Lift Kits?
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Gainesville
Lift Kits?
What type of lift kit would you people advise me to install on my 1997 Ford F150 Extended cab? It is a 4.6, 136K miles and runs like a scalded dog. I am planning on adding 40" Super Swampers on it and need to know what type of kit to install. Is a kit something a begginer mechanic can install or should I have someone install for me?
Also, does anyone know how to tell the tranny model? It is a 4.6 V8.
Also, does anyone know how to tell the tranny model? It is a 4.6 V8.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 385
Likes: 0
From: Missouri
2wd? 4wd? I'm guessing its an auto? Ford only has one type of manual, and I bet yours is a 4R70W. To check, the door sticker on the frame of the driver door will tell you your transmission code. E means E40D auto, U means 4R70W, and M means 5 speed manual.
Lift kits are not for the beginning mechanic. They can be cumbersome, problematic, and complex. If you want a truck with better clearance, get a suspension lift. This actually replaces components of the suspension and makes the truck itself taller. A much cheaper lift is a body lift, but keep in mind, a body lift actually weakens the truck structurally, since it places the body on a series of blocks, making it APPEAR higher. But it is what it says it is. All it lifts is the body, not the frame, however is MUCH cheaper. It all depends what you're looking for. Hope this helps!
Lift kits are not for the beginning mechanic. They can be cumbersome, problematic, and complex. If you want a truck with better clearance, get a suspension lift. This actually replaces components of the suspension and makes the truck itself taller. A much cheaper lift is a body lift, but keep in mind, a body lift actually weakens the truck structurally, since it places the body on a series of blocks, making it APPEAR higher. But it is what it says it is. All it lifts is the body, not the frame, however is MUCH cheaper. It all depends what you're looking for. Hope this helps!
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 183
Likes: 0
Take a look at my gallery. My truck has a 4-5 inch suspension and 3 inch body lift. I am running 36 inch mickeys and they clear fine. I tried a set of 39 inch mickeys and they rubbed pretty bad. Fabtech now makes the front end conversion kit to convert to a straight axle. If you are planning on putting on 40s, I would go that route. I am going to do the conversion pretty soon as I do not use my truck as a daily driver. Also, much better if you plan on dipping it in the mudd as I do!
