4-6" Lift Install??
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From: Quispamsis, N.B, Canada
Guys with 4-6" lifts.....
4" or 6" - what's the difference?
Just wondering before I buy is it really hard to install a lift on my '94 F150 4x4. I've got a friend with air tools, and we've got a grinder for the rivets, but what else would we need? I am thinking about maybe an air hammer for the rivets. I think I might get a 4" lift because I don't want to get into new brake lines and stuff. I've got 33's on right now so a 4" might do the trick.
So does it just take time or what? Basically what do I need to but that the kit won't give you?
It's been said that I need new camber bushings when installing a lift. Is this true? Will my camber be off?
Just wondering before I buy is it really hard to install a lift on my '94 F150 4x4. I've got a friend with air tools, and we've got a grinder for the rivets, but what else would we need? I am thinking about maybe an air hammer for the rivets. I think I might get a 4" lift because I don't want to get into new brake lines and stuff. I've got 33's on right now so a 4" might do the trick.
So does it just take time or what? Basically what do I need to but that the kit won't give you?
It's been said that I need new camber bushings when installing a lift. Is this true? Will my camber be off?
Last edited by moose94; Jun 1, 2004 at 10:18 AM.
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From: Topsfield, MA
You need brake lines for the 4"...the difference in the kit is just the coil springs and rear suspension. The TTB pivot point is put in a different hole, those are the only differences in the kit itself. You'll need an alignment done afterwards, which would involve the camber bushings, but the alignment shop takes care of that. You should also get another alignment about 6-7 months later as the suspension will settle out. It shouldn't need much adjustment, I havn't aligned mine and it's been a year since I put mine in. I used a grinder to get the heads off the rivets, then used an air chisel to punch them out. I'd go w/ the 6" because most likely you'll get the 4" and after awhile will say its not enough. It's not really hard, there's instructions you can read on skyjacker.com. Typically, you'd use 33s on a 4" lift and 35's on a 6" lift...
The install also depends on if you get the kit which has longer radius arms (highly recommended) and the rear suspension will differ on which size lift you get. I got 4" leaf springs for mine, rather then blocks or add-a-leafs.
The install also depends on if you get the kit which has longer radius arms (highly recommended) and the rear suspension will differ on which size lift you get. I got 4" leaf springs for mine, rather then blocks or add-a-leafs.
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From: Quispamsis, N.B, Canada
I see what your saying. The kit I'm looking at does have brake lines. Hmm maybe I should go for a 6", So there's no drilling or cutting of frame or metal involved? I mean I can do that it's just it takes alot more. How many guys here have installed a lift before?
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Topsfield, MA
You don't have to cut the frame, just drill some holes. It took me about 10 hours to install my kit, and I have the longest/most difficult kit to install of this style. I work slow though...I've installed two of these style kits, a 4" superlift on my other F-150, and the 6" skyjacker on this truck.
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I also beleived that extended brake lines were required with a 4" kit. I recently learned after talking to a guy who installs lifts regularly pointed to 3 trucks in the lot with 6" lifts and said "see them, they are all on the regular brake lines." However if you plan to do some serious offroading then your probably going to want to get them.
While my lift was being installed a steel brake line actually broke so luckily I had previously ordered the extended lines to be swapped at the same time as the steel. In hindsight I would not have bought them from the get go. Sometimes if it's not broken don't fix it, especially with 10 year old steel tubing.
My suggestion about installing it yourself is: if you don't make much money working your job, your mechanically inclined, and you don't mind laying on your back in the driveway then do it yourself. But if your like me pay the 400-500 bucks and let a guy do it for you who has the proper tools/skills for the job. I thought about doing my own and am now happy I opted not to. good luck with what you decide.
While my lift was being installed a steel brake line actually broke so luckily I had previously ordered the extended lines to be swapped at the same time as the steel. In hindsight I would not have bought them from the get go. Sometimes if it's not broken don't fix it, especially with 10 year old steel tubing.
My suggestion about installing it yourself is: if you don't make much money working your job, your mechanically inclined, and you don't mind laying on your back in the driveway then do it yourself. But if your like me pay the 400-500 bucks and let a guy do it for you who has the proper tools/skills for the job. I thought about doing my own and am now happy I opted not to. good luck with what you decide.
Last edited by 95soontobelifted; Jun 2, 2004 at 12:02 AM.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Topsfield, MA
Unless you have a reg cab/shortbed no on the rear shaft. The front shaft SOMETIMES needs a CV joint put in it because it'll vibrate when you lock the hubs and drive over 30...but most people dont even do that so it's not an issue. Mine does and I plan on getting a CV put in my driveshaft when I can afford it.
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Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Quispamsis, N.B, Canada
Alright fella's. It's come down to this. Any recommendations here would be great.
Install a 6" lift (best, most affordable one I can get) OR sell my 35" BFG Mud Terrains and end up having to buy new tires with that money. Your suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Oh and BTW this is not your girlfriends truck boys, I drive this thing everyday.
Install a 6" lift (best, most affordable one I can get) OR sell my 35" BFG Mud Terrains and end up having to buy new tires with that money. Your suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Oh and BTW this is not your girlfriends truck boys, I drive this thing everyday.