Here's the delema. I'm an impatient person when it comes to things I want. I have a 2003 F150 2wd Supercab and want something around a 6" or 7" lift. From the few places I've called already, I've been told that my stock wheels will not work with the left because I need at least a 4.5" back space. I found some cheap rims that allow the bigger back space, and the dealer said that they would work with the current factory tires.

Can I get the rims and do the lift now, and then at a later date put say 33" or 35" tires on later? Yes, it won't look as nice now, but will this still work/be safe?

Thanks

 

Personally I would wait and buy everything all at once. a lifted truck with stock tires would look ghey not to mention you'd have to mess with the tires twice just to get what you want. You also have to consider that you'll need an alignment and other odds and ends. If things are that close for you financially I personally wouldn't rush.

btw with a 6" lift your gonna want the 35", 33's will be tiny under such a high truck.

 

The general rule is as you go higher, go wider. A wider tire/ wheel package will help improve stability after you raise your truck's center of gravity. With any lifted truck, you need to be much more aware and carefull while driving. The small tires should be safe, just take it easy.

 

that's really true, on my way nhome from picking up my truck I took the jughandle like I usually do and almost crapped my pants lol. These trucks get real top heavy with just a few inches.

 

If your doing the lift yourself you can always order the lift and start stock piling the parts you need without actually putting them on the truck.

 

Thanks for the info guys, I appreciate it. I have another question as well. Do you think the suspension lift is something that is doable in a regular garage? Are any special tools needed? Anything special to lift the truck while you work on it?

I called a shop that will install a 7.5" Skyjacker lift for about $1100, do you think they would instead sell me everything needed for the lift instead of paying them for labor?

Would it be better instead to have them lift the truck and go ahead and pay more for a "professional" job?

Thanks again!

 

It depends on your experience working with trucks and having the right tools. Since your truck has IFS its alot harder to install then a leaf spring truck. You need the right tools such as a spring compressor for your coil springs. But its up to you, if you think you can tackle a big project then go for it and save some money. I know National Wheel and Tire sell alot of lift kits and fairly cheap. It would help if you knew a guy that has done this stuff before. But if your leary about doing it definitely shell out the bucks and have it done right by a professional.

 

Another quick question. Would a suspension lift void my current warranty with Ford in any way? Or only if they show that the lift caused the certain problem that may come up?

 

Most lift kits will not void your warranty. Heck most dealers sell lifted trucks now. Your second question is true though if the dealer deems the problem to be lift related they may not cover the cost of the repair. Kind of a catch 22.

 

I've been calling around a few places in my area and they are all charging $1,800 for the 6" lift. Does anyone know a good website where I could instead order just the lift from and look into installing it myself?

Would it be any cheaper to buy the lift from a good source and then take it to a shop to install if it looked like something I couldn't handle?

 

Check out 4 wheel parts. I would have recommended National Tire and Wheel but they specialize in 4wd and noticed you have a 2wd. I would look at Fabtech for your application they make real good lift kits for 2wd trucks. It would be cheaper to order it yourself. Unfortunatley its a labor intensive job and these shops are charging mechanic labor costs which are about $65 or more an hour.

 

Thanks again for all your advice 95-F-350-4x4, you have been very helpful. Do you know if any welding would be required on the install, or just bolding and some drilling here and there?

 

Not sure I think most lift kits are direct bolt ons. Though I have also heard some require welding but not much. Some though require cutting and grinding to your existing frame which can be difficult if you don't know what your doing. You will just have to check with the manufacturer of the lift kit. If it looks to be to over your head shell out the money and have it done by a professional.

No problem good luck with the lift!

 

Sweet, thanks again man. I'm VERY excited!!!

 

Yeah I can't wait to lift mine its just so dang expensive and so many ways of lifting it. I can't make up my mind on what I want to do!