Ok so my 1974 F250 4X4 STD Cab 8' Box rides like a rock. I hit the ceiling every time i hit the littlest bump, dip, etc. Is there any way i can get new leafs that will keep it stock height or raise it front and back 1.5"-2" and make it have somewhat of a smoother ride? My 96 F350 has leafs front and back and doesnt ride anywhere near as rough as this. Dont know if this matters but it has a 78 front end. Dana 44 front, Dana 60 rear. Im running 35" s.

Any ideas?

thanks

 

Maybe some super duty's up front and some deaver super flex in the back?

 

I'm curious to know your tire inflation pressures.. could be over-inflated. I use the cold-at-max rating only when hauling. Otherwise, I run a lower pressure with my 35s.

However, leaves front and back with these rigs will ride rough and there is no getting around that unless, as stated above, ya swap to more pliant spring sets.

 

The fact that the rear springs are only 52" long is a major factor as far as ride goes. Swapping longer springs for a later model truck makes a huge difference in ride quality. I had a pair of 58" F150 6" lift springs under my truck for several years and they rode like a Caddy. However, they couldn't handle even a light load or the torque of my current engine so I recently swapped them for a pair of 5" lift springs for a 2011 F350 which are 64" long. They are definately stiffer but ride much better than stock and have handled some serious loads already. 64" Chevy springs are a popular swap for many applications and are easy to come by.
My custom front springs are also softer than stock.

Here are the really soft ones. You can see why they ride well and are great for off road performance since the leaves are paper thin.


<a href="http://s742.photobucket.com/albums/xx65/Fordworth/Deaver%20F79%20Rear%20Springs/?action=view&amp;current=100_2411.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx65/Fordworth/Deaver%20F79%20Rear%20Springs/100_2411.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

These are the beefy ones. Even though the leaves are thick they ride better than Mama's '02 F250 with stock springs. Sorry, the html code didn't work on this photo so you'll have to click the link.

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/x...-32-35_193.jpg

My front springs look like this and ride very well.

<a href="http://s742.photobucket.com/albums/xx65/Fordworth/Front%20Suspension/?action=view&amp;current=000_0050.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx65/Fordworth/Front%20Suspension/000_0050.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

 

I have the a 74 F250 as well and had the same issue, the truck will really bounce when hitting dips and holes and such. It still has the stock springs front and back. I have been slowly working on the ride. I have replaced the stock shocks with some rancