Lift a F 450 like an Earthroamer.

[Capt Eddie]

Does anyone have any information on how Earthroamer lifts their truck to put 37 inch tires. Even Kelderman said they do not have a lift for a F450 or F550. I only need a 3'' or 4'' lift. Kelderman said the front end is differant on the Cab and chassis and they will not make a lift at this time. I have found the 3'' x 3'' x5.5 inch blocks for the rear.

 

[charlieaarons]

You just might have to do it yourself, the old-fashioned way. For example, get custom springs made by a good spring shop, hope a drop pitman arm from an F250/350 kit will work (take careful measurements before you spend any $$), use or have fabricated a drop bracket for the front Panhard rod.

Charlie

 

[boblynch]

Eddie I've been looking into the same thing. So far Kelderman, Fabtech, and Link UltraRide are the only off the shelf systems I've found.

Earthroamer uses a 4" Kelderman air suspension system. Specifically the 2-bag front, 4-link rear, and 4-way self leveling air control system. With this system they remove the rear springs and use a 4-bag system. Kelderman also offer a 2-bag rear where the rear spring shackle is disconnected from the frame and attached to the air bags. They also offer several levels of air control systems. http://www.keldermanairride.com/medium-duty/ When I contacted Kelderman they indicated that the F550 4-link setup was considered a custom system and they would prefer that the install be done by them in Iowa.

Fabtech advertises several 6" lifts for the F450/F550, including a Basic kit, Radius Arm System, Radius Arm Coilover Conversion, and 4 Link System. Each is offered with or without their upgraded Dirt Logic shocks. http://www.fabtechmotorsports.com/applications/ford/4wd08ford450.html
When I spoke with them last week they indicated that the coilover conversion wasn't yet "approved" by them as it requires some modification of parts during the install. Not sure why it's offered but not "approved".

I haven't researched the Link system yet. As Charlie mentioned the other option is to home grow a solution. If you take the plunge let me know.

Bob

 

[Capt Eddie]

Bob; Both of these companies told me the kits were not for the cab and chassis. Superlift and pro comp said the same thing. I only want 3 or 4 inches at the most. I have two little ones to get in the truck.

 

[boblynch]

I called Kelderman today and they confirmed the standard kits for the F450/550 chassis cab are air ride only, not lift. The lift setup they use for the Earthroamer is a custom job. Fabtech claims their radius arm kit will work on the 450/550 without modification. I'd feel better if I could locate a local dealer that's actually done one.

 

[Capt Eddie]

The Ford parts dept confirmed some front end patry are the same but some are differant. The pitman are is the same as F350. I found a company I can buy longer coils for the front for the same price as spacers. I think that is the better way to go. I also found 3 inch and 4 inch blocks for the rear. When Earthroamer lifts the front with air, they still have to deal with the drive shaft angle changes. I can fab extensions but it will take alot longer then buying new. On the instructions for the F450 truck lift, from Kelderman it looks easy even if I do hace to fab extensions. Fabtech would not tell me what the differances are between the two front ends. Superlift Co is only 50 miles away, they told me a shop to go to and he can make it work throught the main shop in town. When I get some time off I will take it over there.

 

[ujoint]

The Ford parts dept confirmed some front end patry are the same but some are differant. The pitman are is the same as F350.

He's wrong. The pitman arms aren't the same between the 350 & 450. A good friend of mine built one of the first lifted F450's for SEMA, and his pitman arm had to be custom made.

 

[Carlyle]

The ultimate would be a Touareg style adjustable air lift suspension mod. The best of both worlds and a smoother ride. Would this even be possible on a F450 or F550?

 

[Capt Eddie]

Ujoint: I wonder if the pitman arm is the same for the F450 pick up and F450 Chassis cab? What do you think can be done with a F450 Chassis cab to raise it?

 

[ujoint]

Ujoint: I wonder if the pitman arm is the same for the F450 pick up and F450 Chassis cab? What do you think can be done with a F450 Chassis cab to raise it?

I would have to guess yes on that one. It is a guess though!

 

[dzzz]

You've probably seen the the 99 F550 Turtle V did the lift with custom springs. I'm interested in the 550 lift too.

 

[Capt Eddie]

Yes I have seen the Turtle. Just lifting the truck is not a problem. The problem comes in the steering linkage. You can only have a max angle of 8 degree for the drive shaft. 4 degree is the most problem free. The Turtle is also leaf spring. The 2008 are coil spring.

 

[dzzz]

What's you concern about the fabtech system? The truck they show I believe has 22.5" wheels.

 

[Capt Eddie]

The Fabtech is a 6 inch lift and for the pick up truck. I have a chassis cab and only need a 3 to 4 inch lift. The truck has a camper on it. Kelderman rep told me the front ends are differant on the cab and chassis models. I will keep looking.

 

[boblynch]

I've been unable to find anyone that's done a lift on the F450/F550 chassis cab using the Fabtech kit.

I've been able to cobble together quotes for a 4.5 lift setup using custom coils, springs, and shocks from several sources that should work. Still trying to determine what to do about radius arm brackets and steering. If anyone has that part figured out let me know. There is safety in numbers.

Bob