im torn...t-key or 4 inch suspension

[bojaz01]

Need some advice here....torsion key and spacer lift or 4" suspension? I dont do hard core offroading, just a little during hunting season. Im looking to put 33s on my stock 17x7.5 rims........im on a tight budget, thinking that less money on suspension and more money in engine/trans mods would be more intellegent....i have the 4.6 with 281hp, but would like to get 500+hp either on this engine or by doing a swap......any advice, what would you do.....im not mechanically gifted, i can do somethings by reading and use of this forum but there are so many options.....Bottom line, I would like to se atleast 500hp rolling on 33s....any ideas?

 

[Thermo]

bojaz01, first off, get your hands on some 285/70R17 tires. Those are just a tich shy of 33x11.5's. They will fit on your factory rims and no lift is needed. All you have to do is trim the front valance a little bit. Can you get much cheaper than that? I do not think so.

If you are dead set on lifting the truck, pay me now or pay me later. that is what you have to decide. A suspension lift is the more expensive way to go, but it is much better on the suspension parts and you will have to replace less stuff later. At one point I did a write up about how cranking the torsion bars affected the ball joint alignment. I posted it on another site. I will have to see if it is still there. I had pics and the whole 9 yards.

If you need to know anything more, let me know. I will help you get exactly what you need and make sure that the truck is still a tank.

 

[bojaz01]

thanks thermo.......im gonna take your advice.....285/70r17, i think ill stay away from the torsion key lift, i remember reading somewhere about the stress on the ball joints, may just wait fo tax season and do a 4" lift...Ive wanted a lifted truck since i was a kid but due to childsupport the dream of it had to wait, 6 months left, lift here i come.....

 

[Thermo]

bojaz01, if you need any pointers, let me know. I did the lift on my truck. Not a tough job, but be ready for a whole weekend putting it on. I would also recommend having a friend or two to help. I did it myself, but I also had access to a full garage with all the lifts and whatnot that I would need.

 

[bojaz01]

Thermo,oh believe me, i will be needing pointers......Thanks again for the advice on the lift thoughts.....which lift would you recomend? Ive read allot on here about Rancho 4", and have heard mention on Fabtech, but ive also heard there is one out there with 1/8" bent steel to avoid....although im not a hardcore offroader this rig transports me and my son, fuel economy isnt an issue either, i work where i live, cant beat that, funds wont be much of an issue here in about 6 months, thats why im planning now. not to mention im planning on this vehicle being the last one ill own.....I used to own a 2000 jeep wrangler, never thought id want to drive anything else, until i got this......

 

[Thermo]

bojaz01, unfortunately, the Rancho kit is no longer made. So, if you can find one, grab it quickly. Otherwise, the best advice I can tell you is to go to a local 4x4 shop and look at the kits they have. Look at how the parts are made. A good quality kit (atleast structurally) will have 1/4" thick steel plates that are welded together, the spindles are going to be large 1 piece cast units, the rear springs will be just that, all spring (no "add in this spacer"). You stick with that and you should be good.

I personally am not a fan of the Fabtech kits (atleast from the early 2000's) as they tend to put the ball joints at a significant angle. Fabtech will give you a little more ground clearance, but it comes at a cost.

So, do some looking. Sounds like you have the time. When I did my lift, I dropped about $5000. But, that was lift, new rims, new tires, boots for the shocks, e-fan conversion, all the fluids and whatnot. Keep in mind I also did all the work myself too. If you have a shop do it, you can add another $600-800 to the price.

 

[bojaz01]

Thermo...ive been looking on differant sites for lift kit pricing....have found several however they also state that they wont go on if i have a4wd in which i do....does having a4wd prevent me from lifting it? The only local shop for buying kits is midwest truck offroad in springfield, and their number has been disconnected, so there isnt any place to go speak man to man about this. lol I guess its a good thing that it will be some time before i can afford to do this, i just want everything done RIGHT...non of that hillbilly/redneck jury rigging, which is funny cause im from georgia

 

[Thermo]

bojaz01, you must have a 99 with the adjustable pedals. Otherwise, go for it. that is the only limiting thing to the redesigned 1st gens (99-02). The rest of the suspension is identical for the most part.

 

[bojaz01]

no, mine dont have the adjustable pedals......havent found any switches or anything to adjust with.......boy, ill feel foolish if i go out and find one that ive overlooked. Nope, no switch,button or gizmoes to push or flip.......