I'm thinking 2.5" leveling up front, 1" lift in the back, no fender flares, maybe spacers and meaty AT tires with a bit of sidewall bulge.

Won't be super agressive but also won't cost a small fortune.

 

The only difference I had in mind is 2" up front, keep the back stock (I have a 250 w/fx4). The wheels are really my only concern, not a huge fan of any of the aftermarket wheels out there...wish I had been pickier at the dealer with this and not having the chrome package, only regrets.

 

I'm with you. The aftermarket wheels are all bit too bling for my tastes. But I may buy some ATs that fit the stockers and if I don't like the look can then grab some aftermarket wheels and swap the tires on. Keep the stock wheels for winter tires or try to sell them.

 

PS - who makes a 2" leveling kit? I like that idea.

 

when i had my f150 i used auto spring, it was quick and simple installation. I saw that some guys on here have used it on their super duties as well. From what i have read, unless it comes with a new traction bar most kits will require some caster correction, so unless i get some compelling reason from some one, i will use auto spring again.

 

Right on all accounts but remember the trac bar is for re-centering the axle. A two inch level on my truck shifted the axle about 1/2 inch off center. Just enough to show about 2 degrees off on the steering wheel. Looking at the truck from the front, you can just see the driver side tire is a little more to the outside of the fender than the passenger side. I haven't gotten around to replacing the trac bar is it does not affect drive-ability.

The caster angle on the other hand is another matter. By raising my front end, it effectively removed the caster angle and the steering was loosey-goosey. I asked the alignment shop to not only restore the factory setting but also add an additional half to three quarters of a degree. I prefer a little more resistance in the steering wheel so that was good for me.

FYI - on the second photo in my post above you can see the AutoSpring 2 inch spacer on top of the coil.

 

Mine has the 2" Auto Spring as well. The truck will definitely need an alignment after you put it on.

 

So here is the lifted white truck and the same truck in black. These wheels definitely work better on a black truck:





Although, looking at some of the other pics, I think the fender flares are way too much for the stock wheel offset. Looks a bit like a railroad truck.

 

How do you know what off set to get when you are buying rims, also what backspacing?

 

Update: I just saw a blue '11 with the stock 18's and some meaty tires with no leveling kit or fender flares. Looked awesome! Simple yet effective in making the look very agressive. A leveling kit would enhance that look even more I would think.

 

thejean- good photoshop skills!!!!

 

^^^THanks!

Saw two amazing Tuxedo black 350's this weekend. The first was lifted at least 6", had bushwacker bolted flares, massive wheels and tires and an awesome looking bush bumper. It came up behind me and I felt inadequate in my stock 350.

Second one has maybe a 3" or 4" lift, nice chrome wheels and bushwacker bolted flares as well. Also loked really nice. Altough I think he should have gone with less offset and no flares unless for a more clean look. The flares didn't really jive with the wheels. Or maybe the non-bolted flares at least. However, still gorgeous trucks. I gotta do something to mine to jazz it up now... or trade in on a dually!

Speaking of which, also saw a brown 450 KR with the gold trime along the bottom - simply breathtaking.

 

I figured out my plan and what I don't like about the stock 18's.....they make the truck look cheap, I am sure it's partially due to the garbage continental tires, but I am 99% sure I will be getting rid of the wheels.

My plan is to put a 2" level on the front, 4" blocks on the back (its a 250) then to either get factory 20's or put 18" XD Misfits on there, the truck is silver:

WHEELS | KMC Wheels | Page 3

Do you think there will be too much sidewall with 35" tires and 18" wheels?

Anyone with 11.5"+ wide tires mind posting a pic of the truck from the front to show how much they stick out on these new trucks? Optional Body molding or no?

Thanks

 

Can't comment on your sidewall question but the wheels you selected sure look nice!

 

Problem with most of those after market wheels is their weight rating is significantly less than the stockers. If its under 3500lb per wheel I would keep looking, especially for a 350.