Hey guys, been reading everything on here about all the different lifts and tire combos but still feel a bit lost between the different ways to lift (F150 Lifts, coilovers, spacers, full suspension). So what is the difference between them? I would like quality and will be using the 4wd so I would like to keep the stress on the U-joints to a minimum. I've seen pics on here of someones front driveline and UCA angles were increase by using the coilover 0-3" level. Also read that new UCA's are something to do possibly. What are they all about?

My take so far...

Spacers just add a donut looking spacer to the top of the coils up front and change the angle of the UCA and driveline (not good for four wheel drive)?

Coilovers..sorta like spacers in that they still change the angle of the UCA and driveline (again, not good for four wheel drive)?

Not sure where F150lifts and Fox stuff come in.

Full suspension, this is the best for four wheel drive in that it keeps the UCA and front drive line at decent angles saving your U-joints.

I was actually looking at a BDS 4" suspension till I heard it requires cutting the frame. Not sure how I feel about. Any full suspension lift, in the 4" range, that doesn't require cutting?

Sorry for the long post and broad question but every time I get on here and open twentyseven different tabs.....kinda gets me all ...then I think I've got it and life is good....until I read another post that kills that idea, and I'm like ....

 

Cutting your frame 100% voids the frame warranty. Just something to think about.

 

My take on it, for what's it worth. I put a level kit on my last truck because I was afraid of going to a full suspension lift. I ended up doing a full 6 inch BDS lift a couple years later, as the level kit rode really rough, and loved it; the CV angles were good too. I just bought a brand new 2014 and it's getting a 6 inch BDS before it even has plates. I wouldn't worry about cutting the frame, just get a good shop to do the install and you'll be happy with the results. As far as voiding your warranty, yeah whatever, people just like to give worthless advice. I've had warranty work done with my lift, exhaust, CAI, no questions asked. Now, obviously they are not going to cover a suspension component and different dealers will have different views on how they cover you. Many dealerships install lifts on new trucks and sell them.
If you are looking at a 4 inch, I'd look at the BDS or Rancho. Both seem to have good reviews and I have had good experiences personally with the BDS.
Unless you are looking for a high performance setup, I'd just stick with a kit from a good company and upgrade as you need/learn more about components. You have the option of doing coil overs, UCA's ect if you need them....it sounds like you'll be fine without at this point.
Hope this helps get you started.

 

Like you I'm considering the 4" BDS,(check out jrmast2 thread has this lift) yes a little concerned about frame cutting not so much about warranty side of it but as far as structurally. Doing my research and looking for a good installer in my area. On my 07 I did a auto spring spacer 2" level its been on the truck pretty much it whole life and I have not had any issues. I think its when you go above the 2" mark you start putting the bad angels on the cv joints and the uca. I believe this will be the case on the 15 as well. as for the coil overs. Don't know if you have looked at dubsesd "my lifted Platinum" but he has done the coil overs and there is a lot of info in his thread.

 

Thanks for the info guys. Certainly don't like the idea of voiding the warranty on a brand new $50k+ truck. I have seen both dubsesd and jrmast2 rigs and both are sweet. I have only gotten through about half of the 70 something pages of dubsesd thread so far. I keep getting side tracked when I have to research something else I learn.

Just thought of I saw somewhere and can't seem to find again. A thread mentioned that there are some sort of crash bars that peoples tires are rubbing on when they lift and I thought it mentioned those bars are only on the Screw and not the Scab. Is that correct?

 

Here's the thread link I think your looking for
https://www.f150forum.com/f118/no-ba...percab-295050/

 

Haaaa, there it is. My Google skills have apparently taken vacation. Thanks Squirrelyyy.