Leaf Spring Swap ?
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From: Graham, Wa.
Leaf Spring Swap ?
My 74' F250 4x4 has an extremely rigid front end suspension with the stock front leaf springs that have 4 or 5 leafs in them. I have a 78' donor truck that I took the D60 axle out of and put in the 74' and I noticed that the 78' only has a 2 leaf front spring. The length of the spring in the 78' appears to be the same as the one I have in the 74', so I was thinking about taking that and putting it in the 74'. the 2 leaf pack has got to be softer than the other one. My question is will this lower my front end down? I assume that is would, but thought I would ask before I tried it.
Lead Driver
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From: Costa Mesa, CA
In general less leafs does NOT mean softer. THICKNESS of the leafs has a lot to do with this. I've got a deaver pack with 12 leafs in it and it is MUCH softer than the stock 5 leaf pack or a newer 2 leaf pack.
Post Fiend
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From: Big Sky Country
The 78-79 is a negative arched 2 leaf pack, as opposed to the earlier 73-77 positive arched 5-7 leaf pack, so as a result swapping in the later springs will drop the truck 2-4 inches, depending on spring condition.
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From: Graham, Wa.
That is what I was afraid of. I don't want the front to droop. My son was able to acquire a set of coils from a superduty, I wonder how much trouble it would be to retrofit it to coil suspension?
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From: Graham, Wa.
I will do a search on that option instead. Thanks for the info.
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From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
There are some old thread the cover it, if you have no luck I have a compliation of them (long and 2 different routes to take) I could post for you?
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From: Graham, Wa.
I did a quick search and it seams that most are using the SD springs to lift the truck, but my interest is really just to maintain the standard 74' height, but soften it up a bit. Any guidance on that type of application would be appreciated.
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From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
Like chase truck said its not the # of leafs, but the thickness and rating. What are your shocks, bushing condition and what ply/type of tires are you running?
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From: Graham, Wa.
I have new Rancho 5000's installed and new T/A All Terrain's installed. I do have the springs and brackets off the 78 sitting out back if they are needed also.
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From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
You could swap in the 78 springs and to avoid the drop install a "adda-leaf" that might get you 1 1/2 worth of lift and help the ride?
Sounds like shocks and tires is not an issue. Remember these ol trucks are not known for their best ride capabilities.
Sounds like shocks and tires is not an issue. Remember these ol trucks are not known for their best ride capabilities.
Lead Driver
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From: Costa Mesa, CA
While I haven't done the superduty spring swap myself I have seen people write a lot about it and to keep the stock ride height you should be able to use stock stupid doodie springs. Most people use aftermarket, lift springs for the super doodie to lift these old trucks but you don't have to.
This guy used the SD main leaf and then what he calls "highboy leafs" (not sure if they were from his bumpside or an actual highboy though).
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