Thoughts about small lift & Tires - Diesel Forum

CZDiesel · 09-30-2008, 01:47 PM

Hello All, I have a 2004 F-350 DRW CC 4x4 100% stock except for a shell and ARB front bumper. I use this truck to pull a 32' tag loaded to 12000 to 14000 lbs. My question is what is the general thought about adding a small lift and a little taller tire on the stock wheels? I meet a owner with a 99 that was pretty much the same truck with the 7.3 of course. He had what looked like 2" blocks added to the front and rear and had 255/85R16 on the stock wheels. He said that he used the truck to pull his flat bed tag loaded with his backhoe that was in the same weight range of what I'm pulling. I looked at the spacing between the rear tires and it looked OK? I asked if he had any problems with the rear tires rubbing each other when towing or loading the bed and he said no? What are the thoughts out there? Anyone ever use blocks (front and rear) to raise their truck and what about the tire size? Also what is the feeling on how this will affect my towing? Thanks for the help!

harmonjustin · 09-30-2008, 03:43 PM

i wouldn't put blocks in the front. i had an 04 DRW and i had add-a-leafs in the front and 4" blocks in the rear with air bags. i never had any issues with towing. i think 2" hangers in the front would give you a better ride than the add-a-leaf.

CZDiesel · 10-01-2008, 02:17 AM

Thanks HarmonJustin, I think that might be the common wisdom on the lift. But I have to tell you the blocks looked clean and the owner sweared they worked wonderful? Anyone with any experience with 255/85R16 on a dually that tows?

**Overkill** · 10-01-2008, 11:06 AM

Front blocks are dangerous and illegal in most states. This is especially true when towing. The blocks will also kill your front springs quickly due to stress riser placed upon the leafs. Under braking the leverage effect of the increased distance from the axle to the springs bends the springs in an S shape and places a great deal of tension on the u-bolts causing eventual fatigue.

CZDiesel · 10-04-2008, 04:51 AM

Thanks for the knowledge Overkill. What are your thoughts on the mini spring packs?

bwguardian · 10-04-2008, 10:00 AM

I would not use blocks either in the front. The front springs are weak anyways...I had a local shop take them off, re-arch them and add another leaf (full length) under the pack. The truck had 4" difference of height from front to back and now it has 2" (realizing it has the 4" blocks in the back). This was done to mine 5 or 6 years ago and I have not had any issues...I did remove the sway bar in the front to allow better articulation of the axle.

**Overkill** · 10-06-2008, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CZDiesel

Thanks for the knowledge Overkill. What are your thoughts on the mini spring packs?

Icon Mini Spring packs are a safe alternative as they do not create a significant stress riser on the springs and do not place undue stress on the u-bolts.

Icon Vehicle Dynamics 2000-2004 FSD 2 Inch Mini Spring Pack Kit - 2000-2004 F250/F350 SRW 4wd - Truck Toyz Store

**Beast** · 10-07-2008, 06:45 AM

Are you sure you need to raise the truck at all?

JimTJr · 10-07-2008, 07:07 AM

For that size tire, I doubt any lift would be needed. (Lifts also mess with fuel mileage,, something to think about)

Front BLOCKS a definite no-no....

CZDiesel · 10-07-2008, 05:16 PM

I'm Sure your right Beast. I don't think that I need to raise the front to get LT255/85R16's under her. Its purely for looks. As for the mileage, won't the off set of having a slightly larger tire diameter have a bigger impact than a 2-1/2" frontend lift?

TalontedTSi · 10-07-2008, 07:05 PM

You can clear those tires no problem. I cleared 295 75 16's on my stock ride height 01 DRW.

You you want a touch more lift in the front look into X springs off the F550 and you should gain around 1.5 inches

**Beast** · 10-10-2008, 07:10 AM

My bet is if you lift you will loose 1 mpg. Why not try the tires first and then see if you really want to lift?