lift question!
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Senior User
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lift question!
hello guys, so i had a question, i just bought my front 6" lift springs and im really excited about puttin them on my super duty my question is can i do it without getting a drop down pitman arm? why is the drop down pitman arm necessary? also my front springs have shackles on them will this add to my lift? i've searched the forums and they havent explained why i need a drop down pitman arm and if i can get by for a lil while with the stock pitman arm? thanks alot guys for any information, its a 99 superduty extended cab longbed 4x4
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 23,174
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From: Stephensville WI
IIRC you'll need a dropped pitman arm. You're changing the steering geometry too much for the stock arm to accommodate.
The steering box is on the frame. It needs to move the steering components that are on the axle. The pitman arm connects them.
You're moving the axle 6 inches away from the frame, which changes the steering geometry radically.
The steering box is on the frame. It needs to move the steering components that are on the axle. The pitman arm connects them.
You're moving the axle 6 inches away from the frame, which changes the steering geometry radically.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,342
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From: Georgia
With 6 inches of lift, the truck will need the dropped pitman arm to eliminate bump steer. The increase in suspension hight will change the angle of the rod running from the pitman arm to the front wheel. Everytime you hit a bump and the suspension compresses, the rod will be forced to cause the wheels to turn a little bit. This is dangerous and could cause an accident. Have heard of some being so bad the steering wheel almost will be snatched out of your hands if not holding on tight. What brand of lift did you get. Most come with the dropped arm at that hight?
You Keep What You Kill
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,902
Likes: 2
From: Huntersville, NC
It sounds like the OP is buying individual lift components as funds are available as opposed to buying a complete lift kit. There is nothing wrong with this approach... however, the OP should refrain from installing the individual lift components until all required components are acquired because your suspension is a "system." I have never seen a 6" lift kit that did not include or recommend a drop pitman arm. You also need longer shocks. We have even discussed what is needed for the rear axle in terms of compatible lift.
In short, I think that the OP needs to clarify the process and/or intent of this install.
In short, I think that the OP needs to clarify the process and/or intent of this install.
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Senior User
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hey guys thanks for the info, you guys are right i am buying it in seperate pieces its saveing me loads of cash, i wanted to put my springs on asap, i wont be driving it that much just from my buddies house to my house, i just want to know if its drivable without adding the drop down pitman arm, i'll get the pitman arm in a week or so i just have a free day today and want to get the springs swapped.
Token Redneck
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,334
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From: Breckenridge, TX
With 6" springs, you'll need more than just a pitman arm. Removing or relocating the trac bar is gonna be necessary, plus sway bar links if you plan on trying to hook that back up, and brakes lines so you don't pull something apart with even a small bounce.
You can't just toss in 6" lift springs and not change a bunch of other things, that's a lot of lift on components that are in a stock set up
You can't just toss in 6" lift springs and not change a bunch of other things, that's a lot of lift on components that are in a stock set up
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,924
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From: Richmond BC
texastech is right..
at 6"s theres alot of parts that are required, or adjustments that need to be done..
chances are the shackles you have that came with the springs are stock, but without pics its impossible to say..
you will also need new U-bolts aswell.. and of course longer shocks..
the list is quite long, thus why most people just buy a complete new kit.. it has everythig and you dont have to worry about used parts history..
but good luk with your install.. just be prepared for issues you havent factored in yet is all.
at 6"s theres alot of parts that are required, or adjustments that need to be done..
chances are the shackles you have that came with the springs are stock, but without pics its impossible to say..
you will also need new U-bolts aswell.. and of course longer shocks..
the list is quite long, thus why most people just buy a complete new kit.. it has everythig and you dont have to worry about used parts history..
but good luk with your install.. just be prepared for issues you havent factored in yet is all.
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thanks guys, so turns out just did the install on one side, everything went in just fine break lines are more then lengthy the ubolts have about an inch or more threads showing, the sway bars on bottom still bolt up fine, im begining to think maybe i have 4" lift springs haha but yeah so far so good nothing looks unsafe. i'll post pics so you guys can see. installation is going pretty smooth thank god for little brothers, i have a question how can i measure the exact lift in inches that i have above stock??
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Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Richmond BC
yea they must be a 4" spring..
cuz my truck with a 4"s lift the brake lines had to be tweeked just a bit to get enuf length..
no way at 6"s of lift they would have worked without modding or replacing.
as for measuring height you could have measured your wheelwell top height before and after.but kinda late now.
cuz my truck with a 4"s lift the brake lines had to be tweeked just a bit to get enuf length..
no way at 6"s of lift they would have worked without modding or replacing.
as for measuring height you could have measured your wheelwell top height before and after.but kinda late now.
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im thinking it is a 4", the shocks are maxxed out the brake lines still have a ways to go and the ubolts have two inches left over. i have a question, can you add the 4" lift shackle to the leaves without any issues with lengths of leavesand hangers not lining up?
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Richmond BC
front Ubolt length generaly doesnt change much between lift kits unless you happen to buy front springs with a bunch of extra leafs in it..
as for 4"s lifted shackles i am not a fan of anything other then stock length ones on fullsize trucks..
to much leverage on the spring ends and of course side to side stress by the added length..i wouldn't use them..but thats just my personal experience.
as for 4"s lifted shackles i am not a fan of anything other then stock length ones on fullsize trucks..
to much leverage on the spring ends and of course side to side stress by the added length..i wouldn't use them..but thats just my personal experience.
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that is true about the leverage, i wouldnt be doin any towing though so just the weight of the truck, its an extended cab longbed. i just did this problem with the powersteering though, i took it for a spin wheeled for about 45 seconds donuts, then went throught the last mud hole and bam! no power steering, any thoughts on that?