Roadbully 3rd Gen Lift Kit - BUYERS BEWARE -

[helmsa]

Originally Posted by JCUZ

That's standard size, isn't it? It will drive fine, just a look a little silly, but will have better ground clearance, and therefore you will be able to go places you've never been before (so you could hide the silly look in the forest, lol).

Better ground clearance? Yes and no. The clearance under the center of the vehicle (both laterally and longitudinally) will be increased, but the "ground clearance" wont really be increased until he installs some larger tires on there, thus raising the lowest point in the suspension components.

But as said, there would be no technical issues that would prevent you from doing this. Just the psychological issue of having stock tires on a rig that should be wearing some 32's.

[JCUZ]

Originally Posted by helmsa

Better ground clearance? Yes and no. The clearance under the center of the vehicle (both laterally and longitudinally) will be increased, but the "ground clearance" wont really be increased until he installs some larger tires on there, thus raising the lowest point in the suspension components.

But as said, there would be no technical issues that would prevent you from doing this. Just the psychological issue of having stock tires on a rig that should be wearing some 32's.

Yeh, i meant clearance to the sticking points such as diff, trans, chassis rails etc. the lowest point is always going to be the suspension, but that's the same for "serious" 4WDs that have 12" or 20" of suspension travel.

[helmsa]

Originally Posted by JCUZ

Yeh, i meant clearance to the sticking points such as diff, trans, chassis rails etc. the lowest point is always going to be the suspension, but that's the same for "serious" 4WDs that have 12" or 20" of suspension travel.

We're on the same page...With some of the questions that have been asked about lifts, let alone RB's spacers, I wanted to clarify that point for those who may still be thinking I can get these spacer and travel down the same trails that RB has in his "A Day On The Trail" tread without making all of the proper changes (increased tire size).

[goatman]

My Spacers Are Installed... You might remember that I wanted to raise the front end to level. I have installed 2 inch spacers to accomplish this. The only problem at this point is that the tie rod end nuts (both) did not live through popping out the tie rod ends. Ford was the only place that I'm able to find them and they had to be ordered. Wednesday before they come in. I've got her down off the stands and on her own wieght. The attitude is completely different.

As soon as I have steering back, I'll take the "After Pictures" then attempt to figure out how to get them posted. I may have to go "Elite" to do this. I promised RoadBully that I would post pictures.

[rhyno]

For those of you who have done the spacer installation, have you found that your trucks need an alignment afterward like the second gens do after a torsion twist? Thanks.

[STNGADC]

Originally Posted by rhyno

For those of you who have done the spacer installation, have you found that your trucks need an alignment afterward like the second gens do after a torsion twist? Thanks.

My alignment never changed.

[goatman]

Well... Here is the first attempt at the picture thing. I've had to really pull in the pictures due to the size limit (note to self). Well with all that.. Here we go.

First Pic is the Ex as it was. Then some shots of the spacers as they went in.
I'm going to re-do the after shots so the entire vehicle can be seen. Be right back.

[goatman]

Here is the end result of the installation of the front spacers.

Originally Posted by goatman

Here is the end result of the installation of the front spacers.

Goatman i was wondering if you did the install, and if you used spring compressors, and how long it took you to do it, and if you had to get extra bolts to bolt the strut back in?

thanks alot-sorry for all the questions
chris

(im doing 3 in front and 2.5 in back)

[RoadBully]

Originally Posted by chris's2005

Goatman i was wondering if you did the install, and if you used spring compressors, and how long it took you to do it, and if you had to get extra bolts to bolt the strut back in?

thanks alot-sorry for all the questions
chris

(im doing 3 in front and 2.5 in back)

I include the bolts and stuff required.

So How are you enjoying the lift Mike?

[JCUZ]

Originally Posted by conig

looks great what size. roadbully maybe we could combine some pics into a thread showing different sizes installed with the pictures.

That's a great idea - a pic regiustry in one post showing 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3" front an back.

Goatman went with 2" lift at the front.

[RoadBully]

I'll keep track of pics we get here and post them up once we get a good range of sizes.
Right now we've got
3" front, 1.75" rear,

3" front ,3" rear

2" front

3" front, 2.5" rear

2" front, 2" rear

[jonnyslick]

RB, what are the tires (make and size) on the white ex you posted above with the 3" front and 1.75" rear lift?

[RoadBully]

That's Ford02Exp's truck, and he's running 265/75R16 Mudd King Mud Terrains

[goatman]

Originally Posted by chris's2005

Goatman i was wondering if you did the install, and if you used spring compressors, and how long it took you to do it, and if you had to get extra bolts to bolt the strut back in?

thanks alot-sorry for all the questions
chris

(im doing 3 in front and 2.5 in back)

Chris,

I don't mind the questions.

I did the install myself. Just to know the difference, I used a spring compressor for one side and did not on the other. Either way, I used the floor jack to raise the lower control arm to re-connect the upper control arm. Without the spring compressor, it was doable. Be prepared to really crank down with a lever to get the upper control arm down far enough to get the bolt started on the upper ball joint. With the spring compressor in place there was more movement available in the lower control arm.

One more tip... You might as well disconnect the lower bolt of the strut assembly. I thought I could short cut this and it just didn't work.

I didn't need extra bolts for the strut, However I did mess up the tie rod end nuts. They are hard to find so be careful.

I guess the whole job took me five or six hours. The first side took longer since I was figuring things out.

Let me know if you have any more questions.

[exploded06]

Originally Posted by goatman

Here is the end result of the installation of the front spacers.

quick question you guys....how much of a bind or how much more stress does the lift put on the ball joints if any and after the install do you have to get a alignment...thanks Dave

[goatman]

Originally Posted by exploded06

quick question you guys....how much of a bind or how much more stress does the lift put on the ball joints if any and after the install do you have to get a alignment...thanks Dave

I suppose there might be a little more stress on the upper ball joint. I don't see additional stress anywhere else. As far as alignment, I've heard others with the coil spring lift have no need for alignment. My spacers have been on for a less then two weeks. To soon to see any odd wear.

Originally Posted by goatman

I suppose there might be a little more stress on the upper ball joint. I don't see additional stress anywhere else. As far as alignment, I've heard others with the coil spring lift have no need for alignment. My spacers have been on for a less then two weeks. To soon to see any odd wear.

Hey goatman i thought id ask you cause since you and i are the only ones with Andvacetrak and RSC (cause we have 05's), do you see a problem with the system due to the lift.

Thanks

Chris

[CurbBlaster03]

I was just wondering about how much more stress if any or life loss you lose from your axles since they are pretty much level stock and adding more height will make them at more of an angle maybe it wont do anything just a question i had in my brain and i thought i would bring it up. tony.

[RoadBully]

Originally Posted by CurbBlaster03

I was just wondering about how much more stress if any or life loss you lose from your axles since they are pretty much level stock and adding more height will make them at more of an angle maybe it wont do anything just a question i had in my brain and i thought i would bring it up. tony.

They do end up on a bit more of an angle, but it's not too much.