I have 2002 f150 fx4 extended cab, 4.6l 5-spd. its in great shape, and i am coming to the point where i need new tires. I really want to go to a 33x12.5/17 to stay on my stock fx4 wheels and i have cranked up my torsion bars some to level out my truck front to back. from what i have read i can probably fit the 33`s i want without any more suspension changes. but at the same time I do hit the trails every now and then and would like a lift for better travel and clearance. And as usual I dont have tons of cash to go a blow 1500-2500 on a lift alone. Now I am pretty handy when it comes to automotive repairs and mods, and i have access to a full shop welders and lift the works. So i am not afraid to fabricate some or all of the brackets and mounts to lift 3-4 in. The only trouble I have is the knuckles. No one will sell after market lift knuckles alone, you must buy them with a 2000 dollar kit. so my question is does any body know of a place that sells the knuckles by them selves that i could not find? or can i possibly modify a set of stock one to meet my needs? by my calcutaion i only need to make them 3 in taller to span the gap made by moving the lower a-arm and torsion bar crossmember down.

has any body done this? is this even possible or am I trying to reinvent the wheel? and is there any body here that would be willing to measure out and more or less blueprint out the lift kit they have on their truck?

it may appear that this might cost the same but i know i can build it less expensive than i can buy one any were. between hardware and raw metal im looking at 500-600 bucks.

sorry for the book but I just wanted to get all the facts out there and what i am thinking for this.

thanks for any thoughts..

 

Ford Suspension Lift Kits

Take a look at this kit, for 1000 bucks it's a pretty simple kit. Easy to install if you've ever done anything suspension wise. It doesn't make your truck look overly lifted as the 6 inch does but still allows a good bit of travel. I got it on my '03 Supercab 4x4 and it's held up great. Living in SW ID most of the off road terrain is rocks and dirt and I drive about 30-50mph through most of it.

Only other modification I've had to do was some trimming on the front bummer to fit the 35s on and still be able to turn without rubbing. Still need to do a bit more to be able to take the turns at full compression.

 

quick bump ----------------

 

i was in an accident and the auto shop that repaired my truck ordered a single knuckle from fabtech. so maybe try talking to some auto repair shops about ordering you one?

 

ok so ive decided to go with either the rough country lift or skyjacker lift both cost about the same with shocks. but Im torn on doing this either way if i cant keep my stock wheels then whats the point I really do like the way they look with a lift and some knobby tires. all i have read is that you cant use your stock wheels with 5.5in of back spacing, and that you must use 16in wheels with a max of 4.5in backspacing. has anybody had to deal with this and used their stock 17in wheels?

 

I run 33x12.5 tires on 17x8 rims with Rough Country's 2 1/2" lift. New torsion keys, blocks in the back. $300 from National Tire and Wheel. No special backspacing on my rims either as I run my factory rims in the winter. Pic of the truck in my sig.

Food for thought.