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Hi guys, was lurking for a while and finally signed up.
I just bought my first pickup 98 F150 XL - 8ft bed/V6 - as it seemed most practical from a house maintenance and work POV. Should have done this a long time ago. I come from a performance car background so everything I want to do is the opposite of what I've been doing to my vehicles. More intro - I have 4 properties that I help maintain in regards to repairs, and I work sporting/fundraising events mostly production end - taking care of supplies, setting up rest areas etc for bicycle tours, tri's, runs, etc, which is really where I want to be able to use the truck more. I apologize for the potato quality pic, but here it is.
Between what I do for work, and that I snowboard a lot (but have 2wd), I'd like to make this a more capable and serious vehicle. Before you say I should have gotten 4wd, I got a good deal on this through my dads friend, and I'm fine driving the previous jeep we had in 2wd in the snow.
All this said, on a budget, I'd like to stiffen up and raise the ride/suspension a bit, get new and bigger tires, lighting/light bar for front and rear, bed extender, I think new rear diff as I probably have an open - looking for recommendations on what is better for snow. I'm aware by now of what seems to be the best/expensive brands but looking for those with knowledge on what I can get by with that are more budget friendly without being garbage.
The questions:
Tires - I'm blown away by how much tires cost. I think I'd like to get something around 32-33" diameter tire. Something that will do well in snow, not loud, am I better off keeping the wheels I have (16x8 - also don't care for the style) and getting appropriate size thick tires, or getting bigger wheels (18?) with thinner tire. I'm not even sure I can fit 33" tires on the current wheel setup, it seems debatable.
Suspension/lift - I think I'd like to lift/level the car no more than 3 inches. How is the Rough country lift kit for $440 (front spindles, 4 shocks, I believe rear blocks)? Shocks are surprising cheap for the truck. I was also thinking of doing rear add a leaf kit for increased payload capacity, the shock mount up front, and maybe all new shocks around the car to (hopefully) get rid of this semi sloppy feeling ride. Also considering Monroe sensa track
They seem to have good reviews for the price and sound like they stiffen up the ride. Prevoius owner said he had new shocks put up front but I need to check what they are.
As mentioned, what type of rear diff. should I look into that would be reasonable and ideal for use in snow (besides loading up the rear with sandbags).
Does anyone have any recommendations how to make the truck feel more solid and tight. When I go over bumps it just feels jittery and I'm not used to it. Is this a truck thing or something I can do to fix this. Almost feels like the spring rates are diff. from the shocks.
Any amazon/ebay light bar companies that are recommended? I'd like a full size facing forward and a smaller light facing rear to help with load-ins.
Any truck bed extenders that are recommended? Almost bought Amp research one, but I may even consider making one since I got a new welder and my roommates old metal futon with smooth 90 degree bent rails all ready to be cut and welded.
Any input/advice/product names greatly appreciated! Sorry for length of first post.
Sounds to me like you have Champagne tastes and a Coca Cola budget, you are not going to get a 4th of what you want unless you come out of pocket with more than the truck is worth to begin with.
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Hi guys, was lurking for a while and finally signed up.
I just bought my first pickup 98 F150 XL - 8ft bed/V6 - as it seemed most practical from a house maintenance and work POV. Should have done this a long time ago. I come from a performance car background so everything I want to do is the opposite of what I've been doing to my vehicles. More intro - I have 4 properties that I help maintain in regards to repairs, and I work sporting/fundraising events mostly production end - taking care of supplies, setting up rest areas etc for bicycle tours, tri's, runs, etc, which is really where I want to be able to use the truck more. I apologize for the potato quality pic, but here it is.
Between what I do for work, and that I snowboard a lot (but have 2wd), I'd like to make this a more capable and serious vehicle. Before you say I should have gotten 4wd, I got a good deal on this through my dads friend, and I'm fine driving the previous jeep we had in 2wd in the snow.
All this said, on a budget, I'd like to stiffen up and raise the ride/suspension a bit, get new and bigger tires, lighting/light bar for front and rear, bed extender, I think new rear diff as I probably have an open - looking for recommendations on what is better for snow. I'm aware by now of what seems to be the best/expensive brands but looking for those with knowledge on what I can get by with that are more budget friendly without being garbage.
The questions:
Tires - I'm blown away by how much tires cost. I think I'd like to get something around 32-33" diameter tire. Something that will do well in snow, not loud, am I better off keeping the wheels I have (16x8 - also don't care for the style) and getting appropriate size thick tires, or getting bigger wheels (18?) with thinner tire. I'm not even sure I can fit 33" tires on the current wheel setup, it seems debatable.
Suspension/lift - I think I'd like to lift/level the car no more than 3 inches. How is the Rough country lift kit for $440 (front spindles, 4 shocks, I believe rear blocks)? Shocks are surprising cheap for the truck. I was also thinking of doing rear add a leaf kit for increased payload capacity, the shock mount up front, and maybe all new shocks around the car to (hopefully) get rid of this semi sloppy feeling ride. Also considering Monroe sensa track link
They seem to have good reviews for the price and sound like they stiffen up the ride. Prevoius owner said he had new shocks put up front but I need to check what they are.
