HeavyCal

I have been looking around for a lift kit around the 4" mark, but discovered that basically any suspension lift that size and up involves permanent cutting of the frame. Yikes, now that's a commitment.

I'm not sure I'm ready to do that just yet so I came across ReadyLift's 3.5" SST lift which is basically strut spacers, rear blocks, and new UCAs to correct ball joint geometry:

https://www.readylift.com/2014-up-fo...riveshaft.html

What concerns me is what I've been reading about the 3-3.5" region seems to place the CV joints at extreme angles and these UCAs won't correct that.

I called ReadyLift and asked them about it, and of course they told me they engineered and tested it so it doesn't damage anything. That doesn't mean it won't necessarily cause accelerated wear, for example.

There are a few other kits I've been seeing such as adjustable coilover kits which also come with new UCAs but I'm not convinced they won't have the same issues. If some learned folks would care to weigh in on this I'd be grateful. Thanks.

HeavyCal

Really? No one has anything to add on this?

Growlar

I put the same lift on last night and yeah cv's gonna wear slightly more IF your in 4wd a lot. I go off road 3-4 times a year and then snow..not worried at all

2017ExecFx4

@HeavyCAL -

I love the question. I have a brand new Lariat Fx4, 502a....400 miles on it. I would like a 4'' lift and don't even really mind the expense. What I mind is that it seems to be a an irreversible decision on a $50k rig.

Need to study up on what the CV joints are doing when 4wd isn't engaged. What the poster above says seems to make sense.

It seems like a spindle replacement would correct the geometry of the UCA just fine....leaving only the CV join and steering linkage to worry.

I wish I could add something useful - thought I would respond because I feel a kinship with you and your original post!

Growlar

your wheels spin on the hub until 4wd is engaged and the hubs lock. The cv joints don't move at all 90% of the time unless you have it in awd or 4wd. Even then you can buy a few sets of cv joints for the extra cost between lifts. I felt the same as you guys. why cut up a brand new truck over worry about a 100$ cv joint that probably will never go out. I can take a picture of the angle if you want . But I wont lose any sleep over it. and I watched alignment guy today put my truck into perfect alignment in 1 minute a side

HeavyCal

Thanks guys, yes some photos would be fantastic Growlar. I think the best plan is for me to see what my truck looks like with the new wheels when they get here. I might decide the level is plenty high enough but it sure is nice to have options.

webby150

I am in the same boat boys, would like a more aggressive stance, but this is my daily driver, plus I am on the road a lot for work, so don't want something that is not practical. Tire size, rubbing, road noise, decreased MPG, so many options and scenarios to consider. This is the look I am after, most of these trucks are from this forum.....

Growlar

here ya go

HeavyCal

That doesn't seem to be all that bad. I wonder what it looks like at full extension. Thanks Growlar!

antho

Weird. This person states he had the same exact setup. Clearly his angles are worse. Here is his thread.

https://www.f150forum.com/f118/ready...359045/index5/