Got underneath the new truck today and feel like I need alot of work on the front end. I plan to pull the engine/tranny in a few weeks to get them properly mounted with the new xmember mounts I ordered. So that would seem the best time to rebuild the front suspension.

I noticed I only have 3 leafs in the front springs and they actually arch up with the frame sitting completely on the bump stops. I've found alot of info comparing the various front IFS vs straight options. But haven't found anything on what all needs to be addressed for a decent rebuild.

If anyone has done an IFS swap and has decent leaf springs they wanna sell please pm me.

I'm seriously considering a dropped axle and obviously need new leaf springs, likely shocks. While its all apart what else should I consider replacing?

 

king pins/bushings, shackle bolts and rubber, tie rod ends, etc... Have you considered the Toyota steering box swap?

 

I just did king pins/bushings, shackle bolts and rubber, tie rod ends, and a rebuilt stock steering box, just like Havi said... Made a huge difference. Mine is stock height, I think they look good that way.

 

You need a minimum of four leaves per side on the front. Don't even consider used front springs. You can buy reproduction replacement springs and they are not that expensive. I think JC Whitney has front springs that some here have used with good experience. As others have mentioned you will probably need new king pins and bushings, tie rod ends, shackles, and bushings.

 

While your wallet is open, you may want to consider a front disc brake conversion.

There are 11 tech articles about front suspension. https://www.ford-trucks.com/article/idx/10/0/

 

I'll eventually do the power steering and disc brakes but want to limit my spend on suspension right now. That said my kids will be riding in the truck so if it needs rebuilding or replacement it will get done.

Plus I want to focus on getting it running then decide what I want to do suspension wise.

 

Your focus is right on. I agree, get it running and safe first! The kingpins/spring shackle etc are readily available, not expensive, reasonable to do and usually do a lot for steering, however, I would evaluate the condition of/adjust the steering box first to determine the amount of straight ahead play in the worm and sector. In my experience a two person effort to check for "play" in the box works the best. One at the steering wheel and you with a grip on the steering arm. NOS parts to rebuild the boxes have pretty well dried up to my knowledge. I don't know what guys have had for experience with repro worms and sectors. The result of the evaluation of the box could change your thinking concerning a toyota box or more. IMHO the steering box condition/ability to get it tight will determine the best course of action.

 

I did the new king pin thing but also had the springs eye's reversed so it would lower the front end. And, I laid in teflon strips between the leaves to smooth it out. If its still too high when I put it back together I can pull one or two out of the stack. Its got a 390 so it already sits lower than the flathead put it.