I can appreciate anyone who modifies thier truck for off-road function, but most lifts are just for looks. That's fine, they like it and I'm sure they aren't trying to impress me.

Maybe I'm judgemental because I am jealous that they have enough spare cash to spend on visual improvements? That's probably part of it.

 

I bought a '04 F350 last July and it had a 4" lift kit and 315 tires. I sold it a couple of weeks ago and bought the '15 Superduty. I am 64 and getting in and out was a exercise all its own. I also tow a 5th wheel and a hitch cargo trailer. The truck was too high for both of them. I did tow the trailer with a drop down hitch but I felt it was unsafe. The tires were a agressive Mickey Thompson and I couldn't take the roar on the highway.

Had the truck not sold the lift kit was coming out. Now someone else can enjoy it if they wish. It wasn't for me but I am one that thinks you should dow whatever floats your boat. This is what makes America what it is. We do not blindly follow what everyone else does. We can make our trucks the way we want. Just because it isn't for me doesn't mean someone else shouldn't do it. JMO...

 

I would like to have a 78-79 with a lift and big tires as a fun Sunday driver truck. Those are what my Dad (F150 lifted) and Grandpa (F250 stock) had when I was little. I would not want one for a daily driver or towing heavy.

I would like a true heavy duty air ride on my F450. I hear they ride really nice loaded or empty plus I think it would be cool to level the camper without unhooking the truck. Plus dump the air to load and unload things in the bed.

 

Yes, I do.

 

Why do people buy a new 60k truck when a new 35k truck will do?

Why would you buy a SRW when your fifth wheel really calls for a DRW?

I ripped my front air damn off and bent my rear bumper at about 5k miles on a shallow creek crossing on a mountain fire road. I don't have to worry about that now. With the slightly wider wheels and the increased wheel offset, my truck is just as stable as it was before the lift. My truck pulls better now with 4.88's and 37's than it did with the factory 3.73's and 245/75r17's. My camper sits perfectly level thanks to an adjustable hitch.

I don't fish, I hardly ever hunt anymore, I don't race anymore, I don't golf, I really have none of those hobby's that cost money. My truck is my hobby I guess. I have a decent job, my wife does as well. I have two kids, and I haven't borrowed a dime off my parents in nearly 2 decades. My wife and kids love climbing in my truck and pulling the camper somewhere or taking it to the mountains through the fire roads or in 12" of snow in the winter(when we actually get it anymore).

Why did you spend all that money on a fifth wheel? RVs depreciate faster than a used condom.

My truck looks better than yours now. That is my opinion, I'm sure yours is the exact opposite. But I didn't build it to please you, I built it to please myself. I'm happy with it, and since it is my money, I guess that is all that matters.

Why would you post such a question on an ENTHUSIAST site?

 

30 years ago when Suburbans, Expeditions, and others were renamed sport utilities it became chic to own one. The prices shot up substantially. I always had a Suburban, Blazer, or Bronco before that. I hunt, fish, and did other things off road. When I saw a lady with a Bronco and 4X4 I asked her if she needed it to get over the speed bumps at Kmart. Her eyes were so full of fire I got sunburned.

 

 

He has been a member since 2005. No one is that ignorant.

 

And no one forced your to answer his question. If you're wanting him to keep his thoughts and questions inside his head, maybe set an example and keep yours there, too.

 

Maybe your right, but the same guy that admits to towing a large 5th wheel all over the place with a truck that is exceeding its rgvwr is trolling a large portion of this community about have a lift. I find it kind of hypocritical.

I should have just moved on.

 

I absolutely love my lifted truck. My 2010 F150 was stock, completely, my 2013 F250 was stock. These trucks were great in their own right, they both did exactly what I needed them to do. All of my vehicles have very different strengths, and very different weakness's. My Ex gets horrible gas mileage. The tires are expensive in comparison. Here is the kicker, I love it the most. Owning it outright is so much better than making payments. No, I don't push snow like I did with the F250, but it goes everywhere that the others did. It's a beast, my kids love it to, the wife, not so much. Here is where it really shines, when I am doing an oil change or any other routine maintenance, I am sitting upright. Not on my back, not with a creeper constantly trying to roll down hill, but in a comfortable position. Everyone has their own ideas of what is an awesome truck. Hands down, my ridiculous, lifted, totally bad to the bone, truck is my favorite. This is coming from a guy that was all Chevy up until a few years ago.

 

My truck/fifth wheel combo is within weight limits for the truck, the trailer, and the combination.

I didn't mean to start a fight here, I just get curious as to why people do what they do. If that's trolling, them I'm guilty. I just wonder about things and was hoping that I could get some good opinions without people taking offense.

 

It's all for looks by the young and stupid crowd and the wannabees.
Not only do you make the handling worse (can't deny the laws of physics), you are also asking for lots of other issues like worn ball joints (faster), worn steering gear, steering box, etc.
People claiming they need to lift their truck because they got 3 inches of snow make me laugh.. They clearly don't get it. The stock height of the trucks is actually quite capable with MUCH more snow.

If you do anything that requires more clearance, you probably should get a smaller and more agile vehicle suited more for off road stuff. I rather have a great 4wd system and good handling when towing or heavy loaded.

As to why people lower their vehicles, well some also do it for looks but others do it to improve handling. There is that pesky laws of physics again. I lowered a mustang years ago and the handling was improved quite a bit (done right).

All I know is that mechanics LOVE lifted trucks.. It means lots of repeat business for them.