Im torn...first lift.

Got pricing on both a Rancho and a BDS 4 inch lift
Rancho is $2100 includes all new struts/shocks
BDS is $1700 + another $120 just for the rear shocks =$1820(no front struts)
Install is gonna cost me about 800.00 W/alignment either kit
Rancho has a rebate of 500.00
Which makes the BDS about 220.00 more than the Rancho

For lift specs
Rancho site says
Front 4
Rear 2.5
No drivetrain modifications required
Allows for reuse of stock wheels
Apparently the rancho's front track width is increased

BDS
Front 4
Rear 3
All wheel drive models will require drive-line modification
Stock 18's & 20' do fit with stock tires.
Apprarently the bds front track width remains the same (?)

Not sure why the difference in rear height, Would I be low in the rear towing with the rancho.

From what I gather the BDS 4 inch lift has only been out a short time
BDS has a Great warranty
Both companies from what I gather both have great products.
Im turned off by the tall spring spacer that BDS uses.
Also Im not sure but think there is less cutting on the truck with the Rancho

Im guessing if I ever needed to replace the front struts I would need to use
a Rancho product with the Rancho kit.
For the BDS im guessing I could use a Bilstein but not sure if their tall spring spacer would be compatible.
Then again...would I ever need to replace the front struts? Dont they last for darn near forever?

 

Wow, you have a lot of questions, so I will just say this:
I like my Rancho compared to other 4" lifts for these reasons:
- 1 piece crossmember
- NO spacer used
- Quality manufacturing and components
- No driveline modification required and no additional components required.

The $500 rebate should just sweeten the pot.
I don't know any specifics about the BDS but there are members who have it and really seem to like it, but I also know the Rancho guys love their lifts too and I for one, have no regrets at all.

As for struts, you can replace the Rancho shocks with any shock made for a 4" lift...it must have a spring seat to accomodate the lift using the OEM spring UNLESS you go with a true coilover but I have no knowledge about these. I have the R9000xls and really like these shocks a lot so there will be no reason for me to shop others when these wear out. Also, I see no reason not to use these same shocks with the BDS kit to replace the spacer if you go that route, but that'll be an additional expense. As for the BDS kit, you are reusing the OEM shocks and just adding the spacer on top...the new shocks are only for the rear, which I think is kinda strange. I'd go new shocks all the way around if given the choice.

As for rear, I always have a hard time explaining what to do there as it always depends on the truck and there's a bit of trial and error involved. If you tow a lot, consider going with an add-a-leaf or air bags, but you can always go with a larger block or even spring shackle down the road to dial it all in.

 

I don't know much about the BDS kit, but I'm very happy with my Rancho lift. Are you planning on running stock or aftermarket wheels once you lift it?

 

Who has the 4inch BDS here, ive not been able to find anybody?

Both stock and Aftermarket, stockers for the winter months.

 

LStoker has the 6 inch---https://www.f150online.com/forums/su...t-rusting.html

 

Not sure if you are set on a four inch lift but I got my six inch Fabtech from performancelifts.com for $1500 delivered!

 

id go with the rancho if you plan to run your stock wheels

 

StoveTop...Love the looks of your truck with the 4inch lift...dang

Keeks...what size tires are those on your stock wheels, did you go bigger? I was told with the BDS 4inch lift that I wouldnt be able to 'size up' my tires down the road with using the stock wheels. Id have to stick with factory tire size.

Skeeter...Im leaning towards the 4inch lifts, thinking the 35's I have now will look a little small under a 6inch lift.

 

Thanks...BTW with my Rancho plus the 1" Daystar, I am a ball-hair shy of 6" of total lift. The Fabtech is a really good kit and worth consideration if you can get a good price on it. Most of the guys with 6" lifts are running a 35" tire and it looks pretty damn great.

 

Yeah you will look fine with a 6 inch besides there are alot of people on here that started with 4" lifts and quickly wish they had went with a 6". Not a huge difference but its a noticeable one.

 

Broad statement. Almost to a man, the guys that went with a Rancho 4" lift only wanted 4" of lift. I needed the DayStar due to rubbing issues with my new rims, but if it wasnt for that, if I wanted a 6/8/12" lift I would've bought it up front.

 

OK thats good, but there are still alot of threads on here where some wish after the four inch they would have went bigger. If you only want 4 then go with 4, I was just trying to get him the best bang for his buck. No direspect was intended.