Why does it sit so low?
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 851
Likes: 1
Why does it sit so low?
you could use blocks under the rear, But if your leafs are weak the blocks will cause problems with axle wrap. thats why most who do lifts on 4x4's use replacement packs so no trouble with axle wraping.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 7
From: Memphis, TN
Why does it sit so low?
The torque generated by the engine becomes torque on the drive axle housing(s) when you try to accelerate, so imagine what would happen if the axle was just resting under the truck, with NO attachment. When you gassed it, the pinion would try to climb the ring gear, and the axle housing would rotate up in the front. Having the axle spaced out from the springs allows it to do that more than having the springs bolted tightly against the tube. (It still happens, but not as much.) When it happens, the leaf springs become "S"-shaped for a moment, until either you let off, or the tire breaks loose & chirps, then it usually repeats a few times until you're moving so fast that the engine isn't making enough torque to keep doing it.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
From: Black Hills SD.
Why does it sit so low?
I see alot about leaf springs here and see other 86 F250 4x4 460 4speed, here it is. I have leaf spring wear, the FRONT is victom, sits a bit low (8000lb warn upright and about 200 lbs of bumper) the springs look pretty haggart, Im on a tight budget and hoping to put off re arching or replacing...... has anyone had any success with leaf helper springs up front?
86 F250 4x4 460 4speed
Thanks.
86 F250 4x4 460 4speed
Thanks.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 5,871
Likes: 0
From: Coutts Canada
Why does it sit so low?
For the front get a set of progessive rate springs (they work wonder with towing) and for the rear get either a complete set of springs off a 4x4(mounts, hanger, etc) or air bags/helper springs if you need some extra towing cabilities.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
From: Black Hills SD.
Why does it sit so low?
Thanks for the response. The rear sits fine with good clearance, Its already a 4x4 so its good there, but it has that stupid nose dive look that my 4x4 ranger had.
I only want to compensate for the tired leafs up front w/o the expense of replace/rearch until I can better afford it. I was looking for any feedback on this ( helper leafs) method of gaining 2 or 3" up front to restore ride height. BTW, who makes the progressive springs for leafs??
Thanks for any advise.
Tony
I only want to compensate for the tired leafs up front w/o the expense of replace/rearch until I can better afford it. I was looking for any feedback on this ( helper leafs) method of gaining 2 or 3" up front to restore ride height. BTW, who makes the progressive springs for leafs??
Thanks for any advise.
Tony
Last edited by CaseyJones; Jul 11, 2003 at 12:21 AM.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
From: Huntsville USA
Why does it sit so low?
Has anyone had any luck installing helper springs on the rear? My 84 F150 2WD was riding low in the back, and really squatted when I hooked up my trailer, or even threw a few 2x4s in the back.
I bought a set of "universal" helper springs. When I went to install them, I found that the center stud on top of the axle was too short, and would not accomodate the helper spring and the factory springs.
Has anyone found a spring that works?
I ended up just putting air shocks on the back. It seems to work in my case because I don't really haul huge loads. I would like to fix the sagging springs somehow though.
I bought a set of "universal" helper springs. When I went to install them, I found that the center stud on top of the axle was too short, and would not accomodate the helper spring and the factory springs.
Has anyone found a spring that works?
I ended up just putting air shocks on the back. It seems to work in my case because I don't really haul huge loads. I would like to fix the sagging springs somehow though.
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 303
Likes: 0
From: Nova Scotia
Why does it sit so low?
I measured the heigth of my '83 F100 2wd, LWB. It has new factory springs and shocks on the front and a couple of new leafs in the back... to factory specs. It has the factory spec 215/75x15 tires on stock 5.5" rims. So I guess, it is as close to "factory" as you could get.
I measured the distance from the ground through the centre of the axle to the edge on the lip on the fender . Here is what I found:
Front (left & right): 30.75 inches
Rear (left & right): 30.75 inches
Does anyone know what the factory dimension would be?
I measured the distance from the ground through the centre of the axle to the edge on the lip on the fender . Here is what I found:
Front (left & right): 30.75 inches
Rear (left & right): 30.75 inches
Does anyone know what the factory dimension would be?
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
From: Bottom Feeder
Why does it sit so low?
My son just broke a few leafs on his '83 F100. Being a teenager, the LAST thing he wanted to spend his hard-earned cash on was new springs. I called a few "used parts" guys in the area, and found a set of springs off the same truck for $100. Told him that I wasn't going to wrench them for him, so went to a local garage that was better equipped (I don't have a torch...YET). In the interest of saving his hard earned money, he made a command decision, and told the guy to ONLY replace the right side, where the broken springs were. He smugly explained that THIS way, he had the extra set "just in case anything happens to the left side".
If you look at the rear of his truck, the left side is about 2" lower than the right side with the replacement springs in it...LOL
He wasn't happy to see that. So next paycheck, back to the garage he goes. (Unless I have my torch by then!)
Anyway, the "new" springs definetly picked his truck back up to where it should be.
Lobstah
If you look at the rear of his truck, the left side is about 2" lower than the right side with the replacement springs in it...LOL
He wasn't happy to see that. So next paycheck, back to the garage he goes. (Unless I have my torch by then!)
Anyway, the "new" springs definetly picked his truck back up to where it should be.
Lobstah
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