What is the cheapest way to lift my truck good?

[ThatGuy]

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/index.php



Read ALL of this about 2 or 3 times THEN ask all the questions you want. Most of what you want to know is already in print.

 

[feellnfroggy]

cant be said any better^^^^^^^^^^^^. I just finished reading the tire section, and its amazing how many people wont take the time to read. I get bored and readthe tech section jsut to pass time. SO much to learn there.


OP I think you might be jumping in the deep end while only beginning to learn how to swim. Slow down with your plans, make a project of it and enjoy it. Learn as you go, start small and add to it little by little.

 

[Daven]

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/index.php



Read ALL of this about 2 or 3 times THEN ask all the questions you want. Most of what you want to know is already in print.

This says stuff like the f-150 springs and such. As i stated previously... i dont know much about what is all being done in the suspension. I have read it, doesnt mean i understand it all. That is why i asked here what my options are instead of staring at a sheet untill it magically come to me what exactly to do lol.

I will now ask again, how does the basic suspension work? In extension, what must i replace to be able to offroad? For example, i assume shocks are a good deal of this...

What parts of a lift should i get if i bought used from someone? (so i know what to make sure im getting so im not stuck with a missing part)

 

[trev23]

i'm kinda in the same boat as you, big dreams for your truck with little cash.
I just graduted high school and kinda broke too. you could go out and buy a 4inch lift and slap some 33's on there but it will suck cause u have stock gearing and a 2.9liter so it's gonna be slow and i wouldn't go any bigger than 31's with a 2.9 (that's if you have 3.73's).

 

[Lrpalo]

If you are buying it used depending on the style of lift you will get front: coils, axle drop brackets, radius arm drop brackets or longer radius arms depending on kit, drop pitman arm if your lucky, rear: add a leaf or new springs or just longer shackles all depends on the kit. Things to consider are the bigger you go the more things like shocks and brake lines will cost and if it's more than 2" you will need adjustable camber bushings. While you have everything out you should replace all your suspension bushings as well or you will hate yourself later. And keep a spare chunck of change to get an alignment. There is really no "cheap" way to lift your truck you just have to really think about how much you really wanna spend. I found out the hard way like everyone else on here a lifted truck is not a cheap truck

 

[Daven]

ok thanks guys. And yes, as far as i know it is stock gearing. When i get the bigger tires i will also do the gears. (what gearing would i want for 31"s?)

Well right now it is looking more like i will be getting a smaller 2" lift. maybe later on get a new bodylift as i dont know whats on now, but it couldnt be 4" lol.

Also, whiule im here i may as well ask about a v8 swap's part in the suspension... Will the bigger engine effect the front end much? I will be going with a 302 if i do

 

[feellnfroggy]

Well since your only going 2 inch, buy a set of f150 springs form the jynkyard with the retainers. (ther retainers are required because they are bigger for the bigger springs) For the rear buy a set of explorer leafs form the junkyard, read up on the explorer leaf swap for details, and mixmatch til you get a setup you like. Buy a set of drop shakles from autozone for 30 bux. You now have roughly 2 inches all the way around. Both ranger springs and f150 springs are way stiffer than they need to be for our trucks. They should hold the v-8 pretty well, especially the f150 springs. But you will want a 2 or 3 inch body lift to make wrenchin on the 8 alot easier and roomier. You can find body lifts on craiglist for pretty cheap. Or you can weld 2-3 inches of washers together, make sure the inner diameter isnt much bigger than your bolts, and the outer diameter is at least 3-4 inches for stability, longer body bolts will be needed, grade 8 is recommended.

With everything I just pointed out to you it should still be alot cheaper than a new lift.

As far as needing answers just keep readin, it will take time, but it actually will just come to you. Youll read something in one post that will click with another post and then youll remember something from thetech library and it will just 'make sense'. This is how I learned.

 

[K-Slice]

^+1
Very good stuff!

 

[randallmain]

leveling spacers...

Leveling spacers and a longer shackle will net like 2" for virtually nothing.