Howdy - I have a problem that I know you guys can help with. I have an 03 SC Fx4 Centenial Edition 6.0. It is fully stock. It is time for new tires and while looking around and taking to friends I happened upon a deal from a reputable 4 wheel drive shop. I am faced with the opportunity to get a Fabtech 2.5 in leveling kit, Rims, and 35's that just came off a truck they have been on for a week - the old owner wants more than this provided. For a little more than a new set of BFG All Terrains cost I can get this installed and rolling down the highway. My concern for stress you ask? This is my daily driver and I am concerned about the 35s. Will stepping up to these tires impact my performance (unchipped)? I am also worried about the driveline angle and front and rear gears? I have read all day but it seems to be a mixed bag of opinions reguarding 35s and the need to change gears. I have heard that there may also be stress on the tranny with 35s as a daily driver?

Advise or help would surely be welcomed.

 

The angle at 2.5" should be fine. I have a 4" with 35's and when I was stock I didn't really notice a whole lot of drop in performance. Course only had it for a day with the stock tires. The only thing was the drop in fuel mileage for me. My question is are you sure it will fit. I thought you needed at least a 4" lift to put on 35's. You might want to make sure.

 

Sabow
Check my gallery. I have the Fabtech kit and 315's.

Your diesel will handle this change easier than a gasser. I have no problems.

 

I have an '04 F250 with 8" lift and 37" Toyo M/T's. When I originally lifted the truck, I put 35x12.50's on it for the specific reason that I didn't want to change gears. I did, however, put in the Superlift Truspeed unit and calibrated it with a GPS. This was done about 1.5 months after originally putting the lift/tires on.

I noticed a very small power drop from putting the 35's on the truck. When I put in the Truspeed unit, it "seemed" to make a big difference, giving back that small drop, because it corrected the speedo/odometer based on the new tire size and, subsequently corrected the shift points. But, this is purely based on feel...no empirical data to back it up.

My 8" lift came with a bracket for the driveline that reduces the overall angle, but I have tons of friends with lifted trucks (anywhere from 3"-12") and none of us have had driveline problems. I also had a 99' f350 previous to this truck with 10" lift and 38" tires...never had driveline problems with it either. IMHO, you'll be safe with that small of a lift.

For those of you wondering about the 35 - 37" change...the 8" lift left too much gap in fender well with the 35" tires. That, plus the fact they were on 18" rims and the tires looked "small" for the truck. The Toyo 37x12.50x18's are a perfect size/fit combo for the 8" lift.

I also have an AFE filter/filter box combo, Edge with Attitude, and cat-back 4" straight pipe. I didn't want blocks on my axle's so I had 8" springs built for front/rear and I have helper air-bags in the back for towing. Next change is gears in the 4.40-4.50 range and a billet grill. Then, as the wife says, "it's done!"

 

It turns out it is a 3 1/2 inch Fabtech kit. Thanks for the info guys!!! Think I'm gonna go for it.