Lifting my 96 f150
#1
Lifting my 96 f150
Hey guys-
I recently bought a 96 f150 XLT (regular cab, long bed). I was wondering if any of you have ever lifted it or something very similar? I have a few questions.
1. Is it expensive? I was thinking I would get something like a 5" lift. Im not sure what people usually lift to or if there are only certain increments you can do.
2. Would I have to buy new, bigger tires if i did lift it?
3. Would it hurt my MPG?
Thanks
Mike
I recently bought a 96 f150 XLT (regular cab, long bed). I was wondering if any of you have ever lifted it or something very similar? I have a few questions.
1. Is it expensive? I was thinking I would get something like a 5" lift. Im not sure what people usually lift to or if there are only certain increments you can do.
2. Would I have to buy new, bigger tires if i did lift it?
3. Would it hurt my MPG?
Thanks
Mike
#2
Before answering these questions, it's kind of important to know what you plan on doing with the truck after you lift it.
But without that info...
1) A suspension lift isn't very cheap. If you put in a leveling kit and a 3" body lift it would be about 5" of lift and it would be fairly cheap. But I don't really like body lifts, especially if it's going to be offroaded.
2) You don't NEED to buy bigger tires, but it will look goofy with small tires. You could fit 35" tires comfortably with 5" of lift, but for instance, if you put on 35"x12.5" tires, it would be best to use rims that are 10" wide with a 4" backspacing so the tires don't rub anything when you turn at full lock.
3) Yes. Take into consideration that you will be further from the ground and with big wide tires you will lose power, and you will have more friction on the ground. If you put on 35" tires, it would be advised to use 4.10 - 4.56 gears in the truck.
Now, if you want to lift this truck that tall and then wheel it and beat it pretty bad, the front axle isn't going to like 35" tires on it. If it's just going to be a mall crawler, it will be alright. If you do plan to offroad it, look into a Straight Axle Swap for a Dana 44 from the late 70's from an f150 or Bronco (78-79 would be ideal). It will be a lot stronger than the TTB front end.
But without that info...
1) A suspension lift isn't very cheap. If you put in a leveling kit and a 3" body lift it would be about 5" of lift and it would be fairly cheap. But I don't really like body lifts, especially if it's going to be offroaded.
2) You don't NEED to buy bigger tires, but it will look goofy with small tires. You could fit 35" tires comfortably with 5" of lift, but for instance, if you put on 35"x12.5" tires, it would be best to use rims that are 10" wide with a 4" backspacing so the tires don't rub anything when you turn at full lock.
3) Yes. Take into consideration that you will be further from the ground and with big wide tires you will lose power, and you will have more friction on the ground. If you put on 35" tires, it would be advised to use 4.10 - 4.56 gears in the truck.
Now, if you want to lift this truck that tall and then wheel it and beat it pretty bad, the front axle isn't going to like 35" tires on it. If it's just going to be a mall crawler, it will be alright. If you do plan to offroad it, look into a Straight Axle Swap for a Dana 44 from the late 70's from an f150 or Bronco (78-79 would be ideal). It will be a lot stronger than the TTB front end.
#4
#5
#6
#7
Trending Topics
#11
Sorry I should have been a little clearer. Lol. I would recommend gears for 33's. Something like 4.10. Which you can possible find in a junkyard.
#13
What gears do you have now? You can give us the "axle" code listed on the sticker in the driver's side door jamb and somebody will know the code (I know only one or two ) I have stock 3.55 gears with 33x12.50s on 15x10 wheels and it is not that bad. A little slower acceleration, a little slower decceleration. Towing amplifies things. I'll never go down in tire size, but I've been casually looking for 4.11/4.10 or so gears for a few years. I have put 30,000 miles on the truck like this and it doesn't bother me. I even had my 35x12.50 claws on it for 2,000 miles or so. Drivetrain is a 5.0L with an E4OD.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post