Best lift options 96 F250 ~HD~ 4x4

[Dirty-Joe]

Hey everyone,

New to the forum, and wanted to ask what sort of differences the HD option has that need to be considered when lifting the truck. I need at least 4 inches I think, as I want to run 35x12.5's. I don't particularly care for rough/tough country, and thought that the skyjacker 4 and 6 inch systems might be my best bet quality and ride wise. Please let me know what kind of set ups have worked for you on this generation truck. Thanks!!

[late_99_PSD]

You should be able to clear 35's with a 2.5" leveling kit.

[Dirty-Joe]

By the way, the truck has no sway bars and is all stock to my knowledge besides firestone air springs in the rear.

[Dirty-Joe]

Ok, just the leveling kit could work... But man, this truck seems so low. I'd like to get it looking beefy enough to wear stacks. Good to not lose it's sportiness though- it is pretty nimble. I definitely don't want to cause vibrations or excess wear to the drivetrain either. 4in may be as high as I should go, but I need to decide on a final package goal to not end up wishing I had gone bigger later.

Any pics of the leveling kit or 4-6in lifts on my gen F250 would help to make the decision.

[Dirty-Joe]

Did some checking around, looks like skyjacker is the way to go. Their 4 and 6 inch kits require additional parts on top of the kit price - a pitman arm and extended brake lines. That brings the cost to around 1300+ bucks. That seems a little too hefty, plus it could be difficult getting the baby up in there if it's that high.

On 4wheel parts, it shows some '1.5-2in lifts' some with springs or add a leafs and with or without rear blocks that require no additional parts and should accommodate 33s or 34s:

Skyjacker Complete Suspension System - Complete Suspension Systems with Shocks - Lift Kits - Lift Kits, Suspensions and Shocks - by 4 Wheel Parts

These kits show under a search for 4wd, but I did a search for the part number and it was listed for 2wd other places. Anybody out there have experience with any of these lifts??

Also, I believe that I have the HD model with IFS... Can anyone tell me what a factory Tow pkg consists of??

Thanks!

[CHUCK]

I ordered 2" over frt springs from Custom Suspensionhttp://www.customsuspension.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=314&products_id=990 and the 2" drop brackets (rough country) from Lift Kits, Leveling Kits, and Shock Absorbers - Suspension System Specialists! - Top Gun Customz. New shocks from the topgunz also. I used the stock springs with 4" blocks in the rear. May be able to oder it all as a package deal. If you really want to raise it, find a dana 60 from an f350 and swap it out the TTB.

Stock, with the bumber spaced out, you can clear 33's. I'm getting ready to order new wheels and tires, 35x12.5x17 ( what ever it is in metric, I forget...maybe 315/70/17? )

Stock height...


Now....

[CHUCK]

80-98 Ford F250 4 Wheel Drive - Top Gun Customz

[Dirty-Joe]

Hey CHUCK! Thanks for taking the time to post the pics of your truck - It is exactly like mine!! (except mine is a 5spd) - Looks great with the lift you did - does it ride nice? Still got the IFS or go to straight axle?

Thanks again-

[CHUCK]

No,I still have the TTB (IFS). Rides about the same. I've heard alot of complaints from guys who have lifted the TTB trucks more than 4 inches. My plans are to swap over to the coil spring suspension from an 07+ F250/F350.

[Dirty-Joe]

What size are those BFGs in the after photos?

I recently had an old Bridgestone separate on a hot day here in Daytona Beach and got all out of round...

So I ordered the Skyjacker 1.5 to 2 Inch Lift Kit with shocks - F46D-N. It doesn't lift the rear at all though - might need blocks to level it out, because as I look at the truck now, it looks pretty level.

I'm about to take the plunge on a set of Goodyear Wrangler Duratracs in 315/75R16 which translates into 34.6 tall by 12.4 wide.

Think it'll fit?