Hey everyone, glad to be here. Even though I have only been a Ford owner my whole life, I have never joined a site, so looking forward to this experience. Hope to meet some nice folks and learn some things. I did join so I could pick some brains on a subject and I will just jump right in and ask it. Now, when I lay out a question, I like to give ALL the info that goes with the question, then we are all on the same page, so to speak.

So, I own a 2002 F350 with the 7.3lt Diesel which I LOVE ! I have been thinking of selling it because I know longer haul horses and it is rather large to just run to the grocery store, but I know this truck and really only have one thing I would like to improve on it. I need more turning radius!!!

Now, a few years ago my brilliant son in law had a big idea that the stock 16"x7" rims looked stupid on such a big truck ( my truck is long box and 4 full doors). So he changes my rims to 18" ! Now, I show him that these hit my leaf springs and make my turning radius even smaller than I had in the first place, which was not much to start with. I say I will try for a week or so. I try, I hate and call him. Tell him I am coming for my old rims and tires. He SOLD them !!! No need to say what happened after this call.

So, I have been fighting with these things ever since. The bigger rims do look better on this large truck. Now the question. Is it possible to put coil springs on my 2002 F350 4x4 and if this was done, would I get more turning radius?? I only have 297000km on this truck. If I can fix this turning "hate", I would probably keep my truck...that I love.

This lady is eager to hear your replies. Oh, and don't suggest a lift kit. That will NOT happen. Air ride possible !

shestrublu64

 

Converting an older superduty to the newer coil springs would be a job and a half, unless you found a 2010 F-350 wrecked in the rear and can get it cheap. they changed a lot of things around, its not just the front axle and coil spring pockets on the frame, the steering is completely different as is the front frame from the firewall forward. If you get rims with a different offset to push the wheels out, "don't even think of spacers, especially on the front" but it will look funny and you probably wouldn't want that. Since you dont have your factory wheels, sell the ones you have now on craigs list, and order a set with the offset you need, National tire and wheel are the ones you want to talk to, go on there web site and get there number, talk to Carl he knows the Fords in and out and the prices are reasonable, that is were I got my 16X10's and 35's no rubbing what so ever, with that wide a rim and tall a tire, they can set you up right, then grind your steering stops on the knuckle and or axle and you will have a better turning diameter. Welcome to FTE and good luck on your project.

 

Welcome to the site and good luck with your project

 

Thank you very much for all the info. Sounds like it is going to be a big project for me IF I can find all of the requirements. I am thrilled with your quick reply. Thanks again and have a super day ! ;-)

 

Thank you ! It is looking like a big project ! That's OK, if I can find everything. Have a great day! ;-)

 

welcome to the site

Tony

 

I just joined myself. I have a Raptor, but I have just purchased my dream truck, a 1976 Highboy, so I will be visiting the forum a lot to get info as I restore it, Thanks and look forward to being around for a while.

 

Thanks Tony ;-)
I hope I get some rain so I can spend some time on here. ;-)

 

Hi ! You should have a lot of fun restoring your 76. Did the Highboy not run from 72-76? My very first for was a 1970 pick up truck. 3 on the tree. ;-) I will have to dig out pics. Most are in storage right now. Hopefully you can put up some pics of your project as you go along. Have fun ! ;-)

 

The highboy ran thru the first half of 77 than they went to the low boy. I will post pics as I go along, thanks