lift kits
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lift kits
Thinking about lifting my truck. I have a 1978 F-150 driveline, 4-speed 300 six engine. I would like to run 35's so i guess i will need 4.56 gears. My question is what is the best lift kit? Super Lift Skyjacker Rough Country, and is the degree bushings enough or do i need the radius arm drop kit also? i plan to build a v-8 later but wan't to start with the lift and tires because i need tires now. Just bought the truck and its my first 4x4.
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4.56 gears might be a bit much for 35's if it going to be street driven. trail sticktly it probably be ok. U probably can get away with 4.10s. as far as lift kits check out bronco graveyard,They got some nice kits with deaver springs which are nice and flexy. Usually the cheaper kits arent as flexable with stiffer springs.
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Joined: Feb 2011
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From: Hilo, Hawaii
I got skyjacker on mine. Does ride a little on the stiff side, but other than that, no complaints. I would go with a 4 or 6" with your 35's. As stated above bronco graveyard has some good Lifts kits in thier catalog.
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if it was me id go 6" cause your gonna regret 4". your gonna get a taste of the 35's and want to go bigger later on. see that way you got 6" now and could shackle flip later and probably get 9" for some bigger meats like 39's.
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I got my front end kit from Bronco Graveyard. I'm happy with it. I pieced it together to get the best package. Like actual drop radius arm brackets. Instead of the brackets that drop your stock brackets. As JMM was saying go with 4.10s. That would put you somewhere a 2700 highway rpm with 35s.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: NorCal
Personally, I like Rough Country and BDS but Superlift's adjustable track bar is a nice piece.
Below is my rig with a 4-inch lift and 35s. I too pieced together my own system (RC, Rancho, Skyjacker, Superlift, and BDS) cuz my initial order from Superlift was backlogged and waited for four months until I canceled it (was doing bodywork anyway). In the end, their customer service really sucked donkey so I sent my business to other parts houses who were more responsive.
Btw, more than a 4-inch lift typically requires a longer driveshaft.
Below is my rig with a 4-inch lift and 35s. I too pieced together my own system (RC, Rancho, Skyjacker, Superlift, and BDS) cuz my initial order from Superlift was backlogged and waited for four months until I canceled it (was doing bodywork anyway). In the end, their customer service really sucked donkey so I sent my business to other parts houses who were more responsive.
Btw, more than a 4-inch lift typically requires a longer driveshaft.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2003
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Here's my old truck with a Rancho 3" kit and 36s
You are going to need to change the steering out. Stock, the 77 setup sucks, and lifted it is horrible. In my gallery, I have one labeled "steering" where I used chevy tie rod ends to make a setup similar to the stock ford 78-79 setup.
I would also recommend you spend the money on stuff like new bushings, ball joints, brakes etc. Otherwise, you will hate a lifted truck.
*edit* 300s don't like to rev, so don't gear that low. 4.10s are nice with 35s and some people even run the stock 3.55s with 35s. I would only consider 4.56s if I knew I was going to go with bigger tires, like 38s or 39s
You are going to need to change the steering out. Stock, the 77 setup sucks, and lifted it is horrible. In my gallery, I have one labeled "steering" where I used chevy tie rod ends to make a setup similar to the stock ford 78-79 setup.
I would also recommend you spend the money on stuff like new bushings, ball joints, brakes etc. Otherwise, you will hate a lifted truck.
*edit* 300s don't like to rev, so don't gear that low. 4.10s are nice with 35s and some people even run the stock 3.55s with 35s. I would only consider 4.56s if I knew I was going to go with bigger tires, like 38s or 39s
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: NorCal
Yep. The Goodyear Wranglers aren't as "ballooned" as other 35s. Plus, the tread pattern is a good compromise between highway driving and trail running.
Concur with Ted on the 76-77 steering geometry and the better 78-79 style with fewer moving parts. I recall the swap is only a matter of getting the 78-79 drag link and tie rods -no GM pieces necessary.
Lift kits should come with a gun rack
.
You are going to need to change the steering out. Stock, the 77 setup sucks, and lifted it is horrible. In my gallery, I have one labeled "steering" where I used chevy tie rod ends to make a setup similar to the stock ford 78-79 setup.
I would also recommend you spend the money on stuff like new bushings, ball joints, brakes etc. Otherwise, you will hate a lifted truck.
I would also recommend you spend the money on stuff like new bushings, ball joints, brakes etc. Otherwise, you will hate a lifted truck.
Lift kits should come with a gun rack
.
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New User
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Thanks for the help everyone. As i said this is my first 4x4. I don't wanta kill the 300 six right off the bat. I will probally go with the 4 inch kit and 35's. I plan to put a v-8 way down the road. Your trucks look awesome i'll post a photo soon. I've got a lot to learn and figure out. Some local people say they rather have the 300 than a v-8.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
Thanks for the help everyone. As i said this is my first 4x4. I don't wanta kill the 300 six right off the bat. I will probally go with the 4 inch kit and 35's. I plan to put a v-8 way down the road. Your trucks look awesome i'll post a photo soon. I've got a lot to learn and figure out. Some local people say they rather have the 300 than a v-8.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2003
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When I got my truck, I thought the same thing. I figured since it ran, I would do the engine last. Well, 10 years later, I was just enjoying the truck, with no intention of getting rid of the 300. The nice thing about them is that they are just a REALLY drivable engine. Not overly powerful, but it will just pull throughout the entire RPM range.
HIO, I didn't mean that he needed chevy stuff, just that it is what I did. Basically, the 78-79 setup is what you need on this era truck.
HIO, I didn't mean that he needed chevy stuff, just that it is what I did. Basically, the 78-79 setup is what you need on this era truck.