large lifts

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Nov 8, 2005 | 01:39 PM

elkman375

Thread Starter

Freshman User

Joined: Jan 2005

Posts: 48

Likes: 0

From: Washington

large lifts

hey everyone, i put a 6" revteck lift on my 99 F250 PSD and love it, but recently my cousin bought the same truck with a 12" BSD lift. needless to say i wanted something as tall as he has. so after my tires wear off i am going to put at least a 10" lift or possibly bigger, i want something big. my question is does anyone have a donahoe, BDS, or lift that is at least 10" and could comment and give some feed back as far as quality, ease of instalation, and what all i will need to get. im not sure how expensive this endevor will be but im sure it will cost me. any and all information would be great! thanks guys for the help!

~elkman

Nov 8, 2005 | 02:57 PM

Bear Hunter

Posting Guru

Joined: Nov 2004

Posts: 1,214

Likes: 0

From: All Over

Yes, I have a DR 10.5"

Let me tell you right now to go ahead and get the 12.5" (unless you are willing to 4-link it to go higher) because you will want to go bigger. Save yourself some money down the line.

I love mine...have absolutely no issues...rides like a dream. The Deaver Springs in conjunction with good shocks (valved for your application) produce awesome ride qualities. I happen to be running KING shocks but DR has also come out with specifically valved shocks for the SD and am told they are awesome.

I recommend getting High Angle Driveshafts (long travel front, and CV rear). You'll also have to extend your brakelines.

Nov 8, 2005 | 08:48 PM

elkman375

Thread Starter

Freshman User

Joined: Jan 2005

Posts: 48

Likes: 0

From: Washington

thanks bearhunter.....are the brakelines and driveshafts all i will need besides the lift itself, or do i need to get a set of ladder bars as well? i take it that the kit includes everything else looking at the price, and im sure it is not too difficult to install....if there is any other advise you have i would appreciate any and all possible first hand information i could get, thanks for your help

~elkman

Nov 9, 2005 | 10:50 AM

Bear Hunter

Posting Guru

Joined: Nov 2004

Posts: 1,214

Likes: 0

From: All Over

You have a 7.3 so you already have the stouter lower tranny mount so you should be good to go. Might want to think about re-gearing though to account for the larger tires. I'm running 4.56 front and rear with 39.5 tires.

If your truck is tuned..it would be a good idea to get some ladder bars to prevent axle wrap.

Nov 9, 2005 | 07:30 PM

elkman375

Thread Starter

Freshman User

Joined: Jan 2005

Posts: 48

Likes: 0

From: Washington

ok so ladder bars sounds like the only other thing i will need....ive got a lot of power in that truck for towing our boat. thanks a ton for your help bearhunter when i get closer to the project i will definetly drop you a line, thanks again!
~elkman

Nov 10, 2005 | 12:44 AM

KansasJoe

Mountain Pass

Joined: May 2005

Posts: 151

Likes: 1

Most people like to stay under the 12" mark because then you don't have to buy the crossover steering kit but I've personally installed them up to 24" and I think the bigger the better unless you using it for hauling or towing of course (manage a spring shop and sell and install lift kits)....any sort of leaf sprung suspension isn't really going to matter who you get the kit from because steel is steel and they're all basically set up the same. Guess it all depends on how much money you want to spend...come up with a figure and I'll tell you what your best deal will be and what height you'll able to obtain. Good new is the Super Dutys are by far the easiest of all trucks to install lift kits on and only take a few hours to do the entire thing.

Nov 10, 2005 | 10:40 AM

EnviroCon

Postmaster

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 2,646

Likes: 1

From: Milky Way Galaxy

I think because our trucks are so big stock we forget how much 10"+ of lift really is. Just about everything that's suspension related, plus driveshafts and steering will have to be changed or modified. I like the Donahoe 12.5" kit because the quality is outstanding and it already comes with most of what you'll need. Including the x-over steering, adjustable trac bar w/lower mount and shocks. It also uses spring hangers for 4.5" of the lift, so you get a spring that's only arched 8". I don't care what anyone tells you, the more arched the spring, the stiffer it is. Installation of the spring hanger and box kit for the 4.5" lift was time consuming, but not difficult. The hardest part is getting the pitman arm off. But I would imagine since you already have a 6" kit that you've already changed the pitman arm, so that part would be done. That'll just leave you needing the items Bearhunter mentioned, those brake lines, extend a few other lines, like axle breather lines, vacuum lines for the ESOF, and relocate ABS lines, and you're done. Minus the giant, gaping hole that'll be where your wallet was.