Need Help...lift options

[Recon1977]

I'm new here to the forum guys/gals. My name is Mark and I'm from SE Idaho. I just purchased a 2002 Sport trace w 110,000 miles on it. When I moved to Idaho I took up hunting. I need some help to configure my ST to my needs, but am unsure how to do it. I've been reading a lot of the lift vs BL threads etc. The problem is, I don't know anything about vehicles/mechanics etc. I get lost with all the shackles, torsion bar, suspension lift vs BL stuff.

Here is what I'm after for my needs, perhaps you can make the suggestions that will help me determine what I need to do. I do want some more ground clearance and versatility off road for hunting and for general sight advantages (even on the freeway). I'm not doing hard core off-roading though. Just trails while hunting that sometimes get rough and general camping etc. I don't want something over the top. I also don't want to cut away any molding or plastic in the wheel wells etc. I do like when the tires stick out just a bit from the body though. Here are a few pics of a truck that I reallylike.

http://i488.photobucket.com/albums/...ums/rr242/lwmorris/PicsPlay_1338682776024.jpg
http://www.rotor-heads.com/images/sporttrac/1219a.jpgThe owners of both said this was their configuration. "3" PA BL / 33"x12.5"x15 DuraTrac's"

My questions are these: Would this be a configuration you think would meet my needs? 2nd question: Is there anyone in SE Idaho that could help me with this project? Or should I just find a reputable shop to do it for me? Thanks for the help, pics and insights.

 

[Recon1977]

How embarrassing. Here is the link to the other truck I saw.http://www.rotor-heads.com/images/sporttrac/1219a.jpg
Sorry.

 

[JohnnyO]

The only suspension lift kit is from Superlift and it is pricey, about $2000 plus installation and availability is iffy. (Well, there is Dixon Brothers but it probably costs more than you paid for the truck.) Or you can get a bodylift and do a torsion twist and Warrior rear shackles and fit 33x12.50-15's either way. Costs a bunch less, downside is you lose the front tow hooks. Get better shocks like Sensa Tracs or Rancho. With a TT/shackle lift you do not need longer shocks. 15x8 wheels with 3.75" backspace. Add a rear limited-slip diff if it doesn't have one. I would suggest a Detroit True Trac.

 

[OffTrac]

For your needs, I would honestly recommend skipping the body lift unless you are dead set on the look or just need to say you have 33s.

For similar function and a whole lot less money, small torsion twist 1.5" or so, rear shackles or add a leaf, 265/75R16 tires, quality shocks and an alignment. No new wheels needed, no body lift needed, no trimming necessary, and the difference in actual ground clearance will be less than 1/2" compared to 33" tires.

Save those hundreds of dollars and put them toward hunting gear used in the field.

 

[Recon1977]

Hey, OffTrac, did you get my pm? It seems like my pm's aren't sending.... I hit submit, but they screen just stays the same. Anyways,...

Thanks for your suggestions. It took a long time for someone to reply. I can't blame people. So many one offs asking about lift options....

I really appreciate your reply. AFter slogging through hundreds of posts and looking for hundreds of pictures, I settled on exactly the suggestion you made. I actually bought a leveling kit from truxxx.com. The dealer will install it where I work. Then I'll go with that tires size you mentioned of 265/75/16. I'm super excited to see what she looks like afterward. I'll be posting some pics next month when the tires go on. do you hunt?

 

[OffTrac]

Sorry, no, I haven't received a pm. Glad the info was helpful. I didn't see your post until today.

I do hunt and that was the primary reason I chose the ST when buying a truck. The heaviest load I'll likely have in the bed of my truck will be two deer. The bed is sized well for that. To be honest, the body lift, and now 35s have made it less hunting friendly even though more capable off road. It's really hard to lift a deer into the bed by myself.

It's great that when I go hunting with buddies they all leave their trucks and hop in mine because it's a more convenient hunting truck than their half tons. They'll never verbally admit it though, lol. The folding rear seat is great and the rubber floor is a hunter's best friend.