lifting a 78
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
lifting a 78
hey I want to lift my 1978 ford F-250 its in great shape i want to put a 6 inch lift on with with 38 inch tires, i was wondering about what brand to use to lift it with,
in the back i want to use the leafsprings and not just blocks, i am also going to get the dual steering stabalizer, so if u have any sugestions on what brand like skyjacker, pro comp, tuff country, rough country, ect. i would apreciate it thanks
in the back i want to use the leafsprings and not just blocks, i am also going to get the dual steering stabalizer, so if u have any sugestions on what brand like skyjacker, pro comp, tuff country, rough country, ect. i would apreciate it thanks
Last edited by JustafarmBoy; Jan 24, 2007 at 06:31 PM.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 8,542
Likes: 5
From: Louisiana
Just to say, after you lift it and put tires you will need to either regear it or do a good bit of engine work to turn those tires and use the truck for anything other than a mall crawler.
Everyone has their own opinions for these things, but just about everyone will say go custom.
Don't think of this to be expensive, b/c it's not, I got my lift from different manufactures and got a perfect lift(for me)cheaper than a kit.
You might want to do a shackle flip in the rear(get you 3" of lift), and a add a leaf would get you another 3" of lift, so that'd be it for the rear, and this way you wouldn't have any blocks other than the factory ones and 6" of lift on the cheap.
For the front you could either do some kind of drop for the hangers if you have the skill, or buy and new spring pack(in which case, I'd suggest skyjacker).
You will then need to get extended brake lines(if your interested in cheap way ask), and do somthing about the steering.
You could get a drop pitman arm or adjustable drag link and get by fine with that(that's what I did), or do a cross over steering set up.
There is a slim chance you might have to lengthen one of your driveshafts too, but usually a longer slip yoke will fix that problem.
Good luck, and if you have any other questions just ask.
Everyone has their own opinions for these things, but just about everyone will say go custom.
Don't think of this to be expensive, b/c it's not, I got my lift from different manufactures and got a perfect lift(for me)cheaper than a kit.
You might want to do a shackle flip in the rear(get you 3" of lift), and a add a leaf would get you another 3" of lift, so that'd be it for the rear, and this way you wouldn't have any blocks other than the factory ones and 6" of lift on the cheap.
For the front you could either do some kind of drop for the hangers if you have the skill, or buy and new spring pack(in which case, I'd suggest skyjacker).
You will then need to get extended brake lines(if your interested in cheap way ask), and do somthing about the steering.
You could get a drop pitman arm or adjustable drag link and get by fine with that(that's what I did), or do a cross over steering set up.
There is a slim chance you might have to lengthen one of your driveshafts too, but usually a longer slip yoke will fix that problem.
Good luck, and if you have any other questions just ask.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 449
Likes: 0
My personal experience is lifting a 78 F-150 4x4 (coils in front). I decided to go with the Skyjacker system that included everything needed including rear springs. That was about 5 or 6 yrs. and 30,000 miles ago. I could not be happier with the ride, handling, and the quality of parts. Skyjacker is a little more expensive than most, but imho, it was worth every penny. Check out www.ntwonline.com
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Farmboy, I did exactly what you wish to do. I got the Skyjacker 6" lift "system". I would recommend it because it went together and works perfectly. I have used and abused my pickup since my build up 4 years ago and the lift hasn't began to sag like I have seen others do (rancho).
You are absolutly right not to use blocks in the rear. My pickup wheel hops a little in reverse with 38 Boggers in deep snow I can't imagine how bad it would be with blocks. I am concidering a ladder bar, but not just yet.
I bet you already know this but: The combo of 6" lift with 38's is a great combo so long as you don't get to wide of 38's. I have never rubbed my 38.5x11x16 no matter how I twist or turn, but it is tight.
You are absolutly right not to use blocks in the rear. My pickup wheel hops a little in reverse with 38 Boggers in deep snow I can't imagine how bad it would be with blocks. I am concidering a ladder bar, but not just yet.
I bet you already know this but: The combo of 6" lift with 38's is a great combo so long as you don't get to wide of 38's. I have never rubbed my 38.5x11x16 no matter how I twist or turn, but it is tight.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 822
Likes: 0
From: Ilion Herkimer
i installed a 4" skyjacker system ( 4 new spring packs ) on my 78 f-250 4x4 about 9 years ago and have no complaints at all. the ride quallity is excelent. athough she does sag when i load her up but other than that i have no complaints. i will say that 4" wasn't enough so i recently added another 2" by dropping the rear spring mounts 3" and makeing new front mounts that add another 2"... i have some picks in my gallery.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,948
Likes: 44
That truck is way too easy to lift, and with the popularity of Super uties these days, it makes it even easier for us dudes with old trucks. A used pair of SD front springs will be the least expensive way to go. 99 - 04 springs will bolt right in. (little grinding) You will like the way the front rides much better than any kit system for the 78'. The rear was explained above,and is a great way to lift, and eliminate blocks. It is also very cost effective. I just picked up a set of BDS 8" springs that came off of an 03 SD, and I paid a whole $200.00 for them. Deals are out there, I am telling you. Find some like that ,and you will be good to go. Then with all of the money you have saved you can buy the gears you are going to need to turn those tires, and install a crossover steering system, and fix that terrible system that is in there now, or maybe have enough left over for a D60 up front. You are gonna want a bigger front end if you plan on spinnin those 38's.
