More lift questions..Dilemma..Thoughts...Input?

[HEAVYHITTER]

Ok so the wheels and tires are in the garage and I am getting oh so close to lifting the Ex.

I originally was planning on running a DR 3" kit w/ the V codes up front. I figured this would give me 4.5+ inches of front lift. I was then going to either block the rear w/ modified F or B codes and maintain the stance the X has now...Or lift the rear w/ the DR springs and maybe a small block.

I then am finding some photos of just a 3" kit or just the V codes w/ modified B's of F's....w/ 35's and the look looks good to me... see link below
http://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gall...?albumid=16706

My tires are 35x12.5 R18 toyo MT's.

My concern is having the truck be so high that it dwarves the 35's...I am thinking that 4.5 up front will do this..

I really want to add the v codes because anyone who has doen this has had nothing but good stuff to say....

I have been over analyzing this I know but I only want to do this once and do it right.

After reading all this if you made it through do you have any input for me? I know some of you have been down this very road.

Is there a way I can do the V's and gain 3" or so up front to clear the 35's, while getting a better ride? The rear end will be an easy choice once I decide what exactly I am doing on the front.

I know DR makes the mini spring pack that gives you 2" but what does this do to the ride quality? It is also like a fraction of the cost..

So thank for reading this long winded post. I feel like a chick who can't make up her mind with this stuff.

Oh & Cary T thanks for answering all my questions and helping me thus far. you have been a tremendous resource and extremely knowledgeable.

[cut7]

Here is a picture of my X with a 6" lift (4-link) & 35 Toyo AT.
Excursion w/6" lift

[200Proof]

CMinus,

That's a sweet looking X in the photo...actually it's my truck. I think my X is somewhat unique in the fact that I was able to run 35's with just a 3" lift. From the day I bought it brand new I was able to run 305's with no lift with no rubbing where most people have rubbing issues. I was able to run 295's which are basically 34's with just an add a leaf with no rubbing where most people are having to use a 3" lift & now I have a 3" lift w/ 35's with no rubbing where most people have to run a 4.5" lift.

The place that did my lift had an X in there that was the same year as mine with a DR 4.5" lift w/ 35's and my truck sits about 3/8" lower than his. The shop even had to swap out the 4" block that comes with the 3" lift and put a 5" block that comes with the 4.5" lift to get my truck level

I don't know, maybe the factory was out of regular X springs when they built mine and had to use U or V codes.

I would suggest go with the 3" lift and see how your truck sits, if you need another inch or two to clear 35's than add the U or V code springs.

[HEAVYHITTER]

Cut 7 & 200proof this is exactly the type of feedback photos I was looking for. Thanks so much!!!!

Ok this has pretty much confirmed what I was and have been thinking. Cut 7 your truck w/ 6 inches looks just fine w/ the 35's and 200Proof your truck looks great w/ the 3" lift. One of my concerns was lifting then having the 35's look like too small. Cut 7 your lift has confirmed this to not be the case.

I am thinking at this point it will be a good choice to run the 3" hanger kit and do the spring swap thus giving me about 4.5 up front....Even if I land somewhere in between both of your rides I will be happy. I think if I were to go w/ the 2" mini spring pack and V codes I might be setting myself up for not enough clearance at 3" to 3.5" and better to be safe than sorry.

Based on my measurements of 37" on drivers side and 37.25" passenger side I think its pretty safe to say I am not a person who got the better springs from FORD like you may have 200proof.

Either way I am stoked you guys have responded and helped me finalize this decision. Its been driving me a little mad.

Out of curiosity can both you guys take a measurement from level ground from ground to the start of the wheel well in the center?

Also if you can do this will you measure your tires from the ground to the top of the tread?

Thanks a TON!!!! This place is just awesome!

[cut7]

I would seriously consider getting the 4-link over just buying springs. It is more expensive but the ride & handling is much improved. The 4-link holds the axle much more rigidly & keeps the suspension geometry from changing throughout the stroke. Plus coils ride better than leafs any day of the week.

4-link close up

Shock tower

I can also raise & lower mine about 3" just by turning the threaded ring.

[HEAVYHITTER]

Do I dare ask how much $$$$ 4 link is?

If you can grab some measurements that would help me as well. no biggie if you can't.

Thanks

[caryt]

A 4 link is sweet but a LOT more $$$ than a spring lift.

Cary

[HEAVYHITTER]

Thats kind of what I was thinking.

[200Proof]

Got some measurements for you:

Front:

Ground to wheel well - 43 1/4
Center of wheel to wheel well - 27 1/2
Ground to top of tire - 33 3/4

Rear:

Ground to wheel well - 44 1/2
Center of wheel to wheel well - 28 1/4
Ground to top of tire - 33 1/2

Hope this helps

[HEAVYHITTER]

[ QUOTE ]
Got some measurements for you:

Front:

Ground to wheel well - 43 1/4
Center of wheel to wheel well - 27 1/2
Ground to top of tire - 33 3/4

Rear:

Ground to wheel well - 44 1/2
Center of wheel to wheel well - 28 1/4
Ground to top of tire - 33 1/2

Hope this helps

[/ QUOTE ]

This is great. Thanks so much for doing this for me. I really appreciate it!

[CSIPSD]

I love the look of the wifes X with 7" of lift and 37's...

[HEAVYHITTER]

Pictures?

[Vindicator]

We like the look of ours, but the mom always seems to ask when we're going bigger ;D