Newbie questions
 

Just picked up an 06' F150 FX4. Couple of questions from this new Ford owner.
1. Considering a lift. Body or suspension? What is the difference? Do I pay big bucks for a kit like Fabtech or "crank" the torsion bars as I have seen described in other forums??


2. Any real advantage to the K&N aftermarket filter or the cold air intake kit? I would think if these do increase MPG and performance Ford would have built that way off the line. Also do tune kits ,chips etc really have a perceptible effect or is it only on the dyno? In other words will I feel a difference?

Thanks all
JK

RE: Newbie questions
 

As far as lift kits go, I would usually say go with a full suspension lift from a company like Fabtech or Skyjacker. They may cost more, but you get a quality product that is proven to work and be safe. When it comes to suspension the last thing you want to do is make your car unsafe by playing with torsion bars. Usually a small body lift will be used in conjunction with a full suspension lift kit to help clear a bigger tire. Body lift kids bigger than 1" tend to look weird because you can see the gap between the frame and body.

As far as aftermarket intakes go, they are also usually worth the money. They give you more horsepower which in turn gives you better MPG. The reason why ford doesn't put a cold air intake setup on vehicles from the factory is because it will not pass emissions in all states and it is also more expensive than simply using the factory air box and a paper element filter.

Chips and things of that nature do increase performance, but may force you to use 93+ octane fuels.

RE: Newbie questions
 

Body lifts are less expensive and used to level your truck. And installing a suspension lift kit will cost a bit more but this will give you better ride control and suspension articulation.