North Bay CA Lariat Build.
03-27-2014, 12:26 PM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
North Bay CA Lariat Build.
I suppose it might not be a "Build" per say, but more like some add-ons. But here goes nothing.
I guess its what I should expect searching the web every night for lift kits. I have only had this truck for 2 months. I did my home work and came to the conclusion that the RCX would be perfect for my lifting needs.
It also didn't hurt that S3MS sold it to me for $1220 shipped to my door. An extra $90 on top of that I had the Kicker Braces to complete the lift.
This lift might not be for everyone... It only offers a 5" drop and uses spacers. A seemingly popular turn off for most. However, don't let these minor difference to the more "Brand Name" lifts fool you on the quality!
Every component in the well packed 5 boxes (6 if you get the Kicker Braces) has plenty of quality!
There are a few things I would recommend RCX change. The skid plate mounts use self taping bolts.... These are very easy to strip out when tightening... which could lead to your skid plat falling off. A few extra bucks and your can properly bolt it in place using a Nut and Bolt.
The Strut Spacers uses "cinch bolts"... if you follow the instructions way of installing these to the spacer you'll find all three quickly stripped out. After stripping out two I tried a few taps with a hammer and wha'la! The stripped out cinch bolts I had to weld into place.
Anyone questioning on whether or not the Rough Country Kicker Braces are cheaply made should know I found them to be of high quality! Compared to the Fabtech impact struts the RC braces are larger in diameter and slightly heavier. They may not be better, but are a close equal.
Anyhow.. I did the install in just under two days. I did this solo with an occasional helping hand from my wife! So I think 2 days is a good finish. Oh, it was also raining on the second day.. which puts a damper on everything!
Now for the good stuff... here are a few pictures of the install and end result!
All finished!!
Some CV axle angles for those curious:
Over all I am pleased with my choice in RCX and would do it again if I had to. It should be noted.. this lift should not be a choice for anyone looking to exceed 6" in lift. The drop downs measure only 5 inches. This makes the end result of 6 inches equivalent to a 5" lift with a 1" leveling kit in terms of angles on your cv joints.
Also you might have noticed the use of 2" wheel adapters in one of the pictures above. While I do believe the OEM 20" wheels would work with this lift, the Toyo 35" AT II's do not. They are just a tad to wide and would hit the Knuckle. Many may disagree on the use of Wheel Adapters..
I did my research and found that if you properly maintain the adapters and follow the strict instructions of re torqueing when required I feel the adapters will work for my needs. I do have plans to purchase a set of Fuel Boost 20x9's with a 4.5" offset.
That about does it. Just need to get it in for an alignment and she'll be road worthy!
There are many more things I plan on doing in the future.. so this build is far from over.
Thanks in advance for viewing!
Cheers
Nemi
I guess its what I should expect searching the web every night for lift kits. I have only had this truck for 2 months. I did my home work and came to the conclusion that the RCX would be perfect for my lifting needs.
It also didn't hurt that S3MS sold it to me for $1220 shipped to my door. An extra $90 on top of that I had the Kicker Braces to complete the lift.
This lift might not be for everyone... It only offers a 5" drop and uses spacers. A seemingly popular turn off for most. However, don't let these minor difference to the more "Brand Name" lifts fool you on the quality!
Every component in the well packed 5 boxes (6 if you get the Kicker Braces) has plenty of quality!
There are a few things I would recommend RCX change. The skid plate mounts use self taping bolts.... These are very easy to strip out when tightening... which could lead to your skid plat falling off. A few extra bucks and your can properly bolt it in place using a Nut and Bolt.
The Strut Spacers uses "cinch bolts"... if you follow the instructions way of installing these to the spacer you'll find all three quickly stripped out. After stripping out two I tried a few taps with a hammer and wha'la! The stripped out cinch bolts I had to weld into place.
Anyone questioning on whether or not the Rough Country Kicker Braces are cheaply made should know I found them to be of high quality! Compared to the Fabtech impact struts the RC braces are larger in diameter and slightly heavier. They may not be better, but are a close equal.
Anyhow.. I did the install in just under two days. I did this solo with an occasional helping hand from my wife! So I think 2 days is a good finish. Oh, it was also raining on the second day.. which puts a damper on everything!
Now for the good stuff... here are a few pictures of the install and end result!
All finished!!
Some CV axle angles for those curious:
Over all I am pleased with my choice in RCX and would do it again if I had to. It should be noted.. this lift should not be a choice for anyone looking to exceed 6" in lift. The drop downs measure only 5 inches. This makes the end result of 6 inches equivalent to a 5" lift with a 1" leveling kit in terms of angles on your cv joints.
Also you might have noticed the use of 2" wheel adapters in one of the pictures above. While I do believe the OEM 20" wheels would work with this lift, the Toyo 35" AT II's do not. They are just a tad to wide and would hit the Knuckle. Many may disagree on the use of Wheel Adapters..
I did my research and found that if you properly maintain the adapters and follow the strict instructions of re torqueing when required I feel the adapters will work for my needs. I do have plans to purchase a set of Fuel Boost 20x9's with a 4.5" offset.
That about does it. Just need to get it in for an alignment and she'll be road worthy!
There are many more things I plan on doing in the future.. so this build is far from over.
Thanks in advance for viewing!
Cheers
Nemi
03-27-2014, 05:25 PM
#2
Junior Member
Thread Starter
So I went in for an alignment at 10am this morning. When I left the shop I had these: NO more wheel adapters!!
Fuel Krank 20x9 with a 5" backspace in Silver Metallic. Mounted and balanced for 940 out the door! Not my original choice, but certainly not a bad choice. I think they look great!!
Anyhow, cheers
Nemi
Fuel Krank 20x9 with a 5" backspace in Silver Metallic. Mounted and balanced for 940 out the door! Not my original choice, but certainly not a bad choice. I think they look great!!
Anyhow, cheers
Nemi
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Nemisus (03-27-2014)
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Nemisus (03-27-2014)
03-27-2014, 06:41 PM
#6
Awesome Man! I see you are from the north bay. What part? Would love to have a meet up of some fellow bay area F150F members.
03-27-2014, 06:55 PM
#7
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Trending Topics
03-27-2014, 07:28 PM
#8
03-27-2014, 08:51 PM
#9
Senior Member
nice to see fellow bay area natives, I am from the east bay myself, now living in socal 
NEMISUS my truck looks almost identical but mine is a 2wd short bed! looks friggin sweet! btw you still have the stock 20's? Id be happy to take them off your hands
Last edited by WhyteLobo07; 03-27-2014 at 08:53 PM.
03-27-2014, 09:03 PM
#10
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Attachment 304076
nice to see fellow bay area natives, I am from the east bay myself, now living in socal
NEMISUS my truck looks almost identical but mine is a 2wd short bed! looks friggin sweet! btw you still have the stock 20's? Id be happy to take them off your hands
nice to see fellow bay area natives, I am from the east bay myself, now living in socal
NEMISUS my truck looks almost identical but mine is a 2wd short bed! looks friggin sweet! btw you still have the stock 20's? Id be happy to take them off your hands
I certainly do! I have full intent on selling them too. Make me an offer. I have a pretty good idea on what I want so lets try and make a deal. Curious, where in SoCal are you? I'd prefer not to ship.
Cheers
Nem
