Technical > Installation Guide
Reality Check
Less Lift, But More Performance on a 2WD F-150
story & photos by Steve Temple
These are the basic components of a Fabtech 3.5-inch lift. The company also makes a performance system, should you want to add upper control arms. The latter modification provides enough room for tires as large as 295/75R16.
As much as we admire those brawny 4x4s with skyscrapin’ suspension lifts, sometimes they just aren’t very practical for everyday duties. That is, unless your daily drive consists of climbing a boulder strewn trail to get to a forest-fire spotter’s tower on top of a mountain.
For those with a 2WD truck, a moderate lift is a reasonable compromise. Your off-road adventures may be slightly less ambitious and more of the pre-runner variety, and preserve the comforts of a stock ride quality as well. In addition, those who use their pickups as work trucks during the week will likely prefer not having to lift equipment as high into the cargo bed.
Fabtech realizes that not everybody needs or wants a 7.5-inch lift, so it makes some slightly smaller ones in the 3.5- to 4.5-inch range for the previous-generation Ford F-150 (among other many other makes and models). Another advantage of this shorter lift is ease of installation.
For instance, the 3.5-inch spindles are a direct replacement part so you don’t have to swap out the factory ball joints. And since you’re dealing with a 2WD drive, you don’t have to deal with lowering a transfer case or messing with front driveshafts. And in the rear, you won’t have to relocate the emergency brake cable as you would with a higher suspension lift. If you have a fair amount of mechanical experience, you should be able to do the install for both the front and rear suspension in less than a day.
As with all suspension lifts, though, some safety precautions are in order. Never work under an unsupported vehicle. Make sure you have some jackstands (not just floorjacks). Also, after removing the brake caliper, hook it securely with some wire or zip ties-don’t let it hang from the brake line hose, which may damage your hydraulic system. Also, exercise care when removing a compressed spring and wear eye protection. Don’t forget to apply a thread-locking compound to bolts, and after driving your newly lifted truck a few miles, recheck them for tightness. That done, you should be ready for some fun off-road adventures.
Ask about purchasing the Fabtech 3.5 Inch Lift from www.4wheelparts.com
1. With the vehicle on a lift or jackstands, remove the lower A-arms, struts and front swaybar. |
2. Next, install the two front crossmembers for the lower control arms. |
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3. Re-attach the lower A-arms to the Fabtech crossmembers. |
4. Be sure to mark and set the camber control lobe to preserve the stock suspension geometry. |
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5. Before installing the taller Fabtech springs, lube the spring pocket thoroughly to prevent corrosion and squeaking. |
6. Note the difference in travel between the stock and Fabtech spring. |
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7. The Fabtech spindle has a different configuration as well, but bolts on the stock mounting locations. |
8. Carefully place the Fabtech spring in place. |
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9. Install the elongated Fabtech spindle. |
10. Install the bump-stop brackets. |
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11. Be sure to secure the brake line to the Fabtech bracket. |
12. Slide the Fabtech shock through the longer springs and bolt on securely. Don’t forget to reattach the swaybar as well. Here’s how the front suspension should look with the lift installed. |
Installing the Rear Lift
Components of the rear lift are pretty simple: blocks, shocks, fasteners and U-bolts.
1. First remove the stock shocks from the rear end. And be sure to use only the Fabtech shocks with this kit. Insert the lift block on top of the axle. Secure the lift block with the fasteners and U-bolts provided. |
2. Here’s how the lifted rear suspension should look when you’re done. |