F350 2wd alignment problems
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Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2002
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F350 2wd alignment problems
I have a 77 F350 crewcab 2wd that looks like its on stilts. For some unknown reason, the front end sits too high. This causes the wheels to have way too much positive camber which wears the edges of the tires bald every 5-7k miles. I am just starting to put this thing on the road after a year of sitting.(too expensive to run) I would like to get this front end corrected before I start driving it because I am afraid of tire failure since there is no power steering. I've been told that front end alignments on twin I-beams are bad news because it causes the axle to lose its temper(I've already lost mine 
). I would try switching springs, but don't know if the extra weight of the crewcab would have an effect on the final alignment. I would like a solid axle, but that looks like way too much engineering for my feeble mind. I could use airbags to level the ride height, but don't like the idea of not having a spring if the air system goes down. The last option that I see is to use a spring of lesser rating, then shimming it as needed. I'm posting this in hope that somebody has a simple answer that I've overlooked. HELP?!! Thanx in advance.
). I would try switching springs, but don't know if the extra weight of the crewcab would have an effect on the final alignment. I would like a solid axle, but that looks like way too much engineering for my feeble mind. I could use airbags to level the ride height, but don't like the idea of not having a spring if the air system goes down. The last option that I see is to use a spring of lesser rating, then shimming it as needed. I'm posting this in hope that somebody has a simple answer that I've overlooked. HELP?!! Thanx in advance.
Senior User
Joined: May 2001
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From: Alberta
F350 2wd alignment problems
Check your front spring, maybe somebody installed some blocks or lifter pads. It's also possible different springs where instaled at sometime from a truck with a heavier front end.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,838
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From: SD
F350 2wd alignment problems
Sounds like the wrong springs to me too. Someone may have put some taller springs in it in the past. Get some new stock springs and remove yours and compare the height.
Marty
Marty
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F350 2wd alignment problems
What kind of truck should I take the springs off of? Could I get them from a ford dealer to ensure that they are of the correct ratio? I don't know whether I could find springs heavy enough in a junk yard. I cant think of anything that would be much heavier than what I got. That truck's got a 400 with a c6 and weighs something like 5200 lbs with a quarter tank of gas in one tank. Would 3/4 ton springs fit? I think there is one of those at the local salvage yard-I think it had a big block. I know my truck doesn't have any shims or lift blocks, I've already looked. I also got one of those kits that can squeeze two of the coils of the spring together, but I've been afraid to use it for fear that it might cause severe damage to the existing springs. Do you think they would be safe for now? I'm in one of those rare moments in time where I actually have some money to play with and I would like to do it right-I just don't know what to do. Thanx for the responses.
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
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F350 2wd alignment problems
Take it to a spring shop. It will help if you have an accurate weight for the front axle from a scale somewhere. They may have scales at the spring shop also, -just ask. Otherwise you can guess and get springs from a parts house.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Minneapolis, MN
F350 2wd alignment problems
You might want to try aftermarket. MOOG should make replacement springs designed for the application that are the correct height. Reasonable price too.
BTW, you can't really tell the ride height difference in used springs by measuring them when they're out. As they wear the spring rate changes.
Just my 2¢
Greg
BTW, you can't really tell the ride height difference in used springs by measuring them when they're out. As they wear the spring rate changes.
Just my 2¢
Greg
Last edited by macguyver; Mar 23, 2003 at 12:47 PM.
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