here's what i've got guys, a 79 1/2 ton 4x4 with 33/12.50 tires, stock suspension, i am a college student, but this summer i should make some pretty good money, i'm thinking about putting a 4" suspension lift on my truck,
1-what brand do you recommend and why
2-will my truck look stupid with 33s and a 4" lift
3-how much do you think i'll have to spend to get this whole thing done, (if i do this i want the complete kit with springs)
4-is there a reason i'm overlooking why i shouldn't do this

thanks for any help

 

I have a '74 f100 that I just put a 4" lift in and it only cost around 500$. I lucked out and got a set of rancho lift coils for $75 at a junkyard. I did a shackle flip on the back the cost me about $15 for bolts, it is way better than blocks if you cant afford springs. And about $350 for rancho shocks. I also installed a 4 degree polyurethane C bushing and radius arm kit that was about $100. It sits just slightly higher in the rear than in the front. Just how I like it. Can't answer you about tire sizes because I just have some 28's on mine right now and it looks pretty goofy. It still rides good for a truck and havent noticed any excessive body roll or anything. I plan on running 33x12.5s or possibly 35s. Theres some pics on my website but none since ive put the box or the shackle flip on. http://www.geocities.com/blarsen22/1974ford.html

 

1: depends on what your looking for but skyjacker softride kits are decent rides but can be big $$$

2: if they fit now and your gonna add 4 inches, yes, it'll look goofy

3: skyjacker kit w/springs- approx $640, dropped pitman arm- $80 shocks $160 caster bushings $10 to $20? 35 inch wheels on 15 inch rims $750 and up, longer brake lines $110, may need longer drive shafts if you off road $? alignment- $60 misc hardware $?

4: expense, it can be done cheap with luck and skill but if you don't know what your doing cheap = dangerous!!! lifting your truck will make it less stable on road, wear parts harder, cost more gas, harder to get in/out of. you need to take a serious look at your brakes when you do it and fix anything questionable. it will probably ride at least a little harsher. if you use it to transport anything heavy thats 4 more inches to get it to your tailgate. some states have crappy bumper height laws, check yours.

5: why do it? if you go off roading then this is worthwhile, ground clearance and suspension travel mean alot more than horsepower in most circumstances.

6: things to avoid: lift blocks, ABSOLUTELY DO NOT USE EM UP FRONT, they are illegal in the front in most if not all states and WILL get you dead. don't stack em in the back, shouldn't be a prob for you with the lift height you want. DON'T attempt to modify your existing pitman arm, welding cast pitman arms WILL get you dead. don't reuse the old u-bolts, those suckers fatigue and if your going to the trouble of taking it off, replace it. there is no such thing as "good enough" when it comes to steering, braking, and suspension.

just my $.02 I have been around alot of quickie beater lifts and some well done machines, if you do it then do it right and keep us all safe, oh ya, and HAVE FUN!!! i love lifted rides in case this post sounds negative it isn't, it's just realistic. there's a huge difference.

 

I forgot to mention in my earlier post that my truck has ram assist so i didn't have to worry about steering. I also replaced all my tie rods, ball joints, brakes and lines and u joints before doing the lift. I also had a shop so I did the alignment myself. It really leveled my truck out and it gives the illusion it is alot higher. I feel with a set of wider tires and wheels it should be just as stable as factory. I'd rather see any size of suspension lift before a body lift.

 

screw all that stuff, i think i might just save my money and hold out for a f250 4x4, any idea how much taller a 79 f250 4x4 would set above my 79 f150 4x4, also would an f250 be easier to lift, (just springs)

 

Your still dealing with pretty much the same stuff, that's why I never lifted mine. You might get an inch or two higher with a f250 but with the age of my truck (78 f250xlt 4x4 camper special) the springs are sgging enough that 33's up front get some bump rub so you aren't really gonna gain enough. I'd say do you school thing, enjoy your truck and use your money to get the drivetrain and body the way you like it, and when you graduate and start making real money then you can think about that lift again. what's the reason you want to lift it anyway? if it's purely cosmetic then i'd recomend against it.

 

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