lifting a truck

[Grizzly95]

Hmmmmmm

[HuntandFish]

I think 3" of lift would clear 35" tires fine, will give it a bit of a stuffed look, but I kind of like that.

The reason why you typically go with a suspension lift over body is several, but the main reasons are, you are lifting your truck for better off road performance right? Well one of the benefits of a lift is to get your frame and running gear (running gear achieved by bigger tires) off the ground for better clearance. Only a suspension lift does this. Second reason would be a body lift looks terrible

Put a 3" suspension lift on and 35" tires and drive it. You won't need to re-gear anything.

Regards,
H&F

[WA hunter14]

I think 3" of lift would clear 35" tires fine, will give it a bit of a stuffed look, but I kind of like that.

The reason why you typically go with a suspension lift over body is several, but the main reasons are, you are lifting your truck for better off road performance right? Well one of the benefits of a lift is to get your frame and running gear off the ground for better clearance. Only a suspension lift does this. Second reason would be a body lift looks terrible

Put a 3" suspension lift on and 35" tires and drive it. You won't need to re-gear anything.

Regards,
H&F

thank you thats a great answer, what in your opinion are good brands of suspension lift?

[HuntandFish]

Grizzly- agree to disagree! I won't thread jack, maybe I need to start a new thread to clear up the tire width debate, where I can show some factual info and discuss the logic behind it. I don't know why it bothers me, I can drive in the snow just fine with any tire combo, it's just a matter of principle I suppose!

Regards,
H&F

[batch]

don't be afraid of a moderate lift and bigger tires. its not going to make your truck fall apart driving down the road like others will suggest. The way you drive it is. Regearing isn't necessary with a moderate increase in tire size and won't kill your transmission or differentials immediately. a suspension lift gets your frame away from your running gear giving clearance for bigger tires. bigger tires are what gives you the clearance for you running gears.

[Rick]

can you do just a 3 inch body lift and get away with 35's?

Isn't that basically what the old "tall boy" Fords were?

[Mudman]

Smossy just get wheels and tires that are worth using!  Dont lift it, pricey and body lifts are bad news.  Ford f250 can do whatever you want really.  35 is a good size and not so hard on truck.  If you get BIG then driveline angles eat u joints. Suspension parts wear and break quickly.  Brakes, gearing, engine, steering, transmissions, axles, wheel bearings, and safety are issues to deal with sooner not later.  38 and bigger seem to be the tipping point for most trucks. 37 are max for me but I went down to 35s.

[Smossy]

Smossy just get wheels and tires that are worth using!  Dont lift it, pricey and body lifts are bad news.  Ford f250 can do whatever you want really.  35 is a good size and not so hard on truck.  If you get BIG then driveline angles eat u joints. Suspension parts wear and break quickly.  Brakes, gearing, engine, steering, transmissions, axles, wheel bearings, and safety are issues to deal with sooner not later.  38 and bigger seem to be the tipping point for most trucks. 37 are max for me but I went down to 35s.

So 35 inch tires on 16 inch rims?

[T-Dozzer]

Plan on more maintenance once its lifted. Big tires are hard on suspension parts.

I've had a lot of lifted rigs and this is spot on. 

[Rick]

Smossy just get wheels and tires that are worth using!  Dont lift it, pricey and body lifts are bad news.  Ford f250 can do whatever you want really.  35 is a good size and not so hard on truck.  If you get BIG then driveline angles eat u joints. Suspension parts wear and break quickly.  Brakes, gearing, engine, steering, transmissions, axles, wheel bearings, and safety are issues to deal with sooner not later.  38 and bigger seem to be the tipping point for most trucks. 37 are max for me but I went down to 35s.

So 35 inch tires on 16 inch rims?

On a stock Explorer no way. To fit 35s you'd either have to do a bunch of hacking on the body or a bunch of lift.

[WA hunter14]

looking at my truck it looks like i wouldnt even need to lift it for 35's, is that right?

[Smossy]

Smossy just get wheels and tires that are worth using!  Dont lift it, pricey and body lifts are bad news.  Ford f250 can do whatever you want really.  35 is a good size and not so hard on truck.  If you get BIG then driveline angles eat u joints. Suspension parts wear and break quickly.  Brakes, gearing, engine, steering, transmissions, axles, wheel bearings, and safety are issues to deal with sooner not later.  38 and bigger seem to be the tipping point for most trucks. 37 are max for me but I went down to 35s.

So 35 inch tires on 16 inch rims?

On a stock Explorer no way. To fit 35s you'd either have to do a bunch of hacking on the body or a bunch of lift.

What's the largest tire size you can go without compromising clearance?

[WA hunter14]

can someone tell me what specific parts are needed witha 3 or 4 inch lift, there are alot of kits out there and they dont all have the same stuff.

[WA hunter14]

I'd stay away from body lifts. These trucks are pretty basic to lift. I had 33's on a 76 with just add a lift springs. (Just an extra leaf slipped in) everyone has opinions but body lifts cause other issues like needing to extend wiring , hoses etc. they don't look god same either.  IMHO 35's are about the biggest for a usable truck of that style, but everyone has their own preference.

so your saying i can lift my truck with just leaf springs?

[YoteSlayer61]

I would join a forum for your specific truck there are tons of forums out there you could find one for your year of truck and guys with the same truck....pick their brains they can tell you a lot more as far as specific parts and kits than the yahoos on hunting forums....I would recommend 35s at the biggest and enough lift to fit them.use the money you would save on bigger lift and tires, buy a winch, a tow strap and maybe put lockers in the front. That will get you anywhere you have business going. I know it's hard to decide but there is a fine line between an off-road truck and a hunting truck.my dad always said 4x4 is enough to get you out when you're not really stuck but enough to get you really stuck..if that makes any sense?