New to the forum, but have been reading and looking around alot. I have a 2000 F250 XLT V10 offroad package truck and am looking into lifting it. It's the crew cab with a short bed. I'm currently running 285s on it, but to me it doesnt have that burly look yet.

Been searching and doing a little homework as I'm no mechanic but yet the average weekend fixer-upper for necessity maintenance. I know there are alot of brands out there that each have their own little quirks about them that each person may lean towards more than others... My end result that I have in mind is either a 6 or 8 inch lift with 35' or 37's. Now I know for starters it's not as easy as picking want you want and getting it and then it magically all falls together, and I'm no millionaire so I have to make my dollar stretch as far as she can especially trying to start a family (9 month old and fiance) and with the ever growing gas price. With my goal, I know I should probably look into swapping of gears to help the engine and tranny out and not make them work so hard to turn big rubber like that.

So what all do you suggest... cheapest, but yet most reliable lift kit and what gears if any would you change to or leave stock?

This is my first full size truck and I want to make it last me, but I also want it to be more capable off road but still be my daily driver and not kill the wallet... I know, I know, I shouldn't have chosen the V10 , but it has all the power I need and wanted.

Any DO's or DONT's to suggest on your guys' journeys down this road, and more specifically, again, what is the best bang for my buck?

 

Icon 4" hanger kit will easily clear 35's on a 2000, that's what i had on my 03 worked good. shop around several company's make that kit. you will also have to replace shocks Bilsteins are the best I think for our trucks.

 

DON'T go cheap! There are a lot of kits out there that don't cost much, but will really ruin the ride and handling.

DO keep it as small as possible.
More lift means:
- Reduced handling due to high roll center.
- Reduced fuel economy due to windage
- Increase risk of roll overs
- Harsher and harsher ride

Rules of thumb:
2.5 to 3" will clear most 35" tires and can be done in a way that barely affects handling or ride. If you want to go this way, let me know and I'll share how I pieced mine together at minimal cost.
4" is the furthest you can go without major re-engineering or major compromises.

6" +: 3 options:
1) Do it right, replacing a lot of parts ($$$$$)
2) Do it with cheap kit featuring grossly overstiff springs and shocks so suspension can't move.
3) Do it with cheap kit and semi-reasonable springs and deal with lots of bumpsteer and other evil handling traits.

Put 37's and 6"+ lift kit on and you will lose at least 3-5 mpg due to windage and rolling resistance.

 

Pro-comp 4" kit will clear 35" tires, looks good and I've had mine on for the last 11 YEARS without a single problem.

You put 35"-37" tires on it and regearing will be quite essential. I suffered with the dismal 3.73 gearing in my truck for years. Just moved up to 4.88 and couldn't be happier. Look at my thread in the V10 forum and see the progrssion in mileage and driveability I have posted with the mods.

I actually went from 8.7 mpg to 13 mpg with the gear change and some bolt on engine mods.