A few months ago, I picked up a 1965 f100 4x2 (originally equipped with a V8, at this time truck has '71 302 installed), and I am in the process of sorting the front end--po cut coil springs in half and installed econo car shocks-nice looks but sketchy to drive. So for the time being, I installed OE shocks from Monroe and I ordered lowering springs from Eaton. I've searched the FAQs and the threads but have not found info I'm seeking. I do not see an upper coil spring hanger, nor do I see anyplace to mount one--did 1965 4x2 f100s have an upper hanger? Second, on the lower spring mount, the nut can only be tightened 3-4 threads. The cap I have for the lower spring mount is slightly dome shaped and the bolt that attaches to the lower mount and axle is 6 inches long--so do I have the correct hardware? I'd appreciate any help I can get.

 

coil springs on a 65 do not need an upper hanger... they have a J hook mounted on the Ibeam to stop wheel travel. not sure about your other question. i would think you would want a upper spring hanger if you swap to eaton lowering springs just to make sure they stay put,

Welcome to FTE.

 

1965/72 F100/250 2WD

34982-S .. Locknut / 3/4" -10.

377154-S7-8 .. Bolt / 3/4" -10 x 5 3/4"

 

Thank you gentlemen, I found a suspension schematic on-line and it appears that the J bars were removed by a prior owner. On my truck, it looks like someone took the dome shaped piece (part #5B300) from a 1966 upper hanger and mounted it to the lower mount to secure the chopped spring to the lower mount--am I correct that originally the coil spring simply rested on the lower mount? Finally, any ideas on where to source the J Bar parts?
Again, thanks for your help.

 

the J bars as you call them were a 65/66 only setup..I suspect there was a switch from the hooks to the upper hangers during the 1966 model year run.if yours had those rebound hooks.there would be a hole through the I beams corelating to a hole in the engine crossmember they would catch when needed. If your I beams have no holes, you dont need the j bars/rebound hooks...
The spring did simply rest on the spring seat which is bolted to the radius arm bolt.

- cs65

 

Thanks again, I appreciate your help. As it appears that my axles do have holes for the rebound hooks, does anyone have ideas where I might find replacement hooks?

thanks
jim

 

I would add a strap from a later I beam setup to the upper hats to retain the spring. You will only find the J hooks on 65 beams and even then most have been removed with modifications over the years. Any 66 to 79 can donate the retaining straps and four bolts.

Simply drill two 3/8 holes in the upper hats and place the strap over the spring wire.

Garbz

 

Again, thanks for the help and info.
jim

 

The hooks were used only on 65-66 model year trucks...Ive only seen them on 65s myself but are held on with a single bolt/nut combo thru the I beam.
As for the nuts only grabbing a couple of threads, the I beam to radius rod bolts are different between 65 and 66 onward...the 65 uses a 377154s7-8 which is 5 3/4" long and the 66 onward bolt is a 374479s2 and is 6 3/4" long...


- cs65

 

Thanks, now I'm startin to see where I'm goin with this.