lift kit questions
#16
The last piece of advice I can give you is to do it right once and you won't have problems down the road... i.e. don't buy a $25 spacer off Ebay when the nice one costs $200.
Secondly, don't stack lifts. It's not safe.
And lastly, please don't do a body lift. In an accident the bolts have a tendency to bend and a lot of frames are replaced to that tune. (While I don't do body work, I have 3 friends in the industry)
-rockstate
Secondly, don't stack lifts. It's not safe.
And lastly, please don't do a body lift. In an accident the bolts have a tendency to bend and a lot of frames are replaced to that tune. (While I don't do body work, I have 3 friends in the industry)
-rockstate
#17
yep, I completely agree. I am definitely doing a suspension lift. Im doing all my research now so I get what I want and get quality. Thanks for the words of wisdom!! last question (for now) do you know if the shops doing the work will use kits I buy from else where or do they typically only install items they carry? I have some connections that I may get the kits discounted but still need someone to install them.Thanks!
It depends... if they carry the item they'll be more likely to install it. Their guys won't like it if it's something they haven't put on before but if you bring instructions then it should be fine.
If you bring in a suspension lift that's of quality, more than likely they've put one on that truck before and it should be fine.
however, they might upcharge a little bit since they're not profiting on the sale of the lift kit.
Check it out and see waht they say.
-rockstate
#18
Jodi, if you really want a high quality, well engineered lift for your truck, then you need to check out Fabtech:
Products > FORD 4WD > F150 2004-08 > 6" Systems
They only offer a 6" kit, and suggest a 35" tire.
Their basic system is very nice, and more friendly on the budget. It can be paired from Fabtech with Bilstein shocks. This would probably be the best choice for you.
If you wanted to go "all out", then their performance kit is the way to go. Their 2.5 Dirt Logic coilovers are really nice, and can really only be beat by those offerings from King shocks.
Products > FORD 4WD > F150 2004-08 > 6" Systems
They only offer a 6" kit, and suggest a 35" tire.
Their basic system is very nice, and more friendly on the budget. It can be paired from Fabtech with Bilstein shocks. This would probably be the best choice for you.
If you wanted to go "all out", then their performance kit is the way to go. Their 2.5 Dirt Logic coilovers are really nice, and can really only be beat by those offerings from King shocks.
ok, ill continue my research and ask questions. I assumed that would be the answer but just thought i would double check.
#19
Jodi, if you really want a high quality, well engineered lift for your truck, then you need to check out Fabtech:
Products > FORD 4WD > F150 2004-08 > 6" Systems
They only offer a 6" kit, and suggest a 35" tire.
Their basic system is very nice, and more friendly on the budget. It can be paired from Fabtech with Bilstein shocks. This would probably be the best choice for you.
If you wanted to go "all out", then their performance kit is the way to go. Their 2.5 Dirt Logic coilovers are really nice, and can really only be beat by those offerings from King shocks.
Products > FORD 4WD > F150 2004-08 > 6" Systems
They only offer a 6" kit, and suggest a 35" tire.
Their basic system is very nice, and more friendly on the budget. It can be paired from Fabtech with Bilstein shocks. This would probably be the best choice for you.
If you wanted to go "all out", then their performance kit is the way to go. Their 2.5 Dirt Logic coilovers are really nice, and can really only be beat by those offerings from King shocks.
#20
Thank you again. I will look into them. im still thinking about if i want the 4 inch or 6 inch lift. once I finally make up my mind then things will be easier to decide on. The pictures you sent me the link to were 6 inch and i loved them. however, because I am still not sure of what size i want do you feel a 4 inch would be able to accomplish the same look just slightly smaller or will it be not nearly as "mach" looking? i know there is only two inches inbetween the 4 and 6 that i am trying to decide on but i didnt know if it would be much of a different to the eye or not. What do you think? if i did go with the 6 inch lift and the 35 tires about how much total would it lift the truck? Thank you!!!!!!!
5" for the lift, and 35"-32"= 3"/2 = 1.5" for the tire diameter change
About 6.5" worth of total height adjustment. Now this is a 'round-a-bout number, just to give you a general assessment of how things will change.
If you were really concerned with getting into the truck after the lift, then look into AMP Research power drop steps:
Ford F150 Super Cab / Super Crew - 2004 thru 2008 Availability: In Stock - Free Shipping AMP Research Power Step Kit - ElectricStep - AMP Research In-Stock Shipping Center
They drop when a door is opened, and fold when the door is closed.
