Lifting a 1997 F250

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Oct 20, 2009 | 04:10 PM

mstiles19

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From: the woodzies

Lifting a 1997 F250

So i am not to sure if this is the right spot to put this since the other forums end at 1996 and i would presume this one starts at 1999 when the super duty started, but here it goes anyway

My friend just purchased a 1997 f250 diesel. He purchased a lift for it which i am gonna help him put on. What tools am i going to need to put this lift on. This truck does not have a solid front axle so i am not 100% sure what i need to get the job done. Also for anyone who has ever done this before what kinds of things can i expect to run into or will it be pretty much as easy as it was to do my truck which has a solid front axle.

Thanks Guys!
Matt

Oct 20, 2009 | 06:55 PM

jhooch

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From: Spokane, WA

It's time consuming but not hard. Just follow the instructions. You'll need basic metric hand tools (Ford likes 13,15,18, and 21mm) and probably standard too for the lift kits hardware. You'll need jackstands, floor jack(s), hammer, prybar, probably a drill, C-clamps if there's add-a-leafs in the rear, and a pitman arm puller. The pitman arm will also be like a 1 5/16 socket also. I'm sure I'm leaving something out but you get the jist of it.

Oct 20, 2009 | 07:33 PM

Lou Braun

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From: West Cornwall, CT

Make sure that you have new nuts and bolts for every one that you plan to remove. The old fasteners will be in poor shape and will need to be replaced.

This is also a good time to replace any bushings that might be worn out. Front axle pivot bushings are probably worn out by now. Sway bar bushings need replacement. I would also give the ball joints a thorough test to make sure that they have no play in them. A lift kit will magnify the affect of any worn suspension components.

If the lift kit is greater than 4" it is possible that the front driveshaft will hit the cross-member just in front of the transfer case.

Lou Braun

Oct 20, 2009 | 08:00 PM

mstiles19

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From: the woodzies

ok thanks guys the lift is a 4 incher and i had him buy all new bushing so we will be replace those as well. It does not sound like this is going to be much more difficult than lifting my 2001. I also had him buy me a new tube-o-grease so we can grease everything

Oct 20, 2009 | 10:34 PM

jhooch

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From: Spokane, WA

Did you buy polyurethane bushings or just replacement stockers? I would surely go the poly route. The main difference between the '01 and '97 is the axle pivot brackets on the Twin-Trac-Beam. Everything else is pretty much the same. Some lifts will run bolts down through the crossmember for the axle pivot bracket. These are underneath the oil pan and can be kind of a pain. The Rancho kit I installed on my '93 was like this. The instructions actually said to lift the motor up but I ended up fanagling the bolts in there somehow on my back in my Dad's gravel driveway of course. Those were the days.