I have been doing some research for lift kits and by early next year (jan-feb)I hope to buy one. I have a 2005 f150 fx4. I have upgraded to 33'' tires but that is the only modification so far. I will consider getting 35 tires next time I buy tires because mine are about a year old. I am almost 100% confident I am going with a 4'' suspension lift. yes the lift is mostly for looks but I also like taking it off road and the clearance would be nice for many of the trails by me. Does anyone have any before and after photos or photos of the same kind of truck with a 4'' lift so I can see what it will really look like and make a decisionss. i see a lot of truck out there with big lifts that I like but not really sure if it is 4'' or not. i want the lift to be noticeable but safe. 6'' is awesome but not as safe and i don't want to be crawling in the truck. If i can see some pictures it will help me make up my mind. Thanks!!

 

Well I don't have any pictures but my buddy has an 2005 7 lug with 35s and a 4 inch lift. When we all go trail riding I hear his tires hit the finders all the time. Starts at about 20 mph.

What is so unsafe about a 6 inch lift?

 

The roll over rate becomes greater/easier. I live where I drive in the snow a lot and I want to keep it safe with style. Plus, once I go bigger than a 4" I would have to get bigger tires, recalculate gears and such which becomes expensive and it wears on the truck a lot more. Plus gas milage goes dowb even more. If this wasn't my everyday vehicle that I rely on I'd go all out. Until I start making more money I need to keep things a little more practical.

 

I'm not a physics major by no means but 2 inches won't make a world of difference. Common sence says the taller something it is easier it is to fall over. That's your call. If your just putting around offroad you should be just fine.

I have a 3 inch spacer because I didn't want the extra cost of an lift for an extra inch. The real heart breaker is all big name lifts only drop the front axle. No gains on ground clearance other than tire size. the spacers force the A-arms down causing more ride hight
Axle drop lift and 35 inch tires = 4 inches ground clearance
3 inch spacers and 33 inch tires is anywhere between 4-5 inches depending on spring compression.

 

Thanks for the information. I'm learning more each day. Another reason a 6" is almost out of the question is because of my works parking garage. With a 4" I can just squeeze in but a 6" I will not. There is no other good parking alternitve for me unfortunately

 

Yikes. That's a good thing to learn before you spend big money on a lift.

 

Could you tell me what kind of lift he bought.. I want to put a lift on my 7 lug and they all say it won't fit.. I've done a little investigating and haven't found out WHY it WON'T fit.. Just don't want to buy a kit that I can not use.. Thanks for any help.

 

no pictures, but a buddy has one with that setup and its perfect! you barely have to step up and its the perfect clearance in the wells....

 

From all my research and such, you get what you pay for so make sure you know what your buying before you do it.

 

i got the lift and here is a before and after picture

 

did you find a kit that will fit the 7 lugs?

 

I to are looking for a lift kit for my 7 lug 2005 any help would be appreciated.