So going into this lift experience I was told it was going to be cheap and easy. I was totally wrong! This is a fabtech 3" spindle lift btw. So today i dropped it off at my mechanic to get my lift installed. Tonight I came back and asked when it was going to be done and he said a month. I was like WTF. So he tells me the guys at 4wp sold me the wrong spindels and there on backorder for about 2 more weeks. He also tell me I need new upper balljoints and control arms witch i needed anyways but i didnt know u had to buy the arm also but w/e. Last he tells me Im gonna be needing strap things so my control arms dont hit the frame and after that i was extremely pissed.

So here the rundown of the cost:

Ball joints and conrtol arms::260
Custom brackets and straps:200
3"spindels:460
Work cost:400
total cost of a lift that was supposed to be cheap:1260

But atleast I got my 2" block put in so my truck looks dumb

 

wow 06 and new balljoints already?... yea ive got to get mine done this weekend... not looking forward to that 500$ bill... the only positive thing about 2wd drive is no arm is needed...

 

wait so you dont need a control arm? Im 2wd also

 

Dude you DO NOT need upper controls arms!!!!!!!!!!! That shop is screwing you over big time.


Only way you need new uppers is with 5+ inches on a coil spring setup. And with an 06 you shouldnt need new balljoints. Im still on my stock ones......truck is nearly four years old and has been lifted for 2.

 

Well I dont think hes trying to screw me cause hes my neighbor and godfather but he says they dont sell just the ball joint

 

And wait a minute I re-read that......brackets and straps for what? I had no such thing on mine.

 

they catch my upper control arm from hitting my frame if my truck accidently gets airborn. I think there called limiting straps

 

go out and check... some 2wds were fordged into the arm while others are just pressed... i got lucky and they were pressed but originaly i was going to get new arms too... its yet another of fords magnificent ideas to keep mechanics in buisness

 

wtf do you need new ball joints for anyways? all you need is lift spindles and you dont need limiting straps unless your going to the dunes and jumping your truck for god sakes...

 

I wouldnt get the limiting straps but thats just me. If your truck gets airborne you need something beefier than the fabtech spindles anyways. I dunno about newer trucks but My upper arms dont touch the frame when the truck is jacked up with both front tires off the ground.


My balljoints were pressed in the uppers as well so no need for new arms, but again I don't know about the newer trucks.

 

mines forged so im screwed.

 

You really shouldnt need new balljoints on an '06.........unless you've really beat on that truck .......

 

I think some people misread about the upper control arms. He doesn't need them because they'll hit the frame, he needs the upper control arm because he needs balljoints, and they come as one unit, the balljoints can't be pressed out. Is there play in the balljoints? Are they making noise?
I don't think you 'need' limit straps, but they are a good idea anyway. $200 however seems like a bit much for them.
I'm surprised he is charging so much for labor though overall. Seems real high on the labor. I would call around if I were you, even if he is your neighbor and godfather. Guess it depends on how much you value your money.

 

something is seriously wrong with your truck

you needed new inner tie rods before... now all this. something seems strange...

 

wait u have an 06 and already need ball joints?? my truck is a 01 and ball joints are perfect...its has been lowered and now lifted and not one problem.....

 

do this... just back up really quick and see if you hear popping.. if so your ball joints are bad.. if not they still have time...

 

i'd be thinking about taking it to ford for some warranty work!!!!

then once they get it fixed your spindles shoud be in...

 

Someone just throwing parts at your truck while you throw money in their wallet?

 

what do you mean you got the wrong spindles?


what spindles did you order?


and personally, i think you are getting hosed, but then again, everything ive EVER installed has been at a buddy's house (or my own) and all it really cost me was pizza and some beer.

also, i think its total bull**** that your balljoints are shot on a 06. Yeah they are worn, but i doubt they are shot

 

I still think someone is taking advantage of you......

 

if i buy two pizzas can he do my ball joints? ha

 

Ooops, edit on that, missed that one....... My apologies.......

IF A TORSION RANGER AND COIL ARE SAME ON THE SPINDLE DEPARTMENT THEN...... if you are going to do just spindles, do it yourself, its mad easy, and don't install the turn radius stoppers(they decrease the turn radius by about half!, didn't need on mine). And you can put new arms on while your at it, and I am sure you can find some with pre installed ball joints, and you can barrow a coil compressor fro putting that arm in for free from autozone should you need it. AGAIN, easy, just need some tools..... and that strap BULLSH!T, FU(K it, never heard of it and I'm sure others can vouch its not needed, I've had my front end off the ground and bottomed out countless times, never had a problem............

There are some threads around with talk on spindle install, or you can make a thread or even ask me (no garuntee on speed of reply though).

Ditch the godfather, do it yourself!!!

 

I didnt read past this because he has torsion bars....... not coils

 

Wow.. you know, I just had my upper ball joints replaced and they [luckily] were pressed into the UCA's, I went price shopping and at this one little hole-in-the-wall shop, I was told $165 per SIDE just to install, I already bought some Napa greasable balljoints beforehand, I almost crapped myself.. then went to the dealer- they told me $260 INCLUDING an alignment, I jumped on that deal! I rented a ball joint press but couldnt get them to budge, so I gave in and got somebody more 'experienced' to do it lol Plus I didnt have airtools just incase I did need new upper control arms... Good luck with ur situation

 

haha someone told you it was going to be cheap and easy and you beleived them hahaha