I want to put a nice lift kit on my 2009 F-150 4x4 and some 35s.

There are a bunch kits out there, but which one is best? Pro-Comp, BDS, Fabtech, Rancho? Need help making a decision. Thanks in advance.

 

they are all good kits, i like bds because of their warranty

 

You named the tops brands. I personally like the Rancho 4" myself since I pull a trailer all the time. But these are all the best of the best for the 4-6" range. I do beleive you need 20" rims with most though, except the BDS... you can run a 17" with theirs

 

I like the Rancho kit for their quality. It's a 4" lift if overhead clearance is an issue. I like the BDS kit for the 6" lift. These are my opinions only, from the research I have done.

 

I like the Pro Comp Stage II kit due to the fact that it replaces the stock coil overs and upgrades the front (MX2.75C) and rear shocks (MX6).

Additionally the I think the BDS is a top contender among these heavy weights.

Here's the order in which I would rank them:
1. Pro Comp Stage II
2. BDS
3. Pro Comp Stage I
4. Rancho
5. Fabtech

You really can't go wrong with any of them. Good luck!

 

I have the Skyjacker. I like it no problems so far. but it does require 20" wheels. Good luck.

 

Thanks! good info. Never thought of the rim size requirement.

Anyone know why would there be a minimum wheel size?

 

for clearence issues and what not, i also like the rancho cause u can run the stock wheels if u needed or just wanted to

 

If you want the best, as in ride quality, design, and fitment...Rize if you want 8" or more, RCD if you want 4.5" or 6".

RCD comes with new bilstein struts...making the ride better than factory without super expensive aftermarket coilovers. I sell a ton of the RCD kits for this reason. Fabtech and BDS is right there in build quality, but just doesnt have the shocks.

- Jesse

 

All of the mentioned kits use an aftermarket knuckle. In most cases they are thicker than the factory unit, making for clearance issues with the inner lip of the rim. On most kits, the requirements have more to do with backspacing/offset than actual rim diameter.

 

As others stated, the ones mentioned are all good quality kits. The only one I would rate last would be the Pro Comp Stage 1 due to some binding issues with the knuckles under full lock and compression. Rancho is definitely one of the better ones in terms of engineering and quality and they have great performing shocks; they state it is a 4-inch because that is how much it raises the rear but the front is just over 5-inches to give you a leveled look. But Rancho is also pricey in that you can get one of the other 6-inch lifts for similar cost. So BDS, RCD, Skyjacker, and Pro Comp Stage 2 are all good if going for the full 6-inches.

 

Who is RCD? Is there 4.5" lift comparable with a Rancho 4"

 

From what I undderstand, RCD is a newer company. An up and comer, but without the market share. I have heard of some quality and fitment issues with the RCD stuff, but that was a while ago.

They are much cheaper in price than the other brands though too.

 

RCD has been around at least 10 years. Their lifts are very high quality. I have never read anything negative about any of their lifts. I'd suggest you follow Bigreen2's advise as he has sold/installed a ton of lifts.

 

Is the RCD 4.5" kit complete with everything you need or is there additional parts that need to be ordered. I have an 09 XLT and am considering lifting it but want to find a complete kit. Also with the 4.5 kit can you run 35's on 17" rims and not have to worry about anything?