So it's about time for me to tackle the project of getting my factory ride height back. My 88 f250 is starting to sit low in the front and it just won't align right. My plans are to put new leafs in the front, and replace the old pivot bushings. While I'm at I might replace any other worn out parts I come across. My question is, is this all I need to do to gain back ride height or am I forgetting something? Also when I do get my height back is it enough to run a 33 inch tall tire or is there not enough room? I don't want to lift the TTB past stock because I don't want the alignment issues but the 235/85s don't cut it. If there is a clearance problem I could try 265/75s or 285/70s since those are both close to the factory height. I'm not too worried about rubbing because I'll get offset wheels and can space the bumper out if needed.

Any advice helps
Thanks

 

New springs and bushings will straighten stuff out if yours are tired.

Lifting changes nothing in regards to alignment if drop brackets are used.

 

Alignment can correct for about 2" (max) of lift before you need drop brackets to bring it back in range so don't be too worried about ride height being perfect.


Whether or not you can fit a 33" on stock rims without bumper spacing or rubbing the leafs is a toss up. If you need to space the bumper or get rims with less backspace it won't be by much.


When you put the 33s on you should really cycle the suspension without the leaves. 1/2-tons can get away with cycling 33s but the shorter pivot length on your driver's beam and lower pivot points on both beams means the top of your tires will be more inboard when you're at the bump stops and that may endanger your HVAC box and wiring harness depending on the tire/rim combo. I know that bottoming out a leaf sprung front end on these trucks is a less than annual occurrence but do you really want to wonder if someone forgetting to paint a speed bump will destroy your engine bay harness?

 

I've had 33s on a ttb f250 with completely shot springs, never scrubbed. Have new ones on it now, tires fit well, may could go bigger with an add a leaf. It gained about 2" with new springs, I managed to do one pivot bushing. Gonna do the other when I reseal the front differential, ran out of time. Here are some before and after pics with 43-498 (3486lb diesel) springs.

 

Keep in mind the old pic was less than a 1/2" off the bump stops, tires never scrubbed or hit anything under any condition.

 

Wow I really like how your truck sits with the new springs. Mine is currently sitting like yours before you added the new springs. Is SD Truck Springs the best place to go or not? I'm going to take every bodies advice here and replace everything that has to do with the front end suspension.

Thank you to everybody who has given me advice, I really appreciate all of the support! It means a lot to me

 

Sd truck spring is decent, good parts, good prices. Mine had bad ball joints in the before picture.

 

I'm rocking 265/75/16 on my '95 F-250 with 160k miles

fit great, no issues. I am seeing wear issues on tires due to sag and crap alignment. so will likely due an AAL to get rid of the sag.