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Subject: 94 fordF150 lift and advise

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mocoF150

Bone Stock
Posts:1

10/24/2006 6:08 PM
Hello everyone, i am new to the forums and i thought i might get some help here. I have a 94 F150 4x4 with a 4.9 straight six. The truck is stock and i am running 32x11.5x15r BFG with no problem. I decided against buying a new truck and just fixing mine up with a 6" life and maybe some 33" tires. Being that my truck is stock, what will it need to handle this combo.

webby4x4

Forum Admin, Magazine Editor

Rock Star
Posts:2375

10/25/2006 9:21 PM
Hi Moco - if you're going to lift it and put bigger tires on your truck, there are a couple of things you'll need to consider. First off, if you're clearing 32's with no problem, then you probably already have a 2.5" lift on your truck. A 4" lift will net you 33" tires, and a 6" will net you 35" tires. 1) A 6" lift will require lengthening of your drive shafts. If you don't know anyone locally that you can trust, ask around at your local 4-wheel drive shop, or let me know as I can refer you to a shop that I've used for years (and ones we use almost exclusively for our magazine). 2) You'll need to consider changing your front and rear axle gears so that your drietrain isn't overwhelmed. 3) With 35" tires, you'll probably need to upgrade your front brakes at a minimum, otherwise your stopping power will be cut short. Most people overlook this step, but 35" tires are pretty big and weigh a lot. 4) At 35" tires, you're likely reaching the maximum strength capacity of your axles too. If you plan on doing anything harder than driving on the street or an occasional trail ride, then you should really consider swapping your axles for something stronger (sorry... that's the bad - and expensive - news). At any rate, if you only plan on off-roading your rig on occassion and would only hit light to moderate trails, then you may want to strongly consider 33" tires and a 4" lift kit instead. Hope that helps. Rick

Rick Webster Editor, 4X4REVIEW.COM - A Tork Media, Inc. Publication - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - '74 FJ40 Land Cruiser "Measure once, cut twice"

ChevyMan0784 User is Offline

Lift & Lockers
Posts:699

11/06/2006 4:17 PM
I strongly agree with this...you definately don't want to compromise the integrity of braking. So if you do go all the way with 35s or larger, do your brakes too. But if you are only going to stay on road or do light offroad trails...you can go with a 4in kit from a company like Trailmaster. Everybody is going to like a different kit. People always say that one is better than the other...and that is very true to an extent. But for on road use, you aren't going to want to go with a hardcore kit. It will compromise your ride and steering in some cases. Trailmaster is noted for keeping a factory ride, with tough offroad capabilities. All of their parts are computer engineered for perfect fit and are usually completely bolt up. But there are other great options out there. Shop around a bit and get everyone's take on different kits. BFG's are a great tire, I am a strong believer in them. So you are going in the right direction there. Four inches may clear 35s with some cutting (bumpers mainly) but you can always get the Bushwhacker CutOut Flares. They are paintable to match. So there is something to chew on for a bit.

gimmie fuel gimmie fire gimmie that which I desire-James Hetfield Never give an Irish man good cause for revenge. Guns dont kill people, but they sure help!! 98% OF AMERICANS SAY 'OH S*t' BEFORE GOING IN THE DITCH ON A ICEY ROAD. THE OTHER 2% ARE FROM ALASKA, AND THEY SAY, 'HOLD MY BEER AND WATCH THIS

SnoMan

Lift & Lockers
Posts:943

11/07/2006 5:43 AM
Something is being overlooked hear though. I hate to be a downer but a F150 with a TTB front axle is not the best truck to lift because of the hinged axle and wild camber changes that are make worse with a lift and big tires that can cause instabilty and rapid and uneven tire wear. IF you are serious about lifting it you need to scrape the front axle and install and striaght axle in its place. Yes it is some work but it is easier than converting a GM IFS to solid and you will feel the difference when you are done and open the door to better lifting. Ford played a cruel trick on the public with the TTB front axle design. They would have been better to have never offered it.

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