Well,
The lift is kickin my *** .
Not so much the lift kit, but getting those damned stock rusted bolts and nuts to free up. So far I have broke the head completely off the pass front (core support) bushing while trying to get it loose.
I spent 5 hours today with only a small grinder grinding through the rubber and metal bolt to free it. I had to run to Ford parts and order a new one for $18

Then , I go back to the bed bolts and they start releasing ok.... until
I get to the two nearest the back glass. One stripped the torx bit... the other side turned fairly easily, but to my frustration I found that it was going absolutely no where when I turned it... stripped out.

So I spent the next couple hours sitting in the bed of the truck with this small air grinder grinding the heads off the bolts.

Tomorrow, I have to get under the bed and try to free whats left of the 2 bolts without their heads on them.

Then I get to move inside the cab and attempt to remove the cab bolts.
I have heard that ford loctites them good so thats going to be a fun time.

I have all of the cables, straps and linkages, filler neck and stuff loose, but am concerned about the fan shroud. I loosened it and tried to move it.
It binds up and barely moves around in there.
Does anyone know what Im supposed to do with it to get it to fit correctly?

I tell you, If anyone ever asks me to help them install one of these kits on a 9 year old truck, I will tell them they are insane, unless they go rent me a cutting torch

Anyways, thats where I am so far.
The truck is not my daily driver so Im taking my time and only spending a couple hours a day working on it.

I will post before and after pics when done.

 

Keep us posted.

 

Well, today went a little better for me.

I got those stubborn bed bolts cut out. Went to the auto parts store and got me a couple locking nuts to replace the ford factory bed nuts I cut out.

My core support bushing I ordered ( due to having cut mine out on the passenger front) came in at the local dealership today.

I went picked it up and re-installed it. ( After I drilled it and the other one out with a 1/2 inch bit for the new bolt to slide through. )

So ,
On Friday I will tackle the 6 cab bolt removals and then I will be ready for the jacks , wood and lift install.

Also, Im still concerned about the Radiator fan shroud...
Do I cut any tabs off of it or trim any on it?
Just concerned.

Thanks

 

Does the directions tell anything about the shroud? I take it you have a PA bodylift. If you don't have directions, you can get direction from their site.

 

Yeah, I have the directions.
It talks about removing the radiator and shroud all together. I have been told that you do not have to remove either from the truck ( shortcut )
Just trim the shroud in a couple places with a dremel.

Im still hoping someone will chime in with details to this.

Thanks

 

My truck is a 99 and I have recently installed a PA Body Lift. In my opinion, you can leave the rad installed,but unbolt the shroud.The instructions tell you to trim the three mounting tabs off the shroud,which can be done with the shroud still inside the truck, saving you time, and radiator coolant.
Try that, and see how it works for you, it worked for me

 

That sounds right. Seems like I trimmed some mounting tabs of the shroud and then used drop down brackets.

 

Ok,
Shroud got trimmed today and placed over on fan , out of the way.

My last small detail I had to take care of was trimming the front frame ends at an angle as the instructions said. This is for when the bumper goes back on for clearance. I cut them, prepped, sanded and painted them undercoat black.

I looked at wandells tow hook mod and Im probably going that route after everything is back on the truck.


Tomorrow,
My Son will be home to hold the big pliers under the cab on the bushings so I can release the last 6 under carpet bolts and then we lift

 

you done yet??

 

I worked a couple hours Saturday and today. I am almost done.
Tomorrow morning, I am putting the front bumper back on , washing her up and taking pics.

I cant drive it until wednesday or so, I couldnt find the bolt for the steering extension in the kit. I called Friday and Performance Accessories tech was super nice. He said that he was sending it out immediately, but Monday is a Holiday so expect it mid week.

Now guys, dont rag on me too awful bad when you see the pics.
Gap guards are on order, but will be late week before they arrive.
Also, it has 265 70 16 street tires on it until Christmas. Then the 16x10s and 35s will be added.

Pics tomorrow.

Thanks,

 

I have not forgot about ya fellas.



Will shoot pics Thursday 10/14/10 ( off work that day)

 

Ok guys, here they are.

I tried to park close to where I did in these stock photos so you could see the contrast. Also, please forgive, she is not washed and cleaned due to having a cortizone shot in my elbow today...Ouch!!!

Hope these photos will convice others that are thinking of lifting to go ahead and get it done. Props to PA for their awesome kits.

Enjoy...






the rest are all after lift ...


Whew! gotta get the gap guards...lol




The pics are not the best, but I will get her cleaned up and shoot more very soon.
Now just waiting on Gap Guards, 16x10 wheels and 35 Mud Grapplers

 

Looks good, I want to do one, but I think I'd have to modify the front wheel well liners then because it looks like mud and water will get over the engine alot easier
any way your truck looks great!

 

Looks good man!!! It even doesn't look too bad with the stock size wheel and tire, butthe 35's are gonna fit way better.

 

looking good man!! nice job!

those mud grapplers and wheels will really set it off!!