Hmm....lift advise please!

[fullthrottle99]

Hey all, new to the site...I just got a 99 PSD with hypertech programmer, 3" front leveling brackets and 315/70R17's. The truck feels high when sitting inside, but i want it a little taller. It looks a little short from the exterior view. Although I did go down a steep bank with sizable rocks and had no clearance issues. Anyway, I want the truck a little taller. Im thinking about keeping the leveling kit and getting front and rear springs, i don't want blocks or body lifts. I just want about 2 more inches. I want it to look good with these 315/70's and also fit 35's for the next set of tires. Does anyone know of any good companies and/or the right springs that would accomplish my goals? Also, are wheel spacers often used? I'm having very minor rubbing issues and think the tires would look good about a half inch farther out. Any response appreciated!

 

[black_cloud_stroker00]

I just want about 2 more inches.

who doesn't?!

Anyway, I think its going to be very hard to lift the truck 2 more inches with just springs. I believe thats what a leveling hit is to begin with. Now your going to need a new pitman arm, drop steering brackets and so on. As well as spacers, your better off going to a deep dish rim. The rims should be about the same as a quality set of spacers. I have a 4" lift with 35's and I regret it. It doesn't look high enough, the tires occasionally rub, they ysed to rub more untill I made a half inch spacer to push the bumber out. All in all, your best bet if you want to run 35's soon. Get wheels with at least 3.5" backspaceing and a 6" inch lift. You love it!

Welcome to the site, come back often!

 

[DaveBen]

Welcome to Super Duty Diesel, Fullthrottle.

Dave

 

[big_rooster]

You said it had 3 inch brackets i assume you mean leaf spring hangers. There is one guy i know running hangers and a add a leaf on his front end i think he just did it cause it was the cheapest way to go. Lots of companies make lifts for 4 inches, 5 inches, and 6 inches. You'd be much more happier with a full lift rather than try to mix and match parts together. 315's are the same size as 35's well 4 tenth's shy of 35 inches. To get that extra inch buy you some new rims with 3.5 to 4 inches of backspacing and that will take care of the rubbing on yer leafsprings, if its rubbing yer bumper yer gonna have to trim it. Or just go buy a full replacement bumper.

 

[fullthrottle99]

Hey, thanks for the input...and for welcoming me to the site! I'm really excited about the new truck. I've been doing alot of work getting it in acceptable shape. Some things in line for the weekend are tranny flush w/ filter and differential flushes. I'm also going to inspect all u-joints (including front axle) and replace as needed. I've got subtle metal noise coming from the front end. I looked at a few lift kits. I dunno, maybe the truck will look good enough with more backspacing in the rims. But good enough is never really GOOD ENOUGH. I wish there was an easier way to add an inch or two. (I do realize the hilarious pun, hahaha). So, do you think I could add a leaf on the front and back w/ out needing new pitman arm, tie rod ends, or drive line work? I guess it's one of those things that you learn real quick when you put it together... I really don't have the money to drop at least a g in a 4" lift.I'm just curious if anyone's been in the same boat. Alright, I'm off to look for some good priced rims w/ 3.5-4 inches of backspacing...Thanks again!

Mike

99 F250 Superduty w/ 7.3 TD

 

[black_cloud_stroker00]

adding inches to the rear end is easiest. There's is not a lot of components that get affected by the lift, just shocks and maybe brake lines. A block is the most simple way to go, and maintains the stock ride the most. The front is a little more tricky. You MIGHT be able to get by with with an inch of two of leaf spring, but like you said, its trial and error.

What size truck do you have, i.e. crew cab, ext. cab, long box etc. I have a ext cab long box, so I have a 2 piece drive shaft with a carrier bearing. If you have a reg cab then you shouldn't have a carrier bearing. I used to get some driveline vibration from starting from a dead stop. FYI a carrier bearing shim (drop) kit solved most of the problem.

 

[fullthrottle99]

pat,
I looked at the pics of ur truck and I gotta say it looks very good. I saw the muddin pics as well, pretty cool. My truck is a supercab shortbox 4x4. I think I'm gonna try and ad a leaf in the front and back and see how it looks. I also researched my 315/70R17's and they're very close to 35x12.50's and they're almost new. Considering they're 280 a piece I think I'll run em until they're spent. Like I said, I think I can handle throwing a leaf in the front and back and see if it steers fine. If I gotta buy a new pitman arm I will. I'm thinking/hoping that will give me the look I'm going for. You said u would rather have the 6" on yours but looking at the pics I think I would be very content with your lift. I used to have a 78 powerwagon on 39's w/ a 6" suspension and 2" body lift. When I was in high school I thought I was cool, but I think nowadays it would be too much for me. Did u add a leaf to your truck? If so, did it ride to rough? This question goes out to anyone btw...
oh, here's a couple pics so you can see what we're workin with...