lift kit questions
#1
07-11-2011, 03:12 PM
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lift kit questions
alright, I am almost done paying off my truck so now I am looking into lift kits. I know a lot about the lift kits and safety and such but I have some general questions to help me determine what exactly I will be getting. I am deciding between a 4inch and 6 inch suspension lift. I obviously got a truck because I love them and am a country girl but also to for safety and driving in the CO mountains during the winter. I dont want to be compinsating to much safety with the lift so I wont go over a 6 inch. I do plan on getting bigger tires as well. I am definitely wanting a lift that is going to be noticeable because I would hate to poor money into this and then not have what I want. my questions for you all, would a 4 inch lift with bigger tires be pretty noticeable to anyone on the street or more to those who know about trucks? I want to have a macho.. I know the tire size would also be a determining factor. for what I am after do you have a recommended tire size? Second, I have talked with a few guys I know and they said a 4 inch with 31 tires would definitely be noticeable.do you agree? How much do you think this will raise my truck all together? I think with a 6 inch i would definitely get the look im going for but then I would not fit into parking garages and I may have to crawl to get into it. I refuse to get a lift and bigger tires then not be able to get into the truck, this would be stupid. Over all, I want a lift that is safe, macho looking, and still not going to sacrifice to much wear on the truck. What suggestions or ideas do you all have. and to top it off my works clearance is 6'10'' but I usually take public transportation to work so this is not a huge factor. oh and I have a 2005 F-150 Thank you in advance!!
Jodi
Jodi
#2
07-11-2011, 03:22 PM
Jodi, you must be lost...whatcha doing up here in 09+??
Kidding of course.
In all honestly, knowing that you're not wheeling it, why not go with the 2.5-3" level with some 34-35" tires and be done with it? Most people will "notice" that a leveled truck is not stock, but some people wouldn't know the difference between a truck and a car. Basically, the people that care, will notice. The others, well they just aren't worth speaking of.
A 6" lift with 31" tires is gonna look a little strange, since 31"s are actually just slightly smaller than the stock tires on your FX4.
Look through this thread and see if there's anything in here that strikes your eye. If so, PM the member and see if they'll give you some specs, if they aren't listed in the signature
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...es-trucks.html
Kidding of course.
In all honestly, knowing that you're not wheeling it, why not go with the 2.5-3" level with some 34-35" tires and be done with it? Most people will "notice" that a leveled truck is not stock, but some people wouldn't know the difference between a truck and a car. Basically, the people that care, will notice. The others, well they just aren't worth speaking of.
A 6" lift with 31" tires is gonna look a little strange, since 31"s are actually just slightly smaller than the stock tires on your FX4.
Look through this thread and see if there's anything in here that strikes your eye. If so, PM the member and see if they'll give you some specs, if they aren't listed in the signature
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...es-trucks.html
#3
07-11-2011, 04:36 PM
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hahah oop. i guess im just wishing i had a 09 or newer!
I do plan on taking it off roading which is another reason I want a lift. About the tires, i guess im not to familiar with sizes and such but i though the stock was 18 on mine but i guess not? if i did go with a 4inch lift what size tire would be a good size to upgrade to then? Its all so confusing ha. I have learned a lot through through this process. I like to know about my truck and not just be a female who knows nothing and lets the sales people trick me into all the extra stuff that I "need". thank for your input, i appreciate it as always.
I do plan on taking it off roading which is another reason I want a lift. About the tires, i guess im not to familiar with sizes and such but i though the stock was 18 on mine but i guess not? if i did go with a 4inch lift what size tire would be a good size to upgrade to then? Its all so confusing ha. I have learned a lot through through this process. I like to know about my truck and not just be a female who knows nothing and lets the sales people trick me into all the extra stuff that I "need". thank for your input, i appreciate it as always.
#4
07-11-2011, 04:46 PM
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Jodi, you must be lost...whatcha doing up here in 09+??
Kidding of course.
In all honestly, knowing that you're not wheeling it, why not go with the 2.5-3" level with some 34-35" tires and be done with it? Most people will "notice" that a leveled truck is not stock, but some people wouldn't know the difference between a truck and a car. Basically, the people that care, will notice. The others, well they just aren't worth speaking of.
A 6" lift with 31" tires is gonna look a little strange, since 31"s are actually just slightly smaller than the stock tires on your FX4.
Look through this thread and see if there's anything in here that strikes your eye. If so, PM the member and see if they'll give you some specs, if they aren't listed in the signature
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...es-trucks.html
Kidding of course.