#21
Well a 6" lift is going to lift the front 6" and the back 4" to bring the truck level. So with that said, lets call the door height a change of 5" just for the lift.
5" for the lift, and 35"-32"= 3"/2 = 1.5" for the tire diameter change
About 6.5" worth of total height adjustment. Now this is a 'round-a-bout number, just to give you a general assessment of how things will change.
If you were really concerned with getting into the truck after the lift, then look into AMP Research power drop steps:
Ford F150 Super Cab / Super Crew - 2004 thru 2008 Availability: In Stock - Free Shipping AMP Research Power Step Kit - ElectricStep - AMP Research In-Stock Shipping Center
They drop when a door is opened, and fold when the door is closed.
5" for the lift, and 35"-32"= 3"/2 = 1.5" for the tire diameter change
About 6.5" worth of total height adjustment. Now this is a 'round-a-bout number, just to give you a general assessment of how things will change.
If you were really concerned with getting into the truck after the lift, then look into AMP Research power drop steps:
Ford F150 Super Cab / Super Crew - 2004 thru 2008 Availability: In Stock - Free Shipping AMP Research Power Step Kit - ElectricStep - AMP Research In-Stock Shipping Center
They drop when a door is opened, and fold when the door is closed.
#22
#23
your so clever!!!! I will have to try that. I just measured 6 inches up from my runner board and basically it would be like stepping up into my truck without a runner board. I still like the curb idea though because then i can use the runner board and get the real feel. I currently am wearing a "boot" on my foot because of a chipped ankle bone so I think ill delay trying that but GREAT idea. I don't know what I would do without you and all your useful knowledge and tricks. Thank you!!!
#24
Hey guys, and girl! I know I am arriving rather late to this party, but thought I would throw in my two cents. I think it's Jodi, right? Anyway, as far as your concerns with wheeling in CO and the need for a lift goes, it's in no way necessary. I grew up in CO(and hope to be back soon!), and have done a LOT of wheeling in the RM's. Most of which was spent in a '99 chevy 1500. The overall ground clearance of that truck and your 150 are pretty similar. The biggest difference is in the "entrance" and "exit" clearance. The chevy's are notorious for having low front ends, making it quite a bit more difficult to wheel. That being said, it really has everything to do with how you drive it, and not what you're driving(for the most part of course). Part of the problem with going with a large lift is changing your center of gravity. Most serious jeep guys are only running a 4 inch lift, but with BIG tires. This gives them the ground clearance they want without making their rigs too wheeble whobbly on the trails. The only way to truely gain more all over ground clearance is bigger tires, the suspension lift just allows you to do that.
So...onto the lift. You saying that you are short, you will be jumping into your truck whether it is 4 inches higher, or 6 inches higher. Just depends on how much you want to jump. Also, you will need to measure a bit more than 6 inches, because your tire will put you up another inch or so, depending on the size. May not sound like much, but it can be fairly significant in reality. Your truck will look great no matter what lift you go with, and it looks great without a lift as it sits, IMO. It all comes down to what you really want out of your truck, and how much you are willing to spend to get it.
I just posted this and realized how long it ways, thought I would throw in an apology for that. Good luck!
So...onto the lift. You saying that you are short, you will be jumping into your truck whether it is 4 inches higher, or 6 inches higher. Just depends on how much you want to jump. Also, you will need to measure a bit more than 6 inches, because your tire will put you up another inch or so, depending on the size. May not sound like much, but it can be fairly significant in reality. Your truck will look great no matter what lift you go with, and it looks great without a lift as it sits, IMO. It all comes down to what you really want out of your truck, and how much you are willing to spend to get it.
I just posted this and realized how long it ways, thought I would throw in an apology for that. Good luck!
#25
Hey guys, and girl! I know I am arriving rather late to this party, but thought I would throw in my two cents. I think it's Jodi, right? Anyway, as far as your concerns with wheeling in CO and the need for a lift goes, it's in no way necessary. I grew up in CO(and hope to be back soon!), and have done a LOT of wheeling in the RM's. Most of which was spent in a '99 chevy 1500. The overall ground clearance of that truck and your 150 are pretty similar. The biggest difference is in the "entrance" and "exit" clearance. The chevy's are notorious for having low front ends, making it quite a bit more difficult to wheel. That being said, it really has everything to do with how you drive it, and not what you're driving(for the most part of course). Part of the problem with going with a large lift is changing your center of gravity. Most serious jeep guys are only running a 4 inch lift, but with BIG tires. This gives them the ground clearance they want without making their rigs too wheeble whobbly on the trails. The only way to truely gain more all over ground clearance is bigger tires, the suspension lift just allows you to do that.
