I'm getting a 2001 SD PSD CC SRW short bed. I did some research on lifts. I'm looking for something under 4" trying to stay away from pitman arms and the likes. I want to spend under a grand on my lift. Also looking for tires to go with the lift. I won't do much heavy offroading but the occasional fun will be had. I've been searching these forums and have found excelent information i just need something catered to me. Thanks guys

 

Sounds like a leveling kit (maybe 2-4" lift?) with some 35's might be a good choice. Which leveling kit I'm not so sure about, have never had a leveling kit. Just stay away from pro comp (I have the 6.5" lift) whatever you do. For shocks I'd recommend Bilstein 5100's. Seems to be the shock of choice. I love mine but it's hard to tell how great they are with my crappy lift. My brother in law has the 4" Edge kit with 5100's (running 35" bfg muds) and it rides better than it did from the factory.

As far as tires, alot of guys are having good luck with the new toyo (open country) mud terrains. They ride really nice and have an aggressive look to them. My parents have a set of 35x12.50x17's on one of their vehicles and they ride great (just made a quick turnaround trip to cali and back).

 

So i gather i will need the following

4"lift kit (any brands in particular someone wanna suggest)
definaly want at least 35's (I think i'll go with BFG MTRs)
Shocks (brands once again)
anything else

Ask me about a mustang i gotcha covered motors i gotcha covered just not 4x4 suspensions hahaha.

 

I'll second Donahoe Racing Edge systems...For shocks...Donahoe Racing's new signature series. Tires...I'll second the Toyo's mentioned above. Do a search for "DCSpecial" on this site and send him a PM. He is running an 8.5 Edge system and just replaced his Bilsteins with the new DR shocks...he can give you the technical details. They are supposed to ride better than Bilsteins.

Another consideration is the weight rating of the rims you end up choosing. If you tow a lot...just make sure the rims you go with have the rated capacity along with your tires. Unless its just looks your after.

 

*For the lift, I'd go with Edge or superlift. I know alot of guys on here rave about those two (edge I know from personal experience).
*Sounds like you have your tires covered. BFG MT's are nice, make sure you stay on top of tire rotations or they'll cup really quick.
*Shocks - Like I said before, Bilstein are alot of guys' choice here (5100's). I know others have had good luck with Rancho's too. I had 9000 series on my truck before I lifted it and they worked out pretty good for what I needed them for
*Wheels - If you do any airing down, I'd recommend staying away from a 16.5" rim. Go with the 17's. I went with the factory look on my truck, I liked the original design.

Other than that, I think you're probably set. You can look into regearing but I'd only do it if you really notice your performance has been compromised by the larger tires. I'm running 37's with 3.73 gears and my truck still does pretty good off the line. Down the road though, I'm gonna put some 4.56's with lockers, I just need to win the lottery...

Hope this is a good starting point. I'm sure others will be along to put there .02 in. In fact I hope they do since you've only got my opinions so far.

Good luck!

 

Thanks guys. I was looking at prices for 4" lifts can I get the F-350 4" blocks for the rear and a hanger lift for the front and still tuck in 35's? I don't wanna drop $1200 on a lift from edge. Plus i would have to get tires and possibly rims.

 

Check out my gallery. I have the Fabtech kit in the front, it retains your stock springs and allows you to run 35 in tires.......and one tough piece of iron in the front where other kits just use a drop bracket.

 

Are you running stock rims right now? Because if you are you will run into balancing problems and/or wear issues if you mount a 35 on there. Stock rim width is 7 inches...I forget what the recommended width is for a 35, but its probably between 8-10. I had 305's stuffed onto my stock rims and no amount of balancing would get rid of vibrations that would start at 55mph.

 

2000silerbullet:Why don't you like procomp lifts?

 

Maximum 4x4 I like the stance of your truck with 35s but would 36's fit. Also what rim size do you guys recommend. Bear I'm sure i would be getting rims and tires. But if someone could give me deminsions on the backspacing that i would need to clear 36's that would be very helpful. As far as rims i guess i need to look around and see what people have. I havn't looked much @ rims. I kept the ones that came on my car because frankly there isn't much better. Thanks again guys.

Oh yeah maximum about how much did your lift run you. Did you do the install yourself. I have the tools to do the job and ive been known to do some wrenchering hehe. Thanks alot.

 

I'm happy with my BDS lift but you may do as other mentioned and get a leveling kit. I had one before my sus lift.

 

Because the 6.5" pro comp lift I have now sucks. It's a really stiff ride, stiffer than other trucks I've ridden in. I pulled the anti-sway bars (front and rear) off and that freed it up a little bit but it's still a back jarring ride.

I just remembered I'm pullin' a toy box trailer to the dunes next week, I better put the rear one back on there....

 

any idea of where to purchase lifts from? Like I said im trying to keep it under a grand. Thanks guys. I'm also up for a 5" lift hehe. If i can find one for the right price. What do i look for to keep the best ride. I don't want it to be rough and i won't be going off-road a whole lot.

 

4" lifts and up and you'll be getting into replacing the stock pitman arm.

You'll need at least a 6" lift to clear 36" tires.

For shocks I'm happy with my Donahoe Racing Signature Series reservoirs since they are valved specifically for the SD, have clear powdercoated bodies, and nitrosteel shafts. Bilstein 5100s up to a 6" lift are also valved for the SD, and of course King, Fox, and SAW all make good shocks as well for a little more $$$.

For wheels you want 4.5" of backspacing or very close to it.

Best on road ride is going to come from a hanger and shackle kit since there is no increase in spring rate.


Hope this helps.

 

The lift was 475.00
Shocks 35.00 a piece
Tires and rims 1500.00

I installed the lift myself, with a couple of jack stands and a good friend it should be no problem. I have a lift here which made it easier.