I am new to this forum and have one heck of a question to ask to start off. I currently have a 2011 crewcab shortbox 4x4 f250 with the new 6.2 gas motor. I was interested in getting a Fabtech 6" suspension system installed on the truck and run 35" tires, but I ran into a dilemma.

According to Fabtech, when putting on this size lift, it will cause the front driveshaft (for the front driveline) to interfere with the catalytic converter coming off the left side of the engine. Fabtech's recommendation is to replace the factory driveshaft with a shaft with a smaller diameter....well I'm not too fond of that option.

I was thinking that since I plan on putting a Corsa Catback exhaust system on the truck in the near future, why not go head and install "Hi Flow" catalytic converters that is smaller in size, compared to OEM, to alleviate the driveshaft/converter problem. After talking with a muffler place, they said that Ford trucks' O2 monitoring system will likely throw a check engine light if I change the converters. From there, the only was to get rid of the check engine light would be to use a programmer....and i don't want to use a programmer "yet", until my factory drivetrain warranty runs out.

Has anyone else run into this problem yet, or does anyone have any suggestions?? Help would be GREATLY appreciated.

 

I think the programmer would be the least of your warranty issues with all the other stuff you plan on doing. New exhaust, change the converters, 6" lift, and 35" tires. Sounds like there is a lot of things that Ford could blame a issue on other then a new program i nthe computer. Just my 2 cents.

 

I don't see a Catback exhaust system or a 6" suspension lift voiding the warranty of the transmission or the engine itself...per The Magnuson-Noss Act. Those two mods shouldn't affect the transmission directly, and the catback couldn't do any harm to the engine. Ford could, however, point out that a programmer could cause problems with the transmission and engine by using overly aggressive shifting programs and running a engine too lean/allow engine to knock. A lift should only void the warranty on the transfer case and drive shaft...every other part affect by this lift would probably be considered a "wear" item and not covered under a drivetrain warranty anyways.

 

You may be already aware, but you can clear 35's with a leveling kit, or if you're looking for more clearance, a 4.5" lift. That may alleviate the driveshaft issue entirely. Those 35's are gonna look tiny under that much lift.

This is the first I'm hearing of this specific issue but the majority of the lifted 2011+ SD's I've seen pics of have been diesels.

Welcome to FTE!

 

I hope it doesn't look goofy with 35" tires. I was wanting to go with the 295/70/18 Terra Grapplers b/c that is the biggest Terra Grappler they make for the desired load rating (on 18" rim). If its going to look goofy, I'd rather just go with a 4" Fabtech

 

It'll look goofy with that much lift and 35's......my opinion of course. Plus if you can avoid driveline issues by dropping it a couple inches, it'd be worth it.

 

the reason why I thought 35" would look "ok" on a 6" lift is bc on Fabtech's website, it suggest the use of 35" tires with their 4" or 6" lift....as seen on the following link:

Products > FORD 4WD > F250 2008-11

 

didnt see any pictures there. Google time..

edit: i suck at google. lol.

 

I have 35x12.5x18 Dick Cepek Radial FC-II's on mine. No lift or leveling kit and they do not rub.

 

I have a 2011 F250 sc 6.2 with 355/60 20 terra grapplers on 20x12 rockstars and an 8" procomp lift and ran into the same front drive shaft hitting the cat. I took it down to the muffler shop, they cut a few inches behind the cat, and rewelded and no more rub. Its been that way for 10000 miles and a few warranty issues. Ive never had any problem with the truck or dealer and it cost me $50.

 

I decided to go with a 3.5"Fx3.0"R ReadyLift kit w/ 295/70/18R Terra Grapplers. I went ahead and got a completely new 2" diameter driveshaft made, since it still would not clear the CAT completely. I decided to go with a completely new driveshaft, so if I ever do have driveline problems I can just remove the lift and replace old drive shaft and the dealer will never know. I am just way too scared to void my warranty on an engine/transmission that has only been in use for one year.

Plus, if I ever decide I want to lift the truck even more in the future, I don't have to worry about the CAT/Driveshaft issue in the future. I will post pics once I get my truck back.

 

 

Nice truck!

 

Thanks for the compliment!

 

Looks great, I really need to get those chrome covers for my doors. They look better each time I see them on the truck.