F150 to F250 suspension swap...
 

I've always been disappointed by how stupidly easy my 87 F150 2wd squats. I swear an empty Solo cup will make it sit level. So, I had a thought...in the local Pull-A-Part, there's a "mint" (just put there) 97 F250HD Super Cab shortbed 2wd with a 460...it was a state truck, I'm not even sure how it got damaged...something crushed the COWL...not the roof...not the hood. The cowl, windshield and dashboard.

So I thought about stripping all the suspension out of it, rear axle, springs, beams, everything and putting it under my 87 F150 rclb 2wd...is this pretty much a bolt-in swap like I'm thinking? I'd love to make it more heavy duty...straight 6 and all...

It'll bolt in fine, but it'll ride really rough. You'd be better off getting a newer set of F150/Bronco springs.

Lol the rough ride doesn't worry me. I've had plenty of HD trucks...the ride doesn't worry me...just reminds me of how much it can handle...:)

Just cause you swap 3/4 ton springs on it doesn't mean your load rating goes up....

Not just springs. Everything but the frame. Then my weak links will be the frame and the SROD transmission...my list of items to get...

1. Rear axle
2. Rear springs/hardware
3. Front beams/hardware
4. Front springs/hardware
5. Front spindles/brake calipers/rotors
6. Possibly brake booster/MC/proportioning valve
7. F250 badges off an 87-91 era truck if I can find them...heheh.

I may never need that much capacity, but doing all that is like carrying a condom...it's better to have it and not need it then need it and not have it.

Not sure how the front suspension is on a 250HD 2wd but that may not bolt up without some work.

Yea, the front suspension was my concern. I'm not gonna add the 3/4 ton springs without the rear axle (it'd be like putting splayed main caps on a Yugo engine) and I'm not swapping the rear axle without the front setup...two sets of wheels would be stupid as my ex-wife.

I think it would be just better, and easier just to get a F250 or 350 and drive that, if you really load your self up good.


If not, then enjoy the luxurious ride of your F150 :D


My '89 has rather soft suspension to, and I hauled my old storage trailer with it, the trailer is loaded and weighs around 4500lbs.


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Upgrade all that stuff and it still doesn't change the truck's GVWR, so you still can't legally carry any more weight. Sounds like your springs are just old and worn out. Just get yourself a NEW set of 5 leaf springs. Some F-150s came with 4 leaf springs and some had 5. The ones with 5 leaves are the same ones in an F-250 anyway.

Eh, I suppose if I can't swap it I'll just keep the "truck" around as a driver...and find a real truck for work. The point was to upgrade the truck I have...but I understand if it's not possible/not really feasible. I just really like HD trucks...and seeing this 1/2 ton squat when I stand on the tailgate (I'm 173 lbs) just annoys me and screams "weak"...

You can get a set of "overloads" for the back.


My '88 F150 parts truck had some. Had the stock 5, and another 5 overloads on top of it.

Yea, I'll do something with it. Thanks for the input guys...guess she'll stay a 1/2 ton...:(

will the f250 suspension bolt up to the f150 besides front leaf springs

Will the f250 suspension bolt up easy besides the leaf springs on the front

2wd f250s do not have front leaf springs, they have coils, just like f150s

Also 2wd F150s have 2.5" rear leaf springs, F250s and up have 3" slings, so you would need to change the riveted on hangers too.
Like others have said, just put a NEW set of F150 springs in(get the heavier ones) and it will be a super improvement