patrickhaga

Hi everyone, Im new to all this and am looking for some help. Im looking to get a 4inch rough country lift for my 04 f150. I like the look of 33s with the 4 inch lift with my model (supercab XLT) but what else would I have to do? Would I NEED new rims too? Would I need anything else (brakes, or anything) with the 4 inch lift? Basically what hidden expenses are there in what Im trying to do? Thanks for the help!
Also if anyone knows somewhere to get a cheap but good quality lift and or tires thats also much appreciated!

Baja Kits

You really don't need anything else with the Rough Country set up.

Are you planning on just getting 33's with your stock wheels?

If you want to get new wheels you can. You don't NEED them.

Dirttracker18

A good kit will have everything that is required.

Upgraded brakes, a good idea but not imperative. You are not upsizing tires by much so I would not be worried at all.

Upgraded wheels, nice but not a necessity. Wheels gives you the option to lower the rotating and unsprung weight as well as customize your truck. Not essential to 33" tires and/or a lift.

I don't foresee any hidden expenses as long as you buy a quality kit.

As for tires, I would no cheap out there. Research like crazy and buy something quality that suits your needs. You do not have to buy the most expensive tires out there but don't just buy as cheap as you can find. Cheap doesn't help if they only last half the miles of another brand or are prone to issues later like going out of round or getting noisy.

Many on here can make some recommendations based on your needs for you to look at. Let us know what your plans are. Mudding? Rock crawling? Pavement princess, lol? Occasional off road?

AK4wheeler

I believe the kit must have 18" rims for clearance. If you truck currently has 17" rims you will have to upgrade to 18" rims. You can refer to Rough Country's website to validate this.


AK4wheeler

smd3

Don't get a drop bracket lift, which I think most or all 4" lifts are for these trucks. You'll end up with worse ground clearance than not lifting the truck.

Havyek

Not sure what you're referring to here. You should never have to change your wheel size unless you put on oversized calipers or something.


If you're wheels clear the calipers, that's all you need.

techrep

iTrader: (1)

Not true... some lift kits require a certain amount of backspacing to clean the new spindles..

doctorschlachter

It has nothing to do with clearing the calipers, but allowing enough room for the knuckles when doing a full lift.

Havyek

Ok but then wouldn't it be a BS requirement and not a wheel size requirement?


I'm asking, not trying to be a jackass. My off-roading/lifting experience comes from a solid front axle, not IFS like on the newer pickups.

techrep

iTrader: (1)

Yes.. but stock wheels regardless of size will not have the required backspacing for some lift kits.. it will tell you when you buy it if stock wheels can be used.