So...onto the lift. You saying that you are short, you will be jumping into your truck whether it is 4 inches higher, or 6 inches higher. Just depends on how much you want to jump. Also, you will need to measure a bit more than 6 inches, because your tire will put you up another inch or so, depending on the size. May not sound like much, but it can be fairly significant in reality. Your truck will look great no matter what lift you go with, and it looks great without a lift as it sits, IMO. It all comes down to what you really want out of your truck, and how much you are willing to spend to get it.
I just posted this and realized how long it ways, thought I would throw in an apology for that. Good luck!
So...onto the lift. You saying that you are short, you will be jumping into your truck whether it is 4 inches higher, or 6 inches higher. Just depends on how much you want to jump. Also, you will need to measure a bit more than 6 inches, because your tire will put you up another inch or so, depending on the size. May not sound like much, but it can be fairly significant in reality. Your truck will look great no matter what lift you go with, and it looks great without a lift as it sits, IMO. It all comes down to what you really want out of your truck, and how much you are willing to spend to get it.
I just posted this and realized how long it ways, thought I would throw in an apology for that. Good luck!
Jodi
#26
There are LOTS of places that you can go! If nothing else, all the old forest roads are a lot of fun just to get the truck a little dirty on a back road, as my good friend Rodney Atkins has recently suggested. If you grab a "Gazetteer", it shows all the forest roads up in the mountains. A lot of these are quickly accessed off of main highways, and aren't too complicated. Part of the fun is just finding these places and exploring. The Gazetteer is GREAT for that. I think I got mine from a barnes and noble or something.
Back to the lift...there are other issues you will run into when looking at the bigger lift. With the bigger lift, you are getting into bigger tires. Bigger tires means you are working your truck more. Depending on the gears you have, they may not be as well suited to the task as could be. At that point you are looking at a lot more money to really get the truck where it needs to be. None of this is totally necessary, but you could run into problems sooner than you typically would. You will need to be much more on top of fluid levels and changes, and a whole slew of other things. Just more to mull around in your head, haha.
Back to the lift...there are other issues you will run into when looking at the bigger lift. With the bigger lift, you are getting into bigger tires. Bigger tires means you are working your truck more. Depending on the gears you have, they may not be as well suited to the task as could be. At that point you are looking at a lot more money to really get the truck where it needs to be. None of this is totally necessary, but you could run into problems sooner than you typically would. You will need to be much more on top of fluid levels and changes, and a whole slew of other things. Just more to mull around in your head, haha.
#28
There are LOTS of places that you can go! If nothing else, all the old forest roads are a lot of fun just to get the truck a little dirty on a back road, as my good friend Rodney Atkins has recently suggested. If you grab a "Gazetteer", it shows all the forest roads up in the mountains. A lot of these are quickly accessed off of main highways, and aren't too complicated. Part of the fun is just finding these places and exploring. The Gazetteer is GREAT for that. I think I got mine from a barnes and noble or something.
Back to the lift...there are other issues you will run into when looking at the bigger lift. With the bigger lift, you are getting into bigger tires. Bigger tires means you are working your truck more. Depending on the gears you have, they may not be as well suited to the task as could be. At that point you are looking at a lot more money to really get the truck where it needs to be. None of this is totally necessary, but you could run into problems sooner than you typically would. You will need to be much more on top of fluid levels and changes, and a whole slew of other things. Just more to mull around in your head, haha.
Back to the lift...there are other issues you will run into when looking at the bigger lift. With the bigger lift, you are getting into bigger tires. Bigger tires means you are working your truck more. Depending on the gears you have, they may not be as well suited to the task as could be. At that point you are looking at a lot more money to really get the truck where it needs to be. None of this is totally necessary, but you could run into problems sooner than you typically would. You will need to be much more on top of fluid levels and changes, and a whole slew of other things. Just more to mull around in your head, haha.
i have though about those issues as well. I think my truck would handle the lift ok but they are all great tips of advice to think about and keep in the back of my mind as I decide. Thanks!!
#29
#30