Hello,


I know there is some other threads on this subject, but I am a bit confused on the terminology. Specifically, how much lift any specific 73-79 ford has.


When someone says their truck has 7 inches of lift, is this 7 inches total? Or 7 inches on top of the stock "high boy" lift. A high boy is generaly considered to have 4 inches of lift stock correct? (this comes from the 4" block in the back, is my understanding). However, a high boy really only sits 2" higher then the non high boy models right? So, would a high boy 7 inches of lift actually be sitting 11" high? or what?


I would like to know, so I can figure out what tires I want. I have been looking at pictures of trucks on this forum for some ideas to match sizes (and see what fits etc.). But one picture says 7" of lift, and it looks WAY higher then another picture that says 9 inches of lift. So, very confusing. I am leaning towards 38s, or 40s, on my high boy, and would like to not cut the fenders if possible.


For my high boy, I have bought a SkyJacker 4" lift kit soft ride springs and all hardware. Skyjacker site says this kit is for the high boy (and states somewhere that it is 4" for highboy, 6" for "lowboy"). I have also bought a 3" body lift.
SO, DOES MY TRUCK HAVE:
7 INCHES OF LIFT??? (The 4" and 3" aftermarket additions)
9 INCHES OF LIFT??? (The 4" and 3" aftermarket additions PLUS the extra 2" additional lift over the low boy)
11 INCHES OF LIFT?? (The 4" and 3" aftermarket additions PLUS the factory 4" lift).


Someone, please tell me!
Also, with the above additions, what size tires can I fit without rubbing. (No rock climbing. Some light mudding....and I would like to be able to make sharp turns
...I mean, am I crazy, or are people all over the place on this???


OH! And if I'm only allowed to call it 7 inches of lift, then lowboy owners are cheating!


Thanks!

 

Here is a lot of HB info, especially the 1st link in that list. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ml#post1437578

If you bought a 4" chassis lift and a 3" body lift, then you have a 7" lift to brag about. lol

Yes HB's set a little higher from the factory than the "Lowboy", and folks have put 37" tires on HB's in their stock configuration.

 

Thanks for the reply! Okay, I can brag about 7" of lift. I get it. But, what about when other people are talking about their lift? What I mean to say is, if someone put the same lift configuration on a F250 after 1977.5....then it would be considered 9" of lift right (as per skyjacker, 4-6" lift kit). So, what is the standard on reporting for this? High Boy owners don't include the factory 2" extra lift?


You think 40" tires would work with my above mentioned (7") lift, without rubbing when turning? I cam getting ready to do body work, and am hoping to figure this out beforehand, so if I need to cut fenders, I can do it now etc.
THANKS!

 

I would ditch that body lift. I have a 2" lift and my 35's clear with plenty of room I have no doubt that 37's would clear easy. A 4" or 6" lift should clear 40's fine. Now your main issue will be clearance for crossover steering.

 

I would quit getting all worked up about what other people think or say about their truck and what ever lift they think they have and focus on just yours. Life will be simpler that way, because this sounds like a high school parking lot wizzing match....

READ: Highboys had front leaf springs with 5-6 leafs (depending on GVW) that
were 3 inches wide. Highboy front leaf springs were more arched than
non-Highboy front leaf springs.

Highboys had progressive-type rear leaf springs with 9 leafs that were
2 1/4" wide, compared to non-Highboy rear leaf springs, which were 3 inches
wide. Highboy rear leaf springs were 48-inches eye to eye.

Many people refer to Highboys as trucks with a factory lift, which is
incorrect. Although Highboys were taller than other trucks, the suspension
was not lifted. The front suspension did not have a lift block, and was
taller to accommodate the divorced transfer case. The rear suspension had
a block between the axle and leaf springs to lift the rear of the truck,
but most trucks had a rear lift block, so it is incorrect to refer to
either Highboys or most trucks as factory lifted trucks. END READ

Put on the 4" and rock the 37's, but the body lift on and rock the 40's. Better save some money for motor mods and re-gearing the axles to get it to move with them 40's.

 

I don't believe I was worked up. OP asked for an opinion and I gave one. I personally think body lifts suck, and create a whole bunch of other issues. Why not go all spring to start with and avoid those issues. I think you need to take a pull of your favorite relaxant.

 

No way, no how was that statement above directed towards you there co425. Is was directed to the OP. I get the vibe that this is a "my truck is higher than yours" bla bla deal, that's all. I guess I should of quoted some of his replay then said what I said.

There is NO way in the world I would say that to you, you are a great guy, mechanic, fabricator, vehicular technician. You are on my FTE xmas list, you got my card right? lol

 

Thanks for the PM clearing that up. I understand now and see where your coming from.

 

Hey co425,in all my early day reads ..I always thought you needed at least a 4 inch lift to go cross over,therefore I went 4,,,until you came along and proved that wrong with a 2.Here is a pic of the chassis with a 4inch lift skyjacker springs,37 inch takeoffs .You will have to use your imagination to picture a bed sitting there.hope that helps

 

I totally agree with you with a stock engine crossmember. If I did not have the notch in the back of mine, and the thinner profile there would be no way crossover would work.

 

I thought there were serious mods in reference with the Cummins setting in place that allowed that.Yes to the original post make sure you have all your game plan together,that will save you alot of money ,,take your time and do your homework,ask questions your in the right place.

 

Here's my 73 highboy with the same 4" lift you have. 38" tires. in the last pic it's next to my buddy's 79 with a 4" and 36" tires. Hope this helps ya.

 

If you want real big tires, I have a set of cut fenders and a cut bed that has been sitting in my yard. If you can figure out how to get them from NorCal to AK, they're free.