As mentioned, what type of rear diff. should I look into that would be reasonable and ideal for use in snow (besides loading up the rear with sandbags).
Does anyone have any recommendations how to make the truck feel more solid and tight. When I go over bumps it just feels jittery and I'm not used to it. Is this a truck thing or something I can do to fix this. Almost feels like the spring rates are diff. from the shocks.
Any amazon/ebay light bar companies that are recommended? I'd like a full size facing forward and a smaller light facing rear to help with load-ins.
Any truck bed extenders that are recommended? Almost bought Amp research one, but I may even consider making one since I got a new welder and my roommates old metal futon with smooth 90 degree bent rails all ready to be cut and welded.
Any input/advice/product names greatly appreciated! Sorry for length of first post.
Holy **** even if i wanted to help u i wouldnt even know where to start with those 10 000 questions , hint - buy a new truck cause time ur done puting all that **** on ur gonna spend 10x what that POS of a truck is worth. Donate that pile, to the scrap yard and take ur 300 bucks.
Hi guys, was lurking for a while and finally signed up.
I just bought my first pickup 98 F150 XL - 8ft bed/V6 - as it seemed most practical from a house maintenance and work POV. Should have done this a long time ago. I come from a performance car background so everything I want to do is the opposite of what I've been doing to my vehicles. More intro - I have 4 properties that I help maintain in regards to repairs, and I work sporting/fundraising events mostly production end - taking care of supplies, setting up rest areas etc for bicycle tours, tri's, runs, etc, which is really where I want to be able to use the truck more. I apologize for the potato quality pic, but here it is.
Between what I do for work, and that I snowboard a lot (but have 2wd), I'd like to make this a more capable and serious vehicle. Before you say I should have gotten 4wd, I got a good deal on this through my dads friend, and I'm fine driving the previous jeep we had in 2wd in the snow.
All this said, on a budget, I'd like to stiffen up and raise the ride/suspension a bit, get new and bigger tires, lighting/light bar for front and rear, bed extender, I think new rear diff as I probably have an open - looking for recommendations on what is better for snow. I'm aware by now of what seems to be the best/expensive brands but looking for those with knowledge on what I can get by with that are more budget friendly without being garbage.
The questions:
Tires - I'm blown away by how much tires cost. I think I'd like to get something around 32-33" diameter tire. Something that will do well in snow, not loud, am I better off keeping the wheels I have (16x8 - also don't care for the style) and getting appropriate size thick tires, or getting bigger wheels (18?) with thinner tire. I'm not even sure I can fit 33" tires on the current wheel setup, it seems debatable.
Suspension/lift - I think I'd like to lift/level the car no more than 3 inches. How is the Rough country lift kit for $440 (front spindles, 4 shocks, I believe rear blocks)? Shocks are surprising cheap for the truck. I was also thinking of doing rear add a leaf kit for increased payload capacity, the shock mount up front, and maybe all new shocks around the car to (hopefully) get rid of this semi sloppy feeling ride. Also considering Monroe sensa track link
They seem to have good reviews for the price and sound like they stiffen up the ride. Prevoius owner said he had new shocks put up front but I need to check what they are.
As mentioned, what type of rear diff. should I look into that would be reasonable and ideal for use in snow (besides loading up the rear with sandbags).
Does anyone have any recommendations how to make the truck feel more solid and tight. When I go over bumps it just feels jittery and I'm not used to it. Is this a truck thing or something I can do to fix this. Almost feels like the spring rates are diff. from the shocks.
Any amazon/ebay light bar companies that are recommended? I'd like a full size facing forward and a smaller light facing rear to help with load-ins.
Any truck bed extenders that are recommended? Almost bought Amp research one, but I may even consider making one since I got a new welder and my roommates old metal futon with smooth 90 degree bent rails all ready to be cut and welded.
Any input/advice/product names greatly appreciated! Sorry for length of first post.
A light bar mount made from a futon haha ur a cheap *** idiot. Thank god , God made ppl like u so others can laugh.lol
Yes you'll most likely spend more than the truck is worth, but you'll have exactly what you want right?
I'm at about $2000 into mine, valued about $3500, rebuilt motor and trans so it should last awhile.
Still, I see a truck as a tool and life investment, make the improvements you need to do what you want to do, to me it's worth it. Course I'm not interested in reselling the truck, it's mine till it dies. Was my grandfathers, my mothers, and now mine.
That said, if you're willing to put the money into it, just be fully aware you won't get it back out.
he prob dosent even own that truck its prob his neighbours and hes selling it , you can see the forsale sign on the drivers window in the pic , and look how far the pic was taken ,why would u take a pic of ur truck like 3 houses over in someone elses yard.lol, and a vehicle is not a investment unless its a classic or its 1 out of like 500 made or somethin and its rare, a 98 f150 2wd in **** red is a terrible investment. Its gonna break down more then u drive it , why u think theres a forsale sign on it lol.
09-04-2015, 10:46 AM
Intro and part questions
