I just recently got my hands on a 2006 F150 FX4, and want to get about 3" of lift on it. I'm looking at doing a 1.5" Add a Leaf in the back, and a Hell Bent Steel 3" leveling kit, my thoughts is the 3" would sit it uneven up front, but the 1.5" AAL would give me the added lift in the rear to sit it back level with the 3" I'm looking to get. am I confused on this, or would this be a completely viable option for lifting? My plan is to use the truck to tow my 4Runner, and i'll be running 33x12.50 AT's (once I've got the $$ for new wheels / tires)

 

Stick to 2.5" up front max. Otherwise your front suspension is gonna hate you and take it out on your wallet.

 

Ever thought about using air springs in the back, especially since you'll be towing? I can help you find a kit if you're interested.

 

I have thought about it, but i'm also working on a pretty tight budget, I just ordered the 2.5" level kit from Hell Bent Steel, and the 1.5" AAL kit I was looking at was just over 100, the rear will get added later on (depends on how i like the kit up front and nothing in the back, just have to see how it plays out. maybe somewhere down the road i'll go for an air setup though

 

You'll still have some stock rake with the aal, 2-2.5" is around what it takes to level it out, so with the aal depending on how much lift it actually gives you could be close to stock take again.

 

so, went with an HBS 2.5" kit, and just got it installed yesterday, and i'm thinking that i'd like a bit more lift (but keep it level) and I was wondering would going with a set of F250 coils up front, and a 1.5" AAL in the rear be a feasible option? I know that would make it ride a lot rougher based on the 250 suspension being designed for a heavier load, but on the other hand it would give me the added bonus of being able to use the truck to haul wood, my 4runner, and just about anything else with no issues at all.

ran a quick search through google and didnt see anyone post about it on any forums yet, just the typical "i want 4" of lift and dont want to spend $1200 on a lift kit" questions.

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No you cannot use f250 coils, different suspension style. The other issue is angles, anything over 2.5" with out a subframe will cause pre-mature wear of the cv's, ball joints, etc.

If you want more lift, you will need a full suspension lift or body lift. body lifts for the 04+ trucks are EXPENSIVE, IIRC around $800+ at a shop unless you get lucky. Putting 35's on will net you another 1"-2" of lift depending on your current tire size.


btw, i saw you mention that that's an fx4, it is not just for the record. not that it matters when it comes to buying suspension parts or anything.

 

what would make it not an FX4? I've checked into it a bit, its got the XLT package, has the same color scheme on the interior as the FX4's, as well as the skid plates underneath. from my understanding only the Lariat FX4 came with the fender trim.

 

Yours looks like an XLT. For example, the FX4's, in my experience, come with color matched or non chrome bumpers, 18"-20" aluminum wheels, floor console mounted shifter and fender flares. The only chrome I have ever seen on an FX4 are the nerf bars. A "Lariat FX4" does not exist, it is either a "Lariat" or an "FX4", not both, two different trim packages. The pin stripe down the side of your truck is not factory so the "FX4" badge(s) on the side may not be either. I think you have an XLT that someone apparently added some FX4 trim to. I could be wrong though!

I agree with the other replies, do not exceed 2.5" with a leveling kit, if you want more, get an actual suspension lift. As it was, the 2.5 AS I put in my 08 FX4 wore out my upper BJ's in 30,000 miles.

 

in the 02-03 f150's there was a lariat fx4, but in 04 they changed the fx4 to be it's own package separate of xlt, lariat, etc

No fender flares is the first dead give away, there would be holes in your fenders and bedsides if it was an fx4 w/ out flares.

No fog lights, all fx4's had fogs

wheels are wrong, like said 18" or 20" were the only options.

your dash would have a "carbon fiber" radio surround which yours is probably a matte black.

skid plates were an option, my 07 xlt 4x4 had them.

fx4 gauge cluster


yours probably looks like this, could be a slight variation like a surround around the gauges so it's not just a black background, but the lay out as far as i know never changed.

 

well, that blows ... but 4x4 is a 4x4 whether the trim is fancy, or basic ...

Thanks for the handy info though!