I am looking for a leveling kit to go on an 04 F350 diesel. Easy enough, but is there anyone who plows with a diesel and a leveling kit? I have an 8'6" Boss plow that, combined with the diesel, puts a lot of weight on the front end. I have read a lot about both in these forums, but not together. Maybe the way to go is with a simple add a leaf?

Just want to get the right combination.

Thanks for the advice.

 

An add-a-leaf is the easiest to do, but makes for a harsh ride when the plow is not on. Front air bags would be another good way to go, you can adjust the pressure up or down to your liking, and remove the air when not having the plow hang on the front.

Just a couple ideas, I'm sure you will hear from more than me about this.

Toyman

 

subscribing to the thread.... I am in a similar situation, though I drive an F-250. Also try to earn enough points to be able to have a sig.

Advice & opinions welcomed....

Jason


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Manually typed si....

2007 f-250 auto, 4x4 esof, s/c swb, diesel, other options...

wanting those 25 or so posts but want to try to make my initial posts somewhat meaningful....... :-)

 

I have a Rough Country leveling kit on my '02 CC LB and I run a Sno-Way plow. I also have the dual front shock bracket with one gas and one non-gas shock on each side. It definitely rides better with the plow on but it is not bad at all without it. Hope that helps.
Dave

 

I am running a Meyer 7 1/2 foot on an 03 F350 regular cab with a V10. I have a Fabtech 3 1/2" hanger leveling kit. The front of the truck drops 3/4" with the plow raised. Hope this helps you.

 

I think the best solution is air bags. Friend of mine runs front and rear on his plow truck to offset the plow and sander. Tunable for what you need when in use and retains factory ride when not in use.

 

You actually have 3 options. I have all of them on various trucks in the fleet.

1. Timbren helper springs. They take the weight when the plow is on. (cheapest and easiest install)

2. Additional leaf(s). This will handle the plow, but may jar your dental work loose when the front load is not on the truck.

3. Airbags. This is ideal as they can be adjusted. (most expensive but most flexible)

Along the way don't forget ballast and shocks. (Bilstein) and put 750-1000 lbs of weight over the rear axle.

My favorite is the adjustable Firestone Airbags (made near me) and ballast. Each of my fleet carries all or part of a pallet of deicing agent (treated salt) and a spreader of some sort.

PS surf to xxx. Many folk from CT there.

 

I had a leveling kit on my '02 F350 7.3 s/c lwb with a Blizzard 810 plow on it. (plow is approx 1,000 lbs) It did ride rough without the plow on it, but it handled the weight of the plow very well. I haven't done anything to my '07 yet, running the same plow. I have a set of 6000lb coils for it; just haven't put them in yet.

The thing I wondered about that truck was if the springs are that much stiffer, does that put that much more strain on the ball joints, etc.? I figured when I hit a bump or something, something has to give, and if the springs are stiff.... what gives??

 

Thanks for the suggestions. The plow only drops the front end 1/2 inch, so it isn't too drastic. I had add-a-leafs on my 97 F350. Didn't mind the sllightly rougher ride then, but I was younger. I am going to look into the airbags, but will probably go with some type of add-a-leafs or a bracket kit if it won't interfere with the plow frame. The airbags and the compressor are quite a bit more money.

 

You don't need a compressor for air bag install. In the case of this fella I know he ran the air lines to a central location ( inside his behind the cab tool box) and airs up or airs down depending on his needs. It works well. It just isn't convenient as having on board air, but it is cost effective for something that may only see limited usage.

 

I like this kit Summit SUM-G782 - Summit® Front Suspension Leveling Kits - summitracing.com
Any of you have a PSD with a factory plow package, can I borrow the last eight digits of your VIN#? I need to replace a spring and want the heaviest available. Ford lists two part numbers for the x code springs, and I'm positive the diesel/gas is why. I don't care how it rides, it's a 4wd work truck.

 

Something to think about, and I will be adding to my truck soon is a set of Timbren AEON Hollow Rubber Springs.
Check them out at Timbren.com
I added a 7,5' Meyers snow plow and do not like a stiff ride, these should work fine, front and rear.
If anyone has these on their truck, let me know how they are please.
Thanks.

 

99-04: I'd do x-code springs (6000lb springs) and air bags if needed.


05+: I did 7000lb springs on my 07 PSD....I'll add air bags in the future if I feel it needs them.
The 6000lb springs handled the weight fine, just too soft IMO for the truck since I would often bottom them out w/o a plow.



I agree with upgrading shocks......but I agree with that regardless of having a plow or not as I hate the factory shocks.

Also, I'm not a fan of the 05+ factory steering stabilizer...IMO poor geometry and doesn't work well with the steering system. Can cause excessive feedback through the steering wheel. Mine is in the trash.

 

DC Special,
How do I know what front spring codes I have?
I have 5200 lb front and 605? rear/ 8800 lb total.
Also, How do I know if I have a "Snow Plow Package" or/and what is an 86M code?
I could not find it in my vin#.
thanks

 

99-04 truck?
Diesel or Gas?


5200lbs are V-codes.

6000lb springs are X-codes


On the sticker that's on the driver's door jamb there should be: "SPR"
Either under or next to that is the spring code. First letter is the front springs.