I found these, and while I refuse to buy these exact ones because of the ALL CAPS in the ad, the bad spelling, and the use of $$$ in place of the letter S I want to know if these are ok to use? My rear end is going to be apart for the Hellwig bar, shocks and some wheel spacers so I'm going to throw some 4" blocks on at the same time (the rear sits about 2" to low right now). Just thought these would make it level and give me 2"of lift at the same time.

 

Also, poly or aluminum? I will be looking for a set of 4X4 springs to mod and install, but not sure how soon I'll find any This is the best CL I have, and it's still about 2 hours away


http://roanoke.craigslist.org/

 

It didn't link to the ad.

 

From experience I have to say.. Dont do it !!!

I tried 2" spacers under the front coils. It was one alignment nightmare after another. The only way to get the camber even close was to use special aftermarket camber adjusters... But even then, the upper balljoint was at its limit of travel... Some guys will ride like that and not care, but if the balljoint is already at its limit of travel, then you will beat them to death in no time.

I know you want to lift the Ex... So do I!! But after trying the cheaper road, I am patiently waiting to buy a real kit that relocates all the important parts... Not happy about it, but waiting.

Good luck with your decision.

James

 

I'm going to wait I guess

 

Added Sorry about that.

 

I know exactly how you feel Brother. I want 4 to 6 inches of air under my Ex so badly I can taste it... but alas... like you, I will be waiting. At least you didn't waste 80 to 120 bucks and a LOT of time like I did trying to make a square peg fit into a round hole!

 

Found this tonight too, wonder if it's worth a damn...

 

Just found the install pdf with a parts list and items needed.


http://www.catalograck.com/ImgVD/FAB/ft131.pdf


1000 BEACON ST BREA, CA 92821
714-990-8850 Fax 714-990-8854
1999-2002 FORD F250/350 SUPER DUTY
FTS131 4” LIFT COILS
PARTS LIST:
2 EA.
COIL SPRINGS
4 EA.
1/2" X 3" BOLTS
4 EA.
1/2" NYLOCK NUTS
8 EA.
1/2" SAE WASHERS
2 EA.
SWAY BAR DROP BRACKETS FT410-105
SWAY BAR DROP BRACKETS MUST BE INSTALLED!

 

Unfortunately, that kit doesn't relocate the I-beams or the radius arms. The radius arms need to be relocated to be able to properly align the front end. These TTB front ends from Ford just suck when it comes to lifting... no easy or cheap way to do it.

 

Damn you Ford

 

I bought the aluminum spacer for my F250. A few of the guys in the 7.3L forum have done this and it's worked great, except for finding a correct length front shock.

Here are a few of the threads.....

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...ml#post8492932

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ml#post7912749

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ml#post7764878

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post13061018

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ml#post9830874

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ml#post7381774

You'll need the caster camber kit, and will probably have to do a little grinding.

Stewart

 

Rep jail Thanks Stewart!

 

Seems like a lot of work and money sadly... I think I'll just toss some 3 inch blocks on the rear when I do the other parts and call it a day. The shock size doesn't need to be swapped with a block lift does it?

 

I am not trying to be a "downer" here. I can only relate my own experience, but there must be "some" kind of subtle difference between the Ex platform and the 250 / 350 trucks.

The reason that I tried the coil spacers in the first place was because of the threads that Stewart has given. I just knew I could make it happen.

My experience:
1. Tear apart front end and install spacers along with the bolt extension.
2. Grind a "little" just like everyone else has in those threads.
3. Install +/- 3 degree Camber/Caster adjusters from Moog.
4. Take it to Ford dealer where I know the alignment guy.

All is well right? No...
Camber wouldn't come into spec without more grinding... ball joint knuckle was hitting. So I take it back home, tear it all down again, grind MORE metal away in the offending places. Take it back for alignment.

This time, he could get it "almost" right with camber, but you could see the angle with your naked eye and and he told me I would be chewing up the outer edges of my tires fairly quickly. The reason he had to stop with the camber adjustment was because the ball joint itself was maxed out. The stem of the joint was completely to the side as far as it would go. No room for movement in the joint at all. He told me I could ride like that, but besides the tires getting chewed, I would be trashing ball joints pretty quickly.

So... I took it home, tore the front end apart again and put it all back to stock.

That is my story. If you can make spacers work for you, please tell me what is wrong with my Ex... I really wanted them to work. But not at the expense of tires and joints... I don't have that kind of income.

Good luck

Keep us posted.

James