Front end lift

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Dec 9, 2007 | 04:24 PM

Super Steve

Thread Starter

Laughing Gas

Joined: Nov 2003

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From: PHOENIX

Front end lift

My friend wants me to help him install a spacer to lift his front end. I believe it is an 05.
How hard is it and what does it entail?
Are there any special tools needed?

Dec 9, 2007 | 05:28 PM

mattd17

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Dec 2004

Posts: 1,365

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From: Ketchikan, AK.

they are very easy to install.... the first side will probably take you about 35-40 minutes, and then the second will take half that. you will have to pop the upper balljoint from the steering knuckle, but those are always pretty simple. then you have to remove the entire strut assembly, and then the spacer will bolt to the top of that. then it all goes back in place. i cant remember what size socket is needed for the lower strut bolt, but i want to say a 24mm. the 3 bolts on top of the strut are like a 15 mm i think. be sure to get an alignment when you are finished also.

Dec 9, 2007 | 05:46 PM

moonlighter

Senior User

Joined: Aug 2007

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On 07 model the lower strut bolt is 30MM, the 05 is probably same. Don't forget the tie-rod end and sterring stabilizer.

Dec 10, 2007 | 02:37 AM

Tylus

MMNC (SS)(Ret)

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 11,606

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From: SE Georgia

yep, it's a 30 mm and a 1 7/16" (I think on the other side)

if you have half a clue with vehicles you can do this in your driveway with a jack, jackstands and simple hand tools within a few hours

oh yeah, get a big hammer. you'll need it to knock the upper control arm loose.

Dec 10, 2007 | 04:54 PM

boots6868

More Turbo

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 552

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All these tips and advice are great, I installed the 3" spacer on my 04 fx4 and like matt said first side takes longer then the other goes nice. Butt!! the one thing no one mentioned was please be sure the lift the truck with ADEQUATE jacks and plenty of stands these 4x4 are real heavy and even in your driveway standard jack stands can push into your blacktop. and the load must be off the suspension first and you do a fair amount wigglin and pushing to get the struts back in again. and also it is a little rough to one side at a time as the load on unlifted side makes the sway bar kinda tight. lift the whole front end at once and do both under the same lift. and make sure you retorque to ford spec. just my 2 cents good luck

Last edited by boots6868; Dec 10, 2007 at 04:57 PM.

Dec 10, 2007 | 09:30 PM

Super Steve

Thread Starter

Laughing Gas

Joined: Nov 2003

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From: PHOENIX

Quote:

Originally Posted by boots6868

Butt!! the one thing no one mentioned was please be sure the lift the truck with ADEQUATE jacks and plenty of stands these 4x4 are real heavy and even in your driveway standard jack stands can push into your blacktop.

My jacks and stands were able to hold up my diesel crew cab F250, so a little ole F150 should be no problem.

Any recommendations on brands or ones to avoid?

Dec 10, 2007 | 09:51 PM

boots6868

More Turbo

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 552

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Super Steve

My jacks and stands were able to hold up my diesel crew cab F250, so a little ole F150 should be no problem.

Any recommendations on brands or ones to avoid?

Steve you would not believe what I have seen folks use to jack up cars and trucks alike. most folks have those little skinny kmart or walmart style with the thin legs for pintos or vegas. I myself have the 6 ton jack stands that go about 28" high with the ratchet style catch not the pin style. Heck I seen guys use cinder blocks and hunks of wood off their wood pile. just did not wanna see any one get hurt. and just because you lifted your 250 up and made out ok doesnt mean a guy with 150 can throw caution out the window. you arent so much heavier in the front than a 150. You may have used the correct tools hats off to ya. But alot of backyard mechanics just dont realize how heavy these guys are.