In all honestly, knowing that you're not wheeling it, why not go with the 2.5-3" level with some 34-35" tires and be done with it? Most people will "notice" that a leveled truck is not stock, but some people wouldn't know the difference between a truck and a car. Basically, the people that care, will notice. The others, well they just aren't worth speaking of.
A 6" lift with 31" tires is gonna look a little strange, since 31"s are actually just slightly smaller than the stock tires on your FX4.
Look through this thread and see if there's anything in here that strikes your eye. If so, PM the member and see if they'll give you some specs, if they aren't listed in the signature
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...es-trucks.html
http://www.fordf150.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=74318
#5
07-11-2011, 04:48 PM
#6
07-11-2011, 04:53 PM
take a look at this link, you will have to scroll down 7 posts to the user BryantCz. hehas a picture of his truck with the words "valley truck Acc." in the background. this is what I would love and it says its a 4inch with 33'' tires but to me it looks more that 4''what would you say?
4" Lift Kit - Ford F150 Forum
4" Lift Kit - Ford F150 Forum
I'm 90% confident that the picture is misleading. That looks a lot like a 6" lift and 35" tires on 18" wheels.
#7
07-11-2011, 04:54 PM
18" is the rim size and the 31" you mentioned earlier is the tire size/overall dimensions of your tire/rim package. More than likely you have a 275/65/18 tire size which means 275mm wide, the (one) sidewall is 65% of that, and then 18" tall for the rim. You double the sidewall number and add it to the 18" of rim, and it'll give you a final number - probably about 32.8". Likewise, a 275/65/20 is going to be 2" taller than the previous size.
In regards to lift, a leveling kit will achieve a macho look but not overstated. They're a good bit cheaper but might wear out things like ball joints a little prematurely. On the '07+ Tundras, this is not an issue.
A leveling kit is going to achieve lift one of a few ways. First way being a spacer on top of the coil (the way to go, IMO b/c it doesn't change ride characteristics). The second is going to be a polyurethane spacer in between which will preload the coil and be stiffer. Lastly, there is going to be a combination of the two.
Another way to lift the truck by about 1.5-2.5" is going to be the Bilstein 5100 Adjustable shocks - probably the way I'd do it depending on the miles on the vehicle, etc. This is going to give you a new shock, but keep the same coil.
Now, getting into the expensive lifts you have drop bracket lifts which relocate the differential down and will cost anywhere from $1200-2500 probably just in parts. Figure about $700 in labor on top of it. These are going to be more expensive than a puck lift, but it'll give you the 4-6" you're looking for.
In regards to tires, you should be able to fit a 305/65/18 under a leveled F150 (which is going to be wider than stock, as well as taller), or a 295/70/18 which is going to be taller still and almost34.5" tall but a bit narrower than the 305. Some trimming will be necessary but the shop doing in the install will do it for you no hassles. Kind of depends on the look you want.
When doing a 4 or a 6" lift, you should be able to stuff a true 35" under each. The difference being maybe some offset of the aftermarket rims (you'll need aftermarket rims with these lifts to clear the spindles), and the amount of gap you want to see.
For a full on suspension lift, check out BDS. They have the best warranty on their parts, and it's a pretttttty sweet lift IMO.
I lifted my truck 2.5" and I think it looks great.
-rockstate
In regards to lift, a leveling kit will achieve a macho look but not overstated. They're a good bit cheaper but might wear out things like ball joints a little prematurely. On the '07+ Tundras, this is not an issue.
A leveling kit is going to achieve lift one of a few ways. First way being a spacer on top of the coil (the way to go, IMO b/c it doesn't change ride characteristics). The second is going to be a polyurethane spacer in between which will preload the coil and be stiffer. Lastly, there is going to be a combination of the two.
Another way to lift the truck by about 1.5-2.5" is going to be the Bilstein 5100 Adjustable shocks - probably the way I'd do it depending on the miles on the vehicle, etc. This is going to give you a new shock, but keep the same coil.
Now, getting into the expensive lifts you have drop bracket lifts which relocate the differential down and will cost anywhere from $1200-2500 probably just in parts. Figure about $700 in labor on top of it. These are going to be more expensive than a puck lift, but it'll give you the 4-6" you're looking for.
In regards to tires, you should be able to fit a 305/65/18 under a leveled F150 (which is going to be wider than stock, as well as taller), or a 295/70/18 which is going to be taller still and almost34.5" tall but a bit narrower than the 305. Some trimming will be necessary but the shop doing in the install will do it for you no hassles. Kind of depends on the look you want.
