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: In the middle of nowhere, MI =)
Thanks guys...you've all thrown out some great ideas and things that I would have never known without asking. I live in Michigan, so I probably wont get this done until the snow and mud is gone...so I've got a few months, but I want to start planning and looking now. I'm thinking the fabtech 6" and some 35's....I guess I still need some more info on the tires and I also just need to search around for myself. Should I try and find it all online for a better deal and then take it to a shop? Anymore tips or suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks so much!