Level or Lift? Which do you prefer?
07-27-2016, 07:28 PM
#1
Level or Lift? Which do you prefer?
So I am finally ready to do either a level or lift on my new truck (13' FX4). Found a guy where I am stationed who is also a service member and does this on the side. He's only charging $150 for labor on a level or $350 for labor on a lift. I am thinking of just doing a 4" RC lift since the labor for it isn't much more. What do you all think? Is $350 a good deal on labor for a lift?
Thanks,
Thanks,
07-27-2016, 07:43 PM
#2
Senior Member
$350 labor for a full lift that requires cutting of the frame and doing the front and rear work, etc. Yah, that's a hell of a deal, provided that A) the guy knows what he's doing, B) is insured in case he destroys you frame, and C) is willing to stand behind his work in case something isn't done right that reveals itself down the road (ie: not readily apparent at the time of installation).
07-27-2016, 07:46 PM
#3
$350 labor for a full lift that requires cutting of the frame and doing the front and rear work, etc. Yah, that's a hell of a deal, provided that A) the guy knows what he's doing, B) is insured in case he destroys you frame, and C) is willing to stand behind his work in case something isn't done right that reveals itself down the road (ie: not readily apparent at the time of installation).
07-27-2016, 07:51 PM
#4
Senior Member
$350 labor for a full lift that requires cutting of the frame and doing the front and rear work, etc. Yah, that's a hell of a deal, provided that A) the guy knows what he's doing, B) is insured in case he destroys you frame, and C) is willing to stand behind his work in case something isn't done right that reveals itself down the road (ie: not readily apparent at the time of installation).
A suspension lift usually takes a full day to install. Either this guy works for cheap (compared to most shops), or doesn't realize what he's getting into.
07-27-2016, 08:09 PM
#5
Better OUT then IN
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My first F150,2WD... level with Bilsteins labor was $250. With shocks (4 corners), $600.
My current F150, 4WD...4" lift, labor was $800. With all the parts, total cost $2,200.
However, to answer your question... I liked them both. They are different.
If I were to decide, lift looks better but make sure your short wife can get in. Mine does but she's not happy about it sometimes, even though she loves the way it looks.
Last edited by justjimmy; 07-27-2016 at 08:20 PM.
07-27-2016, 09:05 PM
#6
Senior Member
Father, friend I spent 6 days installing my RC 4'' lift. (3-6 hours each day.) Would have been better off spending $640+tax to have a shop do it. And that was the best price I found. Rest are $800-900.
However, the ride quality is a little better than my Rancho Quicklift set that I had previously. But it is also using stock shocks/struts up front.
However, the ride quality is a little better than my Rancho Quicklift set that I had previously. But it is also using stock shocks/struts up front.
07-28-2016, 12:54 AM
#7
Had a 2in Pro Comp level and was never truly satisfied with how it looked or rode. Specially because unless you switch out your struts in the front and shocks in the rear, the ride will be affected because your adding to the stock suspension and not changing anything. I am whole heartedly happy with my lift and would do it again. 9/10 companies who make a lift are all top notch. They're all CAD designed, cnc machined and made with top notch materials, so you know they're good quality.
A good lift will:
1. 9/10 times make your truck ride better than stock(Actual longer struts rather than spacer)
2. Have proper CV angles to avoid torn boots or messed up CV axle.
3. Provide actual longer struts, rather than a spacer which is not horrible but also not optimal.
BDS/Zone, Rancho, Fabtech are some good companies.
A good lift will:
1. 9/10 times make your truck ride better than stock(Actual longer struts rather than spacer)
2. Have proper CV angles to avoid torn boots or messed up CV axle.
3. Provide actual longer struts, rather than a spacer which is not horrible but also not optimal.
BDS/Zone, Rancho, Fabtech are some good companies.
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07-28-2016, 03:48 AM
#8
The most important question is what is the level/lift for? Looks or function. A level adds room for larger tires but actually loses suspension down travel. A lot of people complain of a cluck off-roading with a level when the suspension maxes out downwards. Losing articulation. Makes a harsher ride offroad. And the struts are alittle stiffer, not much but you can slightly feel it.
So if you are actually going to offroad your truck the lift is a better idea. I have a levelled f150 and a lifted jeep. Prolly going to sell the jeep and do a 6" and true 35x12.5x20 on the f150. If there is money left over a regear is next on the mod list.
Also take a print out of the lift instructions to the mechanic and double check he can do it for the price he quoted. And don't forget an alignment after either.
g0rilla
So if you are actually going to offroad your truck the lift is a better idea. I have a levelled f150 and a lifted jeep. Prolly going to sell the jeep and do a 6" and true 35x12.5x20 on the f150. If there is money left over a regear is next on the mod list.
Also take a print out of the lift instructions to the mechanic and double check he can do it for the price he quoted. And don't forget an alignment after either.
g0rilla
07-28-2016, 05:36 PM
#9
The most important question is what is the level/lift for? Looks or function. A level adds room for larger tires but actually loses suspension down travel. A lot of people complain of a cluck off-roading with a level when the suspension maxes out downwards. Losing articulation. Makes a harsher ride offroad. And the struts are alittle stiffer, not much but you can slightly feel it.
OP,
Budget...how much are you looking to spend?
At the end, it will come down to how you are going to be using your truck and how much you are willing to spend.
Another thing, make sure your friend knows what he is doing!
JT
07-28-2016, 06:50 PM
#10
Junior Member
These are are great questions that need to be answered.
OP,
Budget...how much are you looking to spend?
At the end, it will come down to how you are going to be using your truck and how much you are willing to spend.
Another thing, make sure your friend knows what he is doing!
JT
OP,
Budget...how much are you looking to spend?
At the end, it will come down to how you are going to be using your truck and how much you are willing to spend.
Another thing, make sure your friend knows what he is doing!
JT
Agreed. A lot depends on what you want out of it, what you actually use your truck for, and how much you want to drop on it.