Improper lift kit install
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Joined: Apr 2015
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Improper lift kit install
Howdy! Well I recently bought a '97 f350 PSD with a 4" lift, and after doing some maintenance on the front end I realized that whoever installed the lift did an incomplete job. The problem is, they didn't put an extension on the track bar mount, and they didn't change the shocks. Since the track bar was too short it was putting the entire front end on a bind, and actually bent the front leaf spring shackles. I'm in the process of replacing the shackles and spring bushings, along with the shocks and a mount extension for the track bar. Have I covered all of the necessary components or is there more that I should look for/modify (like steering components and such up front)?
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
Check the pitman arm to see if it's got a bigger drop than the factory one. You can also look for an adjustable track bar instead of the bracket if you want.
Welcome to FTE. On a side note, if you scroll down the main forum listing just a little more, you'll find the OBS section for the 94.5 - 97 7.3 trucks. Those guys will have more knowledge about your truck than the folks here in the 99 - 03 section.
Welcome to FTE. On a side note, if you scroll down the main forum listing just a little more, you'll find the OBS section for the 94.5 - 97 7.3 trucks. Those guys will have more knowledge about your truck than the folks here in the 99 - 03 section.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 10,750
Likes: 1,065
From: Douglassville, PA
Howdy! Well I recently bought a '97 f350 PSD with a 4" lift, and after doing some maintenance on the front end I realized that whoever installed the lift did an incomplete job. The problem is, they didn't put an extension on the track bar mount, and they didn't change the shocks. Since the track bar was too short it was putting the entire front end on a bind, and actually bent the front leaf spring shackles. I'm in the process of replacing the shackles and spring bushings, along with the shocks and a mount extension for the track bar. Have I covered all of the necessary components or is there more that I should look for/modify (like steering components and such up front)?
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 3,206
Likes: 3
From: Oakhust NJ Jersey Shore
I would go with the adjustable track arm, I had a drop bracket on mine and the front end seemed sloppy, so I got the original bracket from Ford, and installed the adjustable, worked out great, and you would need a drop pitman arm. Prevents bump steer and you want to keep the drag link in line with the inner tierods. Shocks are always a good idea, get what you can afford. multiples I would only consider if you plan on off roading or plowing. Good luck
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,171
Likes: 20
From: Denton, TX
I've got a set or near new Bilsteins I'm selling cheap. We'll need to look at your lift and how much your springs can extend to make sure they will fit.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...0-4x4-obs.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...0-4x4-obs.html
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farmnaggie
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
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Jan 23, 2012 07:10 AM
