Lift Kit vs. Leveling Kit.
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Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Lancaster, MA
Lift Kit vs. Leveling Kit.
I recently bought a set of 16x10 M/T Classic IIs that I was going to put 33s on and put them on my stock F250. I know that it is a 50% chance that they'll fit. Now I'm thinking of going to 35s. I neeed to know which is better for my situatuion, a leveling kit or lift kit. I tow a bumper pull trailer once a week at 12K lbs. loaded. Only tow it about 5 around town miles. Then I pull a 5K lb. race car and trailer setup to NH and back on the weekend. I don't see myself ever getting a fifth wheel. I am pretty sure that I have 4.10 gears. The front end of my truck sits up pretty high as it is. I don't do any real off roading, it'll just be for show and my truck is bigger than yours. I am debating between a 2.5" leveling kit upfront with F350 blocks in the rear or a 3" to 4" lift kit. What is the cost difference going to be installed? I'm not looking to spend a whole ton of course. Thanks.
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Before I threw in the towel on a leveling kit or lift and rims and bigger tires I was looking at all the nice install shots at this site:
http://www.trucktoyzperformance.com/...rch=ttinstalls
Select Ford and 4"-5" lift from the dropdowns and you will see all the nice F250's with 35's on them and the 4.5" DR kit. Seems like this is the standard for 35" tires.
I got some 32.7" BFG's on my stock ride and am happy........for now.
http://www.trucktoyzperformance.com/...rch=ttinstalls
Select Ford and 4"-5" lift from the dropdowns and you will see all the nice F250's with 35's on them and the 4.5" DR kit. Seems like this is the standard for 35" tires.
I got some 32.7" BFG's on my stock ride and am happy........for now.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Houston, TX
Your V10 rides higher in the front than the Powerstrokes due to the lighter weight of the V10. My buddy's '01 V10 sat nearly 2" higher in the front than my '03 PSD. I added a 2" Donahoe leveling kit to the front of mine and it now sits about a half inch lower in the front than the back (which is about right since it was about 2.5" lower in the front to begin with).
Do a real-world measurement from the top, outer edge of your tires to the lip of the fender, both front and back. You may find that you're pretty close to level right now, albeit slightly lower in the front.
You probably won't have any problem with the 33's as it sits. But with 35's you're probably going to need to get the truck up in the air 3 to 4 inches to get the clearance you'll need.
TX
Do a real-world measurement from the top, outer edge of your tires to the lip of the fender, both front and back. You may find that you're pretty close to level right now, albeit slightly lower in the front.
You probably won't have any problem with the 33's as it sits. But with 35's you're probably going to need to get the truck up in the air 3 to 4 inches to get the clearance you'll need.
TX
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Joined: May 2006
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From: Tax Happy Hanover Pa
Check my gallery....I've got a 2.5" leveling kit on my F350 and 35's. Yeah, they rub at full lock to the left but that's because of the OEM wheels. Your 10" wide wheels should compensate for that.
IMO, I'd do the leveling kit and 350 blocks and some decent shocks. The 4" kit's make 35's look small.
IMO, I'd do the leveling kit and 350 blocks and some decent shocks. The 4" kit's make 35's look small.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Middleville, MI
i'd do 4" if your going 35's. that's what i did, and i actually ended up adding a shackle to the front for an extra 1.5" after the fact. if you're running a 16x10 wheel like you say, it will look great.
i rubbed when i was wheeling once before the shackles, and at that point i was still higher than 4"; i have diesel springs on my lighter 5.4L, so i got probably 5-5.5" out of the springs alone.
35's on 16x10's, 4" ProComp lift.
i rubbed when i was wheeling once before the shackles, and at that point i was still higher than 4"; i have diesel springs on my lighter 5.4L, so i got probably 5-5.5" out of the springs alone.
35's on 16x10's, 4" ProComp lift.
Last edited by bbender85; Mar 21, 2007 at 12:41 PM.
More Turbo
Joined: May 2005
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From: Thousand Oaks, CA
Originally Posted by metalman1320
Check my gallery....I've got a 2.5" leveling kit on my F350 and 35's. Yeah, they rub at full lock to the left but that's because of the OEM wheels. Your 10" wide wheels should compensate for that.
IMO, I'd do the leveling kit and 350 blocks and some decent shocks. The 4" kit's make 35's look small.
IMO, I'd do the leveling kit and 350 blocks and some decent shocks. The 4" kit's make 35's look small.
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Lincoln, NE
Oviously each lift is a little different, but the net should be very close. I have 4" in front and 35's, and its tight. I've trimmed the valance but if I hit a hard bump while turning I can still contact the liner. My rear was 5", but then I added a leaf, rearched the springs, and put in bags, so it's more like 6" now. No issues there. Tows grand.
I'm almost with bender, wanting to get another inch up front one way or another. The wheel well is full.
http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2506...00036958ACUyAl
theres a shot. It doesnt show the front great, but I think enough.
I'm almost with bender, wanting to get another inch up front one way or another. The wheel well is full.
http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2506...00036958ACUyAl
theres a shot. It doesnt show the front great, but I think enough.
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Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Lancaster, MA
Thanks for all the info. Keeep it coming. What kind of warranty issues am I going to run into with either of the setups? I know the dealer frowns on you breathing in your own truck when it comes to a warranty. My warranty has already more than paid for itself, so it isn't a huge deal. Also, what would an installed leveling kit with F350 blocks run me? What about a decent lift kit installed?
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Well I don't have a warranty on mine, so I never worry about putting stuff on.
A leveling kit will give a rear end sag look, especially since you have the V10. There are several companies to look into for a leveling kit. Cage Offroad and Skyjacker offer full spring replacements. Rancho, DR, Pro Comp offer add packs. There are also some with shackle replacements.
I have a Cage on mine abd have pictures in my gallery if you want to take a look. I also have a rub issue at full lock to the left and had to cut my bumper. I'm running 16x10s as well. Of course you can see what all I have which is listed below.
The 350 rear blocks will help with the look as they are taller than the 250s. .5" taller I believe.
A leveling kit will give a rear end sag look, especially since you have the V10. There are several companies to look into for a leveling kit. Cage Offroad and Skyjacker offer full spring replacements. Rancho, DR, Pro Comp offer add packs. There are also some with shackle replacements.
I have a Cage on mine abd have pictures in my gallery if you want to take a look. I also have a rub issue at full lock to the left and had to cut my bumper. I'm running 16x10s as well. Of course you can see what all I have which is listed below.
The 350 rear blocks will help with the look as they are taller than the 250s. .5" taller I believe.
Last edited by kcidmil; Mar 21, 2007 at 07:18 PM.
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