F150 Lift

[pav56c]

I posted on here about a year ago, whining about how I got stuck in snow drifts with my Explorer.

I solved the prob by buying an F150!


As she sits now, on 255s
And yes I know the roof rack isnt secured yet, saving up and searching for cross bars and mounts. (Which brings me to another question, there must be something cheaper than this http://www.prolineracks.com/thule-445-ford-racks.html I dont care about name brand and I dont care about the locks.)

So I want to do a small lift on it. Maybe 2-3" tops, and I'd like to do it cheap.
I also wanna trade up to 285s or so (its a DD so cant go too crazy).

Although I dont plan on doing any Overland andventures any time soon, Id like to and Id like my truck to be capable of it.

So what do you guys suggest for a lift, and do you suggest lift first or tires?

[camper357]

You can run 33" with just a leveling kit, the cheap way to get a little extra clearance.

[Mad_Texan]

I posted on here about a year ago, whining about how I got stuck in snow drifts with my Explorer.

I solved the prob by buying an F150!


As she sits now, on 255s
And yes I know the roof rack isnt secured yet, saving up and searching for cross bars and mounts. (Which brings me to another question, there must be something cheaper than this http://www.prolineracks.com/thule-445-ford-racks.html I dont care about name brand and I dont care about the locks.)

So I want to do a small lift on it. Maybe 2-3" tops, and I'd like to do it cheap.
I also wanna trade up to 285s or so (its a DD so cant go too crazy).

Although I dont plan on doing any Overland andventures any time soon, Id like to and Id like my truck to be capable of it.

So what do you guys suggest for a lift, and do you suggest lift first or tires?

Any updates on your truck?

[Madmaxwell87]

I can't tell if its a 4x4 or 2x4 from the picture. If it's 4x4 crank down the bolts at the end of your torsion bars to level out the nose and then throw those 285/75/16's on there. If its 2wd then you'll need a spindle lift or leveling coils. Either way it's best to do the lift first and then the tires so you don't risk rubbing your brand new tires.

[Ozarker]

Kinda sounds to me like, since you're not planning to get out but want to be able to, is that you're wanting a "bug-out" vehicle......yes?

If you're using that as your driver and not palnning to go rock climbing or fording rivers, I'd reconsider.

If you're on a budget build thing, I'd concentrate on a skid pan before lifting my F-150. I have been over some pretty rough areas, not extreme but rough, ditches, sides on a hill traversing and I have only scraped my trailer hitch. I think we have pretty good clearance as it is.

Along the bug out guidelines, you already have a more capable vehicle than most civilians and most govt. vehicles.

I'm going to first concentrate on the stuff needed when out there. Tentage/shelter, generator, kitchen box, storage and stuff you have to have, like a winch maybe and recovery gear. My first addition to my F-150 will be a skid plate for protection.

Getting bigger wheels and tires, raising the vehicle, while certainly increases off road ability and looks cool, but everyday driving means you're paying at the pump, so going up will not only be an initial expense but an ongoing expense.

I think my stock truck will go most places in my area others can go that have such a mild lift, that's in Mo and Ar, Ok and Ks. I've been in your neck of the woods and seemed much the same around the Poconos. Your pot holes are bigger! LOL

Looks like yougot a good one, more pics? If you don't have specific plans that exceed the capability you now have, why spend the money on stuff you may not need?

[Mad_Texan]

I agree with torsion bars being adjusted...also check your shackles on the rear leaf springs. They rust here in the great northeast...buy the aftermarket ones off ebay and you will lift the rear a little to keep some rake. When the rear is loaded it will sit more level. You can get the 285's on at that point no problem. If you don't have skids look for trucks being parted out with either the off-road package or FX4...