That my friend is a beautiful truck!!!

 

I've done a little more research today and decided to call Les Schwab for a different opinion. I'll probably call another 4WD specific place as another reference and see what they recommend, but here's what I learned from Les Schwab.

Their preference is FabTech kits. I was quoted $3203 installed for the performance FabTech 6" kit which comes with the front dirt logic coilovers and rear dirt logic shocks. FebTech has lower cost kits that retain the factory coil overs using spacers, but I do like the look and performance upgrade with the dirt logic line. They also have a reservoir option, but I don't plan on beating the truck up off road, so not sure the money is worth what would likely boil down to aesthetics. Les Schwab also offers a lifetime warranty on the kit, including the shocks, which is attractive. They can install other kits (like Zone), but they don't offer the same warranty, and their pricing is best on FabTech kits.

My question is this. When I look online at pics of the kit components and compare FabTech to Zone/BDS as an example, there appear to be more components (brackets, etc) in the Zone/BDS kits. When I asked the LS rep about this, he said they prefer to go with kits that require fewer vehicle modifications. I have no idea now if these extra components that come in a Zone/BDS kit are just over-engineering or serve some practical purpose (like factory geometry, etc). I realize there are many on this forum who really like the Zone/BDS kits, just wondering if there are fundamental performance differences between FabTech and Zone/BDS as a result of the extra components. Any insight would be appreciated.

 

the fabtech kit I think uses about the same amount of parts when you look at instructions and still has to cut mount. the downside to fabtech is you cut 1" of factory tie rod and they send replacement tie rod ends which to me would make it a pain to find replacement for when they need replaced.

 

I've done a crap ton of research and talked to many shops BDS is the way to go the warranty is unbeatable and parts are well made

 

I went with the zone since its made by bds and when I get some more funds I am going to get the fox coil overs for the front as well so should make it about the same as bds coilover kit for around 2300

 

Well, I've decided on a 4" lift from Zone. Now I'm trying to decide which coilovers I'm going to get. Want top of the line without reservoirs. I have decided not to buy Fox.

Anyone painted shocks before? I'd like to have red - red accents to match the truck. Rancho's would make life easier (red) if they have a quality coilover that would go well with this lift. Looking at both front and rear.

Any suggestions? and where/who would you buy from?

 

F150 boss kit has red coil overs and they have similar reviews to fox!!

 

That's a good good looking truck !
Which wheels are those ???

 

I too am on the fence between the 4" and 6" lift. But after reading this I think I have narrowed it down to the Zone, basically the same as the BDS but just at little cheaper. I won't be doing much off-roading so I think the zone will be fine.

One thing I noticed is that you can't run the stock 18" wheels with this kit unless you have 5-5.5" of back spacing. Is it possible for them to work with 1.25" wheel spacers? I am planning on running 20x12s but in the event I need to put the 18" wheels back on I would like to know if they can work with spacers.

 

Met the "Boys" for coffee this morning and as I was creeping back in to the garage it dawned on me that ANY lift was going to keep me from pulling in to the garage. I only clear by about (at most) 2".

Kinda like Roseanne Rosannadana used to say,

U know Jane... it's always a sumthun!