I have an '86 F150 2WD 302 V8 AOD auto I use as an daily driver work truck, I've had it for a year and a half and it's a good truck.

I used to have a one ton dually and the one thing I miss is the in-bed hauling capacity. I often find myself needing to pickup up concrete, tile, lumber or a combination. With my gangbox and tools(500lb plus) already in the bed I feel like I'm always taking less than I'd like due to my half ton's carrying capacity. I'd routinely have 1,500 to 2,500lbs in the back of my dually and didn't notice it, engine was only a small block 350 too.

I'd like to beef up my F150's suspension to F350 capacity or more if possible.

Are the frames different between the 150 and 350 in '86? Any additional brackets/plates that could be added to strengthen the 150 if so.

I know I need to get a full floating rear axle in order to be completely unconcerned with loads, I'm guessing Dana 70 is the ticket. Do I need a bigger/new driveshaft when I do this? Maybe get some extra leafs when I put it in as well.

In the front can I upgrade to bigger discs? Better shocks or anything else I need to consider?

I know the AOD can be a weak point but I suppose all I can do short of replacing it for the moment is an extra trans cooler. If/when it ever dies I'll look into a ZF5.

Thanks for any help, I read this forum every week it's great.

 

F150 frames are pretty weak. My brothers '90 f150 flexes when he hits slightly uneven terrain and its almost the same as yours. He has a 351/E4od combo and that thing barely feels the weight difference and its all stock. If you really want to work and not care about speed(but gas mileage and reliability) you can do a 300/5speed swap for more low end and better mpg when hauling. I can't help you about the frame but an f250 axle/suspension should be good enough also, 1 Ton is all the more better.

 

The frames on the F150 is lighter than the frames on the F250's and F350's. You can't really make your F150 into a F350, without a major investment and pretty much a complete frame off resto.

Just a thought, but have you considered a trailer for those times you need to haul heavier loads?

Good luck.

 

I know you like this truck, but the best thing for you to do is get another heavier truck. Look at your tires and their rating. The best you can do is LT's. A 3/4 ton or larger run 16" tires and you can get those that can handle a heavy load.

And that's another problem. Are you going to run 16's in the back and 15's up front when you put the heavier rear in place? And haul two spares? That would be a mess I would not want to get into.

 

I have a 86 150 300/6 np435 sb. I have carried up to 2800 pounds of gravel. Here is what ive noticed.
Air bags would help the ride quality with a huge load like this. Air shocks may help a bit but probably not ride much better than just regular set up.

Front brake upgrade is a must if you want to carry this much very often. My engine/trans set up is perfect for this. A zf5 may work good too but the low geared np is a monster for pling/hauling.

My frame holds up well. If your worried about yours add boxing plates with speed holes to add strength and save some weight.

 

The standard F250/350 frame is the same as an F150 frame. The heavier duty 250/350's did have thicker metal.

Found a thread here that talks a little about the differences.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...mutt-idea.html

I say put in the heavy springs and axles and run it. Unless of course the frame is rotted out or something.

Some pics I found of a sweet F350 frame







F150 pics were harder to find, but I did find one.



I really can't tell the difference between the two.

 

Thanks for the replies, after seeing pics of that f350 frame vs. the f150 frame I'm really not worried now. If I ever see any flex I'll just add some boxing.

As for the tire situation, I'll use adapters for the front to solve the spare tire and size problem and run 16's all around.

I want to get an electronic locker for my rear axle for the winter anyway so I'll get that put into the full floating rear axle before installing it.

I'll look into air shocks and air bags, I was planning on a monster leaf pack but maybe I'll go with these too.

Re. the trailer idea, I'm in the city and work downtown. No room for a trailer at home or on jobsites.

I could care less about speed..I'm mostly driving in the city at speeds lower than 35 and occasional highway trips of up to 45 miles at 60 or lower. There aren't many hills here so the 302 is way more than adequate for the load, I'm planning on riding the AOD out till it dies, just threw a zf5 out as a possible future replacement. I drive gently so as long as the extra weight in the bed occasionally doesn't stress it too much it should make it awhile longer (I only have 181k on it).

 

The benefit to bags over 250/350 springs is ride quality. You can pick your stiffness empty with a bag but with springs what it is is as good as it gets.

 

Any particular brand or setup on the air bags or shocks you recommend for an F150?

Also, is there anything axle specific about them? I was thinking of getting them as a temporary holdover until I can get the full floating axle and new leaf springs this summer but I'd like to keep using them after that as well.

 

This is just off a google search
Firestone Air Bag Suspension - Reviews on Ride Rite, Sport Rite & Coil Rite Air Springs - Videos & Installations

 

FWIW, the F-350 frame is a lot thicker and taller than an F-150 frame. My granddaughter commented on this when she was helping me install the E4OD, in particular how much taller the transmission mount gussets were then the ones on her dad's F-150.

 

I know that everything on the internet is to be taken with a grain of salt, but do you have factory specs to back that up?

There are numerous posts that lead me to believe that the frames are the same with the exception of HD250 and Super Duty models. Like post #11 in this link.

F-150 Frame Vs. F-250 Frame - FSB Forums

I'm obsessing over this because there are no clear answers for someone who is looking for info via search engines. I'm under the impression that a standard F250/F350 frame is the same as a F150 frame.

The exceptions to this appear to be many.

1) The standard 250/350 frame is exactly the same as the 150 except the gauge of the metal itself may be thicker. I have been unable to verify this either myself or by doing computer research.

2) Heavy duty versions of the 250/350 have both thicker iron and larger dimensions for the height of the frame with standard mounting points for suspension components.

3) 4 wheel drive 250/350 do not have the "crumple" zone in the front frame horns. They are instead reinforced for the forward spring mount.

4) Cab/chassis frames are narrower in the bed area enough to require some fabrication to fit a standard pickup bed.

5) Super Duty frames are the thickest and biggest frame. Still has standard mounting points, and cab/chassis frames of this class have the same caveat as point 4.

 

I do not have the factory specs, but I can measure mine later for you. Cab and chassis models usually came with a Dana rear for the dually which is narrower than the Ford 10.25", the frame also had to be the same width and mounting points as the competition so body manufacturers could make one body for all trucks, rather than a Ford, Dodge and GM and earlier IH specific body. Many companies reused the body on a new truck.

When I get home, I will see if my 1991 Chassis manual gives actual dimensions other than damage assessment.

 

Ok, I'll see about measuring various pickups around here just to satisfy my own curiosity. Whatever I find out, I'll post it up here.

 

I can tell you now my f250 flexes less than my brothers f150. My f250 is a LD, 133" WB,4x4, and my brothers is a ECSB 4x4. 85 and 90 for the years. His bed will literally flex -6 and +6 on the front corners when it gets off cam ER and my f250 barely flexes at all. I know its not cold hard facts and their not really the same thing but still.