Step 1 Here
is a look at the ReadyLift Suspension 2004-2010 Ford F150 strut
extensions constructed from steel and powercoated for nice finish to
compliment the 3-inches of lift. | Step 2 The
new Ford F150 trucks are nice riding trucks, but have the often
unwanted front rake that makes the back end look like it is sticking up
in the air. | Step 3 As
with any suspension modification, it is always good to take
measurements before starting the installation in order to be able to
verify the results when complete. |
Step 4 With
this truck in factory form, a measurement was taken from the ground to
the top of the fender, rendering a measurement of 34.75 inches. | Step 5 Position
the truck on a flat surface where it can be properly jacked up and
secured before beginning any suspension work. Remember safety first! | Step 6 Place a jack under the control arm at the steering knuckle to support the knuckle during the following steps. |
Step 7 Unbolt
the tie rod end nut from the steering knuckle. Leave the threaded on
until you are ready to pull the spindle away from the upper control arm. | Step 8 Loosen the upper ball joint nut, but do not completely remove the nut yet. | Step 9 Unbolt the wheel speed sensor cable bracket. |
Step 10 Remove the sway bar end link hardware to detach the sway bar from the control arm. | Step 11 With
the jack positioned under the control arm, loosen the lower strut mount
bolt. You can remove the nut, but leave the bolt inserted through the
strut for the time being. | Step 12 Upper
ball joints are usually pressed in and require a few taps from a heavy
mallet or hammer to pop the ball joint loose from the upper mount of
the spindle. |
Step 13 When the tie rod is released, remove the nut and pull the spindle away from the upper control arm as shown | Step 14 Remove
the three upper strut mount nuts. Retain the factory nuts as you will
need to use them to attach the ReadyLift strut extension to the strut. | Step 15 Holding the strut with one hand, remove the lower strut mount bolt to free the strut. |
Step 16 Carefully remove the strut assembly from the suspension. | Step 17 Place
the new ReadyLift 66-2050 strut extension onto the top of the factory
strut. The lower holes in the strut extension go over the factory strut
studs. | Step 18 Install the factory nuts onto the factory studs and tighten to secure the extension to the strut assembly. |
Step 19 Install
the top of the strut with the extension attached into the upper frame
mount. Install the provided new nuts onto the studs enough to hold the
strut in place. | Step 20 Install the lower strut mount hardware and tighten to secure the lower strut assembly | Step 21 Permanently tighten the three upper strut mount nuts. |
Step 22 Loosen the upper control arm mounting fixtures enough to allow the upper control arm to fully droop. |
Step 23
Jack
the lower control arm and steering knuckle assembly up while pulling
the upper control arm downward enough so the upper ball joint can be
inserted back into the spindle and tightened back up.
|
Step 24
Re-attach the brake line bracket to the frame.
|
Step 25 Make
sure all line clips that were removed are re-attached back into the
original configuration. Re-check all hardware that was loosened or
removed before installing the wheels and tires. |
Step 26
Here
is a look at this new Ford F150 now sporting a great looking level
stance thanks to the ReadyLift 3" leveling kit which also allows for
up to a 35" tall tire for this application!
| Step 27 After
an alignment, the fender height is measured to verify the amount of
lift gained with the strut extension. This application provided exactly
three-inches of lift as designed. |
Step 28 For comparison, here is a 35" tall tire shown next to the stock tire which reveals the ability to run a larger tire | Step 29 2007 Ford F150 shown with 35" tall tires on 18" wheels. | Step 30 2007 Ford F150 shown with 35" tall tires on 18" wheels. |