I have a 02 1500 4.7 4x4 3" body lift and 35" tires now this spring I plan on putting a 6" suspension lift on as well and was thinking of running 37" in tires the ? is my rear end doesnt have a tag on it so I have no clue what gears im running? so whats the worst that will happen if I dont change my gears? blow motor or tranny up or will it just be a dog?

 

Apparently the stock front end suspension components don't hold up too well with 37"+ tires due to the angles caused. So I've read on here, anyway. You want a solid front axle for tires that big, or upgrade to more appropriate heavier duty suspension pieces, if the kit you are planning on does not include it.

I guess the gearing would have a lot to do with it, but those are some big, heavy tires coupled with the added weight of the suspension lift, and the decreased aeros that goes with it all. That's a lot of work for the the entire driveline, never mind the transmission, alone. Since you have a 2002, perhaps someone on here can better explain the different transmissions and issues experienced with the older model trucks, and if yours would be included.

 

9" of lift and 37s is SFA territory IMO. That's a LOT to ask out of a IFS truck. Have you ever actually got under your truck and looked at the diameter of the CV half shafts up front?

I'm gonna assume you don't do your own work since you have no idea of what gearing you have nor know how to check to see. So prepare to shell out $$$$ on worn front end components and be prepared to have to pay the man to come flatbed you when a CV snaps on you. If you have 3.92 gears it will suck, if you have 3.55 gears you won't be able to get out of your own way. 37s NEED 4.56 gearing.

I suppose if this is just "for show" and all you plan to do is cruise the high schools to impress the chicks you could probably get away with it. But I'd spend the $ on a GOOD kit. No Fabtech, Superlift low end kits are gonna do, look at a kit with a full sub-frame instead of just a crossmember and one that replaces a lot of the small, spindly front end parts. Skyjacker with the full leaf option instead of blocks would be the only way to go, IMO...

 

Thanks guys looks like I'm stuck with 35's Wifey is allready mad for me wanting to spend $1500.00 on a 6" lift lol and ya I dont really do alot of 4 wheeling just mainly for show I like the way trucks look all lifted up but at the same time I don't want a dog of a truck and part braking all the time

 

That's the smart thing to do. After having only solid front axle trucks I had to really think about how far to take this IFS truck myself. But I can't afford to be breaking sh*t plus I use my bed a lot and much higher than 4" of lift and 35" tires would make the bed just too damn high.

Sometimes I'd like to have a big 'ole lift on a SFA truck and get me a diesel again, but the truth of the matter is, I don't need it and couldn't do some of the things I need to do with too much of a lift.

I've helped pull more than one IFS truck with huge tires out of our hunting club. Put some torque on those CVs at a high angle with really heavy tires and they'll snap like a twig. It amazed me how many guys want like 8-9" of lift and huge tires and buy an IFS truck for it...

 

35's are a nice compromise for a 1500. I have a 4.7 with the stock gearing--pretty sure 3.55's because it originally came with regular 17's and I still have plenty of power. It pulls good on the sand and has no problem on the highway. Plenty of usable power still and a gear swap isn't necessary (yes, it would help). It has dropped down the mileage some but is still acceptable---it is a full size truck. I lost about 10% with the tires. I have put about 43,000 miles on my truck with no front end issues yet. My breaks need replacing soon which I'm sure is a combo between Dodge's cheezy rotors and the larger tires as well, though the pads are still good!
I'm mentoning all this because I had 2 "old skool" broncos back in the day---a 79 and a 78. Bulletproof SFA trucks - though still only 1/2 tons. One had 39.5" Swampers and I needed a gear swap to 4.56's for that one and I was constantly having issues with asst parts. Breaks, bushings, U-joints, tie rod ends, track bars and wheel bearings, etc.. My other one had 38's and it was bearable with out a gear swap (had 3.50's), low range helped alot on the sand and there was deffinatly a power loss and lower gears would have helped "immensely". Still probs with U-joints, breaks, and bearings on that as well. With 35's on that truck, never a problem.
I was showing some slight interest in 37's on my dodge when my 315's wore out because I still like the looks of big tires on a truck but thinking back to the probs I had with them on my old ford and looking underneath my newer dodge at the size of the components I stuck with the 35's. As i stated earlier, they are a perfect compromise as far as keeping reliability and having oversize tires.

 

Thanks again for all the info you guys are a big help

 

Take pics before and after and post them when you get it all done