Hey Guys,
Im thinking about purchasing the Fabtech 3.5" lift kit for 2wd's. I was told I would need to purchase new wheels because the factory wheels would rub. Is this true? or are they trying to get me to spend more money? I found a website that recommended the use of a 295/75R16 tires with 16x8 wheels. If running a 17" wheel they recommended tire size is 285/70R17. Wheels must not have more than 4-5/8” backspacing. To properly install these Fabtech F150 3.5" lift spindles they require the addition of the Fabtech alignment cam and bolt kit. They STRONGLY recommended the alignment cam and bolt kit to ensure the installation and alignment goes smoothly the first time. Tell me if this is true guys cause Im on a budget here.

I also read somewhere on here that the gears should be changed to 4.10's if your running with 33's. Whats yalls opinion on this? Im new to this and Im not sure what a 33 would measure up to a 295/75R16. Can someone school me on this?

Thanks, Joe

 

Hey jag what year is your truck? I have the 3.5" spindal lift on my 03' supercrew. I did not need the cams, mine is fine. Fabtech recommends a 33" tire to go with this lift (285/75/16) with the stock wheels. As far as the rubbing, just trim the plastic on the front bumper, it's not much, nothing a sawsall won't fix. You could save yourself $$$ if you install youself, if you have some wrenching under your belt and the proper tools. I did mine front and back with shocks, about six hours. Make sure you get an alignment after your done. Sometimes your alignment shop will add the cams if needed. Rich

 

I've got the 2000 F150 XLT 4dr 2wd V6. Thanks for your reponse Rich.

 

Hey Rich I recieved the above reponse from another member and it seems like I would have to buy the new rims if I decided not to cut the plastic.

By the way you mentioned the plastic on the bumper...Im not real sure what your talking about. Is it the plastic in the wheel well in the front?

Laterz, Joe

 

Fabtech's 3.5" lifts are designed to to utilize your stock wheels with the trimming of the ground effect plastic on the front bumper. When you get your lift on, you will turn the wheels all the way to one side then back to the other side and you will see where it rubs, it's not much! Also Fabtech says you can use the 295/75/16 tires but the Tech's recommend 285/75/16. I would say if your on a tight budget stay with your stock wheels, if not you can put what ever you want as long as it will fit your truck w/ the lift. Just remember bigger tires and wheels rob your power!!! and with a v6 it will be tough. Good luck and let us all know what you do? Rich