v6 4x2 questions

[mattg1024]

i've been thinking about getting a 97 or 98 f150, i want a 4x4, but i don't think that i can afford the payments plus the extra gas every week. (i drive a focus now so i pay very little for gas) so i've been thinking about a 4x2 v6. however i don't like the stance of these trucks, being so low to ground, and i also need to be able to put quite a bit of weight in the bed. at least the weight of a pallet of landscaping timbers. so my question is this; if i do find a good 4x2, is there a lift kit i can buy to give it the stance of a 4x4 and also be able to carry what i need to in the back? i also want to be able to tow some weight (either with or in place of the weight that would be in the back) thanks in advance and please leave other suggestions if you have any

[peppermrj]

I don't know much about lift kits other than there are lots of them. Do know a little about towing tho.
You should estimate the weight you will be towing. Load + trailer. Then you need to find out the GVWR and the CGVWR. gross vehicle weight rating/combined gross vehicle weight rating.
The first will tell you the maximum load for the truck you are thinking about. (GVWR - vehicle weight=maximum load) Maximum load will have to include tongue weight of the trailer. (10% of trailer and load weight).
The combined gross vehicle weight rating (CGVWR) lets you know how much you can tow.
Exceeding these limits will at least cause increased wear and tear. At worst it can be dangerous. Increasing the load carrying ability of a truck includes the tires, brakes, engine, and frame. Braking ability being key.
Hope this info helps you make an informed decision. Good luck and let us know how you make out.

[mattg1024]

thanks, it should help, but towing is definiatly a last resort. my dad has a 04 4.6l 150 and it can haul the timbers fine, i just wanted to know how hard it would be to beaf up the suspension so i can carry the load and also how the engine would hold up being a v6. thanks

[andy2005]

You could put air bags on the rear suspension, which would definatly help enough to haul landscape timbers. Also, you could get a 2" spring lift for the front for probably less than $200.

[mattg1024]

thanks andy. now, how much and how hard would it be install bags? how much weight and how high would they lift the truck. like i said i want the stance of a 4x4, maybe even a little high, and i deffinatly need the holding capacity. i would say that a pallet of timbers weighs close to 1000 pounds, maybe more. thanks in advance.