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97 Lift

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Old Mar 7, 2005 | 10:41 PM
  #1  
zman764's Avatar
zman764
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Laughing Gas
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97 Lift

Hey guys i have a 97 4x4 f150 4.6 175kmiles
I want a small lift, i was orignialy thinkin around a 3 or 4, but from lookin around it looks like a 6 is more practical (as far as it bein an off the shelf lift) I deffanintley dont want anything over 6 inches and would prefer a 4incher. but i was wounderin if yall could help me find a lift that meets what im lookin for.
1. Quality, I want a lift that all the parts that are replaced, are of a better quality than what im pullin off, I dont want to be goin threw a hole and worry if the steerin knuckles are gonna snap.
2. Easy to install, I dont have any experience with suspension (does changin my shocks count) And i would like to do it my self, to save money, and just to learn about how it all works.
3. Would a 4" lift affect my transmissoin, or driveshaft, or differentials, rack and pinion, steering columb, transmission linkages to the shifter (auto tranny) in any way?
4. Well thats basicaly it. I dont want to loose "driveabilty" When im on the street will my truck still fell "normal" umm... like will it feel like the steering is floating.. ect??
Thanks guys
 
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Old Mar 8, 2005 | 12:56 AM
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hometheaterman
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I would go with a Skyjacker lift. I have one on my Dodge it is a 3" lift but the truck also is the offroad model which is 2" higher than the normal 4x4's anyway so it really is like having 5" of lift. Skyjacker seems to be the way to go for suspension lifts and I would stay away from body lifts.
 
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Old Mar 8, 2005 | 12:32 PM
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Check 4wheelparts.com then go to suspension and they got lots of lifts to check out. 4wheelparts has been known to be a little pricy but its a good place to serach a lot of different lifts, just check around b4 you buy.
 
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Old Mar 8, 2005 | 12:34 PM
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By the way, what size tires are you looking at putting under there.
 
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Old Mar 8, 2005 | 02:01 PM
  #5  
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zman764
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Laughing Gas
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Well i dont really want a huge lift, and the 3" and 4" rancho lifts say a 33" tire, so I just assumed on goin with a 33" mudder
 
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Old Mar 8, 2005 | 02:04 PM
  #6  
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xallxforxchristx
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From: Arlington, Texas
Fabtech maybe? I think they have a 4 inch lift. You could also consider a body lift although it sounds as if you want a lift more for the suspension benefits.
 
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Old Mar 8, 2005 | 03:18 PM
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well just so you know you can check my gallery...I have 265/75 r16 which are basically 32" (31.7" i think) and my truck is a completey stock 4x4 suspension. You can fit 33's stock but if you are going offroad which most likely you are you'd want a little lift so they wouldnt rub as bad when you have max wheel articulation. The tires I have now dont rub at all, and i love to "flex out", check some peoples gelleries around here...lots have 285/75/r16 and stock which are bsically 33's, you wouldn't notice the difference by eyeballing it.
 
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Old Mar 8, 2005 | 04:50 PM
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i own a 97 4x4 4.6 , i just completed a 3 inch body lift. I took pictures of it, and they are beeing developed as we speak. I will be posting them soon somewhere on this website, wherever i can do that.for the price of the body lift, i couldnt pass it up. I now have alot of room for oversized tires, with just a 3 " lift, im figuring maybe 35 tires, will be trying some on here shortly
 
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Old Mar 9, 2005 | 12:46 PM
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hometheaterman
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As I said I wouldn't go with a body lift as they are a cheap way of lifting your truck you don't gain anything for going offroading and I personally think they look like crap as you can usually see gaps in the truck. I would go with a suspension lift.
 
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Old Mar 9, 2005 | 02:24 PM
  #10  
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Yea, i notice all the gaps, they jump out at me too. And I want the upgraded suspension, longer shocks, larger leafs, steering knuckles ect....

Does anybody know the difference between the quality in parts used by Racho, ProComp, Fabtech, Sky jacker, ect....?
 
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Old Mar 9, 2005 | 03:31 PM
  #11  
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Also, you get more mud in the engine bay easier with a body lift.
 
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Old Mar 9, 2005 | 04:08 PM
  #12  
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code_red
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matter of opinion, body lift or suspension. IF I HAD The money i would have put the fabtech suspension on mine.lol , but my pockets are thin and i dont have mommy or daddy to support me. good luck to you.
 
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Old Mar 9, 2005 | 10:11 PM
  #13  
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I don't really know the differnce between the parts used but I think you will be fine going with any of them as long as it is a well known brand. I tend to like Rancho and Skjacker the most as I have heard the best things about them and on other forums I visit they all seem to prefer the Skyjacker but I have also heard good things about the Rancho not to say I haven't about the other brands those are just the 2 everyone seems to love.
 
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