When doing a 4 or a 6" lift, you should be able to stuff a true 35" under each. The difference being maybe some offset of the aftermarket rims (you'll need aftermarket rims with these lifts to clear the spindles), and the amount of gap you want to see.
For a full on suspension lift, check out BDS. They have the best warranty on their parts, and it's a pretttttty sweet lift IMO.
I lifted my truck 2.5" and I think it looks great.
-rockstate
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#8
07-11-2011, 04:57 PM
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take a look at the link that i just sent you above and tell me what you think. I love th look of it!!!!
#9
07-11-2011, 05:00 PM
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#10
07-11-2011, 05:34 PM
OK Jodi, here's a listing of trucks from guys on here:
6" with 35"s
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ml#post7135918
Leveling kit with 33"s
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ml#post7139579
6" with 35"s but he's a touch nose high due to a 2" spacer on the front
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ml#post7337183
6" with 35"s
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ml#post7135918
Leveling kit with 33"s
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ml#post7139579
6" with 35"s but he's a touch nose high due to a 2" spacer on the front
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ml#post7337183
#11
07-11-2011, 06:09 PM
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OK Jodi, here's a listing of trucks from guys on here:
6" with 35"s
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ml#post7135918
Leveling kit with 33"s
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ml#post7139579
6" with 35"s but he's a touch nose high due to a 2" spacer on the front
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ml#post7337183
6" with 35"s
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ml#post7135918
Leveling kit with 33"s
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ml#post7139579
6" with 35"s but he's a touch nose high due to a 2" spacer on the front
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ml#post7337183
#12
07-11-2011, 06:18 PM
Join Date: Oct 2010
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18" is the rim size and the 31" you mentioned earlier is the tire size/overall dimensions of your tire/rim package. More than likely you have a 275/65/18 tire size which means 275mm wide, the (one) sidewall is 65% of that, and then 18" tall for the rim. You double the sidewall number and add it to the 18" of rim, and it'll give you a final number - probably about 32.8". Likewise, a 275/65/20 is going to be 2" taller than the previous size.
In regards to lift, a leveling kit will achieve a macho look but not overstated. They're a good bit cheaper but might wear out things like ball joints a little prematurely. On the '07+ Tundras, this is not an issue.
wow, you just taught me a bunch more, thank you! i think your truck looks great but I am going for a bigger look than yours. I am doing the lift for looks mostly however I want to get into four wheeling so the lift would help me expand my capabilities.
A leveling kit is going to achieve lift one of a few ways. First way being a spacer on top of the coil (the way to go, IMO b/c it doesn't change ride characteristics). The second is going to be a polyurethane spacer in between which will preload the coil and be stiffer. Lastly, there is going to be a combination of the two.
Another way to lift the truck by about 1.5-2.5" is going to be the Bilstein 5100 Adjustable shocks - probably the way I'd do it depending on the miles on the vehicle, etc. This is going to give you a new shock, but keep the same coil.
Now, getting into the expensive lifts you have drop bracket lifts which relocate the differential down and will cost anywhere from $1200-2500 probably just in parts. Figure about $700 in labor on top of it. These are going to be more expensive than a puck lift, but it'll give you the 4-6" you're looking for.
In regards to tires, you should be able to fit a 305/65/18 under a leveled F150 (which is going to be wider than stock, as well as taller), or a 295/70/18 which is going to be taller still and almost34.5" tall but a bit narrower than the 305. Some trimming will be necessary but the shop doing in the install will do it for you no hassles. Kind of depends on the look you want.
When doing a 4 or a 6" lift, you should be able to stuff a true 35" under each. The difference being maybe some offset of the aftermarket rims (you'll need aftermarket rims with these lifts to clear the spindles), and the amount of gap you want to see.
For a full on suspension lift, check out BDS. They have the best warranty on their parts, and it's a pretttttty sweet lift IMO.
I lifted my truck 2.5" and I think it looks great.
-rockstate
In regards to lift, a leveling kit will achieve a macho look but not overstated. They're a good bit cheaper but might wear out things like ball joints a little prematurely. On the '07+ Tundras, this is not an issue.
wow, you just taught me a bunch more, thank you! i think your truck looks great but I am going for a bigger look than yours. I am doing the lift for looks mostly however I want to get into four wheeling so the lift would help me expand my capabilities.
A leveling kit is going to achieve lift one of a few ways. First way being a spacer on top of the coil (the way to go, IMO b/c it doesn't change ride characteristics). The second is going to be a polyurethane spacer in between which will preload the coil and be stiffer. Lastly, there is going to be a combination of the two.
