Lift Kits

[Jeff Dodson]

Im looking to do a lift on my truck just to make it ride better. Its a 91 F250 HD X-cab. I dont want it lifted much and about all I can find are 4 inch lift kits. I know the front are negative arch springs and to get a better ride, they have to go. Does hat mean I have to go with at least a 4 inch lift or can I go like 2 Inch. Also what brands would yall recommend.

 

[Agnem]

You will have to go with a 4". The reality is, buy the time you design a spring, you need to move the IFS pivots, and the only practicle way to do that is to add that much distance. You could go with the Firestone ride-rite air bags as an alternative.

 

[Agnem]

You will have to go with a 4". The reality is, buy the time you design a spring, you need to move the IFS pivots, and the only practicle way to do that is to add that much distance. You could go with the Firestone ride-rite air bags as an alternative.

 

[bradrob82]

I like the Rough Country 4" lift, we put that on a friend of mine's 89 F250 Diesel and he likes it, pretty easy to install. it said it was a 4" lift but i thought it only lifted it 2 or so inches

 

[riotwarrior]

I know the front are negative arch springs and to get a better ride, they have to go.

Actually those negative arch springs are designed to provide a better ride. Springs arched like the rears or positively have to overcome that arches compression.

Spring for spring if they where identical the negative arched springs would provide for the smoother ride.

 

[6 Nebraska IDIs]

So... The front end components I have for my 4x4 conversion are positively arched with 4 or 5 leafs. Does that mean they are lift springs? Is it going to ride like a tank?

 

[riotwarrior]

So... The front end components I have for my 4x4 conversion are positively arched with 4 or 5 leafs. Does that mean they are lift springs? Is it going to ride like a tank?

If the springs are part of a kit engineered by a known quality company IE Superlift, Rancho, Pro Comp etc then no in all likely hood they will be fine.

If it is just a set of springs thrown together, well who knows what that outcome will be like.

There is alot of engineering to cover in spring design, many things come into play when working out a lift kit especially when it is a twin traction beam or other independent suspension system.

A solid axle is a simpler axle to lift though there are still many things to factor into the desin of the suspension.

Where did you get the springs? Where they part of a kit? Is there some brackets for relocating the two axles aka drop down brackets?

I have no idea how a ride will be as I didnt engineer your setup sorry...

Take a look at Deaver springs http://www.deaverspring.com/index.htm for some more info.

Again a properly engineered positive arch will ride fine and provide substantial lift and axle travel and control.

Poorly designed or hacked together stuff may work.....will it be safe? will it provide a suitable ride? Only time can tell and only God knows.

 

[6 Nebraska IDIs]

I got the springs as a lot of parts I bought for my low mile 83. Basicly my dad bought the rear (4.10 LS), and I bought all the other drive train components. ZF5, transfer case, drive shafts, complete front axle (from rotor to rotor), what was left of the front frame section (from tranny mount to front spring mount brackets) with the springs and everything on it.
The rear springs that were on what was left of the rear frame had atleast 12 leafs on them plus F250 lift blocks.

 

[tractorman86]

I run the rancho 4" w/rs9000's. you get more than you realize with a 4" most people think it is 6". although it is a little rough it isnt bad and you eliminate most of your bodyroll. i would do it again!

 

[6 Nebraska IDIs]

I do not believe the center axle pivots are any different than stock.

 

[Petri317]

Take a look at tuff county's stuff. My friend has a kit on a 02 dodge diesel and said it was easy to install.
www.tuffcountry.com

 

[Agnem]

Any time you mess with the ride height, the pivots are going to have to move if the camber can't be compensated enough with the proper shim.

 

[hesutton]

Skyjacker makes a one piece drop bracket for the F250 IFS axle. They also have a kit with the basic two drop braket setup. The one piece is certainly a sturdier design, but it is more $$$. I did a Dana 60 swap on my F250 and used their 4 inch F350 lift. Their springs are called "Softride" spings, but they should be called "Not-So-Softride" springs. It is better than the ISF Dana 44/neg. arch spring setup that was on the truck, but not a plush ride by any means. There are also shackle reversal kits (cannot remember who sells them) that move the front spring shackle to the rear. That is supposed to give a smoother ride as well.

Heath

 

[Dirtleg]

Go here http://http://www.sky-manufacturing.com/ for shackle reversal kits.

 

[MUDKICKR]

the best ride with a little lift is to go with a set of add-a-leafs with your factory springs and poly bushings,and procomp shocks, it will ride better then stock and give a good ride without the roughness