Which Lift kit on a 97' F-250 PSD

[gonecheenin]

I have an Ext. cab, 8ft bed 97' F-250 PSD (8800lb GVW) I'm looking to put a "street queen" suspension lift on
something mild around 3-4" with 33's

The most important thing is it riding and driving very well


I know most of you are speed freaks with no desire to lose the small amount of aerodynamic advantage your trucks have, but does anyone with this bodystyle have a lift and if they do how pleased/displeased are they with that manufactures quality both ride and fit/finish?
also, what kind of fuel mileage losses did you experiance?

[lilredpowerstroke]

If you want you can fit 33's on without a lift. I personally like the way a truck looks when it kinda sits down over the tires instead of too much lift and not enough tire. But if you decide to go with a lift, dont do add-a-leaves they will make the ride very harsh compared to what you have now. You might wanna try Donahue Racing, I think they are the softest riding lift out.

[gonecheenin]

hmm, never heard of them

I'm gonna try running them stock with spring spacers & offset ball joints

But if i lift it I'll check out that place

[lilredpowerstroke]

Originally Posted by gonecheenin

hmm, never heard of them

I'm gonna try running them stock with spring spacers & offset ball joints

But if i lift it I'll check out that place

What do you mean spring spacers?? Lift blocks maybe, if you are then I wouldn't put them in the front. It is the cheapest and easiest but also the most dangerous according to some people. I have them in mine BUT they are coming out as soon as I get my tax refund. The reason they're dangerous is becasue they could be come put from the stress beiing put on them from steering the tires. I have them and I know alot of people that have them and have never had a problem. I also drive my truck very hard and have not had a problem, thats not to say that one day something couldn't happen. Now that I have a youngin I have to think about his safety thats way the blocks inbetween the front axle and springs are coming out. I was also wondering what offset ball joints were??? Never heard of them before.

[gonecheenin]

with spring spacers i do mean "blocks" per say

but not the kind of blocks that have been known to spit out, those are dangerous because they are only held in by the u-bolts pressure on them

the reason i said "spacers" is because the blocks i use are no more then 2" high, flat (no taper) and the most important part is that they attach to the spring pack via the center bolt just like the leaves do (sometimes i even just use cut down pc's of old leaves)

alot of places actually call these "zero rate add-a-leaves"


but i think i'm going to go a different way any ways because if i use the spaces i'll still have ther truck riding real close to the bumps stops, so i think i'm gonna get air shocks for the front so i can pick it up a little to compensate for the wider wheels and current sag


BTW: an offset ball joint allows you to adjust camber a few degrees in a fixed knuckle front end, they actually offset the upper ball joint in or out so when i pick the front end up past center and the tires lean out a bit i can bring them back closer to in spec

[PSDfreak]

If you do end up going with a lift kit, let me be the first to recommend rancho's fron drop bracket. I have looked at many different styles and seem many broken! (eh hem...superlift) Rancho's is a one piece and very strong...I am very happy with my setup!

-Casey

[gonecheenin]

Thanks, i appreciate the advice

Which setup (height and brand) do you have and how pleased are you with the ride your front springs give?

[PSDfreak]

I am running a 4" suspension Rancho lift...New Rancho spring up front with blocks in the rear. The ride is really good I think...I have been in lifted trucks that ride that log trucks and this is no where close...I really like mine.

-Casey

[gonecheenin]

you getting any serious spring wrap in the rear from that diesel twisting on those blocks?

[PSDfreak]

to be honest...I have never noticed any at all...

-Casey