Another way to lift the truck by about 1.5-2.5" is going to be the Bilstein 5100 Adjustable shocks - probably the way I'd do it depending on the miles on the vehicle, etc. This is going to give you a new shock, but keep the same coil.
Now, getting into the expensive lifts you have drop bracket lifts which relocate the differential down and will cost anywhere from $1200-2500 probably just in parts. Figure about $700 in labor on top of it. These are going to be more expensive than a puck lift, but it'll give you the 4-6" you're looking for.
In regards to tires, you should be able to fit a 305/65/18 under a leveled F150 (which is going to be wider than stock, as well as taller), or a 295/70/18 which is going to be taller still and almost34.5" tall but a bit narrower than the 305. Some trimming will be necessary but the shop doing in the install will do it for you no hassles. Kind of depends on the look you want.
When doing a 4 or a 6" lift, you should be able to stuff a true 35" under each. The difference being maybe some offset of the aftermarket rims (you'll need aftermarket rims with these lifts to clear the spindles), and the amount of gap you want to see.
For a full on suspension lift, check out BDS. They have the best warranty on their parts, and it's a pretttttty sweet lift IMO.
I lifted my truck 2.5" and I think it looks great.
-rockstate
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/81...ml#post7135918
#13
07-12-2011, 02:13 AM
Not a problem at all.
Check out these guys. Great warranty and great product.
2004-2008 Ford F150 4WD 8" lift kit 568H | BDS Suspension
This will give new spindles up front and a spacer for on top of the coil spring up front. In the rear you get a block... probably 2" taller than whatever factory is (if there is one at all).
This gives you a differential drop as well to keep factory angles and steering geometry. All drop bracket lifts do this - Procomp, RCD, Fabtech, etc.
The reason for the price minimal price difference is the amount of R&D that goes into these things.
The 4" will look good on an F150 with a set of 35s.
There is a lot of labor in these lifts as well as some cutting so a specialized off-road shop should be competent to tackle it. Plan on a day, or two... of not having the truck.
-rockstate
Check out these guys. Great warranty and great product.
2004-2008 Ford F150 4WD 8" lift kit 568H | BDS Suspension
This will give new spindles up front and a spacer for on top of the coil spring up front. In the rear you get a block... probably 2" taller than whatever factory is (if there is one at all).
This gives you a differential drop as well to keep factory angles and steering geometry. All drop bracket lifts do this - Procomp, RCD, Fabtech, etc.
The reason for the price minimal price difference is the amount of R&D that goes into these things.
The 4" will look good on an F150 with a set of 35s.
There is a lot of labor in these lifts as well as some cutting so a specialized off-road shop should be competent to tackle it. Plan on a day, or two... of not having the truck.
-rockstate
#14
07-12-2011, 02:17 AM
The last piece of advice I can give you is to do it right once and you won't have problems down the road... i.e. don't buy a $25 spacer off Ebay when the nice one costs $200.
Secondly, don't stack lifts. It's not safe.
And lastly, please don't do a body lift. In an accident the bolts have a tendency to bend and a lot of frames are replaced to that tune. (While I don't do body work, I have 3 friends in the industry)
-rockstate
Secondly, don't stack lifts. It's not safe.
And lastly, please don't do a body lift. In an accident the bolts have a tendency to bend and a lot of frames are replaced to that tune. (While I don't do body work, I have 3 friends in the industry)
-rockstate
#15
07-12-2011, 07:46 AM
Jodi, if you really want a high quality, well engineered lift for your truck, then you need to check out Fabtech:
Products > FORD 4WD > F150 2004-08 > 6" Systems
They only offer a 6" kit, and suggest a 35" tire.
Their basic system is very nice, and more friendly on the budget. It can be paired from Fabtech with Bilstein shocks. This would probably be the best choice for you.
If you wanted to go "all out", then their performance kit is the way to go. Their 2.5 Dirt Logic coilovers are really nice, and can really only be beat by those offerings from King shocks.
Products > FORD 4WD > F150 2004-08 > 6" Systems
They only offer a 6" kit, and suggest a 35" tire.
Their basic system is very nice, and more friendly on the budget. It can be paired from Fabtech with Bilstein shocks. This would probably be the best choice for you.
If you wanted to go "all out", then their performance kit is the way to go. Their 2.5 Dirt Logic coilovers are really nice, and can really only be beat by those offerings from King shocks.