New guy needs info
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New User
Joined: Nov 2003
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New guy needs info
Hi everyone, I have been checking out this forum for a few months now looking for Ideas for my 2003 F-350. I have a problem choosing what suspension to put on it. I hate the stock ride height with the front end down and just want to level out the truck high enough to get a 35" tall tire under her. Here is the catch. I spent alot of money on this truck and my last truck (Toyota Tacoma) rode like crap after I lifted it. I dont want a crappy ride. For one my wife would kill me and two someone must be able to make a kit that rides good. I have rode in a few lifted superduties and have not been impressed. Mostly Fabtech stuff and one skyjacker kit. I need some advice from people who have tried differnt kits on the same truck. Every lift kit shop I go into only wants to sell you the kit they make the most money on. (i.e. 4wpw always pushes pro-comp) I need real advice not a sales pitch. Is this too much to ask because everyone will just tell me the best kit is the one they have?? Or can someone actually prove it to me?
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,438
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From: IN FRONT OF YOU
Superlift has their new Superide Select Series 10-leaf springs , I run a SL lift and am happy with their kits.
You could also look into the Edge kits, seems they get good reviews also.
Depending on how you wheel, I would suggest at least 4" but would recomend a 6" kit
Like you said, most like what they got, so seems we are all a bit bias.
You could also look into the Edge kits, seems they get good reviews also.
Depending on how you wheel, I would suggest at least 4" but would recomend a 6" kit
Like you said, most like what they got, so seems we are all a bit bias.
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New User
Joined: Nov 2003
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yeti, you think I need a 6" for more ground clearance?? I dont want to get it too high. I have yet to go off-road with it but I do go to Baja alot to surf and need it to travel well in the dirt. Some of the road we take are really bad. From what everyone has told me 4" is enough to clear a 35 with full wheel travel. Is that the case?
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Calgary Canada
If you just want to level the truck, look into a levelling kit that uses the stock springs, but supplies longer hangers. I know that's how the BDS kit works for one.
Stock F350 with a levelling kit, you can run 33's (295/75-16's at least) no problem, I think there are a couple guys on FTE that run 35's with that setup, but they do have rubbing, and you would definately be pushing it if you did any off roading.
Yeti's on the mark in terms the the 100% right way of doing things IMHO.
Waxy
Stock F350 with a levelling kit, you can run 33's (295/75-16's at least) no problem, I think there are a couple guys on FTE that run 35's with that setup, but they do have rubbing, and you would definately be pushing it if you did any off roading.
Yeti's on the mark in terms the the 100% right way of doing things IMHO.
Waxy
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,438
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From: IN FRONT OF YOU
In my opinion 4" will work with no problems, but that is my opinion, and we know how those go.
But, usualy what happens is, you get the 4 and wish you went with 6", you get the 6" snd wish you went 8", it's a visious cirlce
Depending on the rim and tire combo, it is possible that the tire will rub a small amount on the spring, at full turn, but then again that will happen with any lift.
But, usualy what happens is, you get the 4 and wish you went with 6", you get the 6" snd wish you went 8", it's a visious cirlce
Depending on the rim and tire combo, it is possible that the tire will rub a small amount on the spring, at full turn, but then again that will happen with any lift.
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New User
Joined: Nov 2003
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ok cool so we have suggestions for BDS, Superlift and The Edge. The EDGE is Donahoe Racing correct? I have seen Donahoe Racing Everywhere by me. In so-cal they have the market. I have to say that on the phone they are the only people to answer all my questions. But I need to go for a ride in a Donahoe lift before I go that route. Its just seems to be too much money to me. but I guess if its alot better I would pay. What about this BDS I have never seen anything on them??
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 6,245
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From: IL, USA
Like Yeti said 4" and 35/12.5 tires will work.......that's what I run....pics are in my gallery. It works fine on the street and mild off roading. But, I can easily get the tires into the plastic inner fender off road and one time I got out and looked and if I had turn my wheel I found have been into the sheet metal.
So, if you plan to off road hard 6" would be a better way to go IMO..........to some people it leaves too much space in the wheel well though.
BDS is http://www.bds-suspension.com/ from what I've read it was started by some engineers that left Trailmaster and started their own company. Springs are made by a company called Glide Ride out of Canada I believe.
I agree that riding in the different lifts you are considering and looking at the products would be the best way to make a decision.
Hope this helps.
So, if you plan to off road hard 6" would be a better way to go IMO..........to some people it leaves too much space in the wheel well though.
BDS is http://www.bds-suspension.com/ from what I've read it was started by some engineers that left Trailmaster and started their own company. Springs are made by a company called Glide Ride out of Canada I believe.
I agree that riding in the different lifts you are considering and looking at the products would be the best way to make a decision.
Hope this helps.
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New User
Joined: Nov 2003
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Ok so no one has tried a few differnt lifts to give any feed back on the differance between them? any one?
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Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 6,245
Likes: 1
From: IL, USA
I originally bought a Superlift 2" hanger....didn't have holes needed for the side bumper brackets to bolt to on the '01 and newer trucks..........wasn't impressed with the trac bar bracket at all.
Have a 4" Rancho.......bracket heavier than the superlift, haven't broken anything. Have the 9000s with the in cab controller...shocks seem to be pretty much trashed now with 15k on them. Don't care for the ride.....think it might be sagging.
A buddy of mine has a 8" Edge that replaced his 4" Pro Comp that he had before, rides way better now. HIs truck with the 8" Edge also rides way better than my truck.
I've riden in some others...........and gotten measurements of actual lift given on other lifts.
IMO, Edge is the best currently available......in terms of ride quality and quality of the components used.
Edge gives you more leafs per pack than any other lift company. They have 12 in the front and 10 in the rear.
I'm sure others can give you some more info as well.
Hope this helps.
Have a 4" Rancho.......bracket heavier than the superlift, haven't broken anything. Have the 9000s with the in cab controller...shocks seem to be pretty much trashed now with 15k on them. Don't care for the ride.....think it might be sagging.
A buddy of mine has a 8" Edge that replaced his 4" Pro Comp that he had before, rides way better now. HIs truck with the 8" Edge also rides way better than my truck.
I've riden in some others...........and gotten measurements of actual lift given on other lifts.
IMO, Edge is the best currently available......in terms of ride quality and quality of the components used.
Edge gives you more leafs per pack than any other lift company. They have 12 in the front and 10 in the rear.
I'm sure others can give you some more info as well.
Hope this helps.
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New User
Joined: Nov 2003
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ok cool. I hooked up with a dealership out here that sales Donahoe racing kits. They told me I could come and test drive one. I will give you guys a report monday. Thanks for all your input. You guys ROCK