leveling kit or 4" lift?

[Cduff]

i know theres tons of people on here asking for pictures and all that but i want to know a little more technical stuff about a lift before i spend a grand + on one other than just knowing what itll look like. im looking at pretty much 3 options a leveling kit, 4" or 6" lift. now from what i know about when i lifted my SUV is that the higher you sit the more strain you put on drivetrain components mainly the drive shaft U-joints. but other than that i dont know if anything changes from a little dinky 3.2l v6 isuzu import to a burly 7.3l turbo diesel. i assume the shoe drivetrain is more sturdy and can take the stepper angles but how much lift is enough and not too much? how much or does it effect MPG? how will it effect the ride? is it possible to run airbags in the rear with a lift? also if any of yall have pictures of your truck with a lift about this size ild appreciate it if you throw it on the pile thanks guys!

[Cduff]

i guess i should add in, i plan to use it as pretty much a daily driver and a hunting rig. im out in wyoming and the trails out to the good hunting spots are pretty rough and i could use a little extra clearance. also some light off roading and dealing with the mud on my buddy's ranch.

[shawnb99]

Originally Posted by Cduff

i know theres tons of people on here asking for pictures and all that but i want to know a little more technical stuff about a lift before i spend a grand + on one other than just knowing what itll look like. im looking at pretty much 3 options a leveling kit, 4" or 6" lift. now from what i know about when i lifted my SUV is that the higher you sit the more strain you put on drivetrain components mainly the drive shaft U-joints.
it does and can wear joints due to increased angles, but if setup properly not an issue, what is will be how you drive because of the added unsprung weight of a heavier wheel tire combo
but other than that i dont know if anything changes from a little dinky 3.2l v6 isuzu import to a burly 7.3l turbo diesel. i assume the shoe drivetrain is more sturdy and can take the stepper angles but how much lift is enough and not too much? over 6" starts to require longer drive shafts

how much or does it effect MPG? it affects it drasticallyhow will it effect the ride? if you choose a reputable company for a system ....( icon ) you will recieve a spring with 1.more leafs per stack 2. thinner leafs which aid in ride quality
is it possible to run airbags in the rear with a lift? yes you can, but the bag will limit rear droop
also if any of yall have pictures of your truck with a lift about this size ild appreciate it if you throw it on the pile thanks guys!

the pic is a 3.5" with a 37x12.50 tire

[Eric]

6" lift w/ 35's. If I had it to do over again, I'd do a 4" with 35's

[Cduff]

Thanks guys! by the way nice trucks! leaning towards the 4" lift right now but one more question! so now i know it effects the MPG but is that because of the lift or the heavier tires? i know lifting hurts aerodynamics but i also know bigger tires drag down MPG too so if i were to regear the differentials would that help or is it mainly the lift that hurts it?

[onealmx11]

4" with 35's

[Cduff]

thanks guys! i think im goin with the 4" now. now i just gotta pick one out.

[will_545]

Not trying to jack this but the guys with the lift can some of you measure how high your truck is. Lets go with the bottom of the arch over the rear axle. The reason i am asking is I have enclosed gooseneck that I still want to tow but I want to put a lift in and I am trying to figure what I can do

[Macon]

I am personally a huge fan of 4" with 35's on 20" wheels. My ride is a leveling kit and 32" tires.

[Outlaw89]

ive only had my truck for 2 months now but i have measured the leveing kit that's on it but it also has air ride on the back with 10psi in them and i live in north western Illinois as anyone knows about Illinois 2 lane roads that are the greatest. but i believe in my opioin that it rides just as good as my father F-350 with out and mods on it.