2002 Ford F250 Rubicon Express Lift - Heavy Hauler

Ford F-250s are serious workhorses. Whether they have a Powerstroke diesel or a 6.8L V-10, they have plenty of torque for towing and can hold their own off-road, as well. If you have a leaf spring front suspension on your F-250 and greater off-road capability is on your shopping list, you're in luck. While leaf springs compromise with a less comfortable ride, they are cheaper to lift than the newer coil spring Super Duty front suspension.

We selected a Rubicon Express 6-1/2-inch suspension lift, because of their heavy-duty design and the promise of extended wheel travel and good on-road ride. Follow along as the crew at 4Wheel Parts in Santa Ana, California, had our '02 F-250 in and out in a day.

Our F-250 rolled into 4Wheel...        read full caption Our F-250 rolled into 4Wheel Parts looking like any old fleet work truck, but not for long.	The Rubicon Express kit included...        read full caption The Rubicon Express kit included heavy-duty steel powdercoated brackets, military-wrap front leaf springs, Bilstein shocks, and upgraded brake lines.	Tim removed the bolts at the...        read full caption Tim removed the bolts at the front of the bumper, as well as these bumper brackets, before lifting the bumper over the tow hooks and setting it aside.
The steering was disconnected...        read full caption The steering was disconnected at the pitman arm before the Panhard bar was unbolted.	Both the front spring mount...        read full caption Both the front spring mount and the low hanging crossmember below it were removed.	Tim removed the front anti-sway...        read full caption Tim removed the front anti-sway bar, so that the mount could be flipped and reinstalled under the frame with help from the included bracket. This is the passenger side.
Here's the new spring mount...        read full caption Here's the new spring mount as it was going in. It's made of thick steel and was stamped to give it more strength.	After a puller was used on...        read full caption After a puller was used on the stock pitman arm, Tim used a torque wrench on the new dropped pitman arm.	Fresh polyurethane bushings...        read full caption Fresh polyurethane bushings were pressed in and the leaf springs were placed into position.