And here I come along.
With the suspension or body lift issue it all depends on what you want to do. If you plan on going out and working Baja, then a suspension lift is the only way to go. Body lifts will make room for bigger tires but will not change the performance of your stock suspension. Not like this is a real concern but I've heard that if you jump your truck you could bend the body around the body lift block. Don't know if that is true but it sounds reasonable.

If you plow chances are the plow attatches to your frame. If you get a suspension lift it will lift the frame therefore lifting the plow so you will need to make sure you have a way to move the plow down a few inches to match the higher height. A body lift will not have this problem as it is not actually lifting the frame any.

Bones

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2000 F-150, XLT, 4X2, Ext. Cab, S/B, 4.6L, 3.55 L/S, Tow Package, Premium Sound CD Player.

Future Mods: NONE, I'm broke.

 

I just got my truck its a 86 F250 with the 351 and four speed manual transmission. I have alot of questions and would appreciate any input. What modifications do people recomend to improve mpg, hp, and general performance? i have heard several poeple mention the K&N filtercharger and exhaust systems are these worth the money? Will i still be able to plow if i give it a body or suspension lift? Which is better a body or suspension lift if i want to add 2-4"?
Thanks in advance for any advice,
Philip

 

Great name and welcome.

MY recommendations in this order
Superchip @ $240 (if they make em for 86's?)
Decent Shocks if you do not already have them @ $100-150
Cat back exhaust system (Gibson for me)$300
K&N or FIPK $50/$200

Don't know anything about lifts but someone will come along shortly and advize you. My guess is no unless it keeps the same axle weight rating.

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97 F-150 SC Lariat, Styleside, White over Gold, 4.6L (Windsor), Automatic, 3.55 rear end, electronic 4X4, w/ every option of Lariat and ORP packages except the 17" wheels (I even got the OR decals now!) MOD's so far: K&N air box mod, Gibson Super Truck, clear Bugflector II, Leer TSC 600 hard cover, Bridgestone Dueler OWL ATP 265/75 R-16's, TrailMaster Invader N7 shocks, Smittybilt step bars, Ford moulded mud guards, "White-white" head lamps, Cloud Rider Design's SS Grill and bumper opening, Bosch Platinum + 4's, Hayden 30K+ Tranny Cooler,Class III Reece load distributing hitch system, full wiring including trailer battery charging system, Escort Sensor II Brake controller, Superchip



[This message has been edited by cphilip (edited 02-16-2000).]

 

I had a '80 with a 400M so I can help alittle. The first thing would be to add a K&N air filter. The second thing would be to run the right plugs. Third, I would run a true dual exhaust. Not a cat back. Get rid of that cat if it is still on there!!! Good after market shocks are worth it. As far as the lift goes, if you don't need a lift, don't do it. If you want a lift then it comes down to preference. If you haul a lot in the bed, STAY away from a body lift. You loose hauling capacity. A suspension lift is more expensive, but worth the money, especially if those are the original springs. BUT you will have to modify the mounting bracket on the plow for a suspension lift! If you have any more questions let me know!!

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1999 F-250LD 4X4 XLT Supercab SB, 5.4L, AT, 3.73LS, 33"Wrangler ATS, Dual Exhaust, custom air intake, Color: Harvest Gold cc "Ready to Farm"

 

What do you recomend for exhaust systems and how much will it cost? is there any way that i can take the cat off for most of the year and just put it on for inspection? This wuold probably mean having a removable peice of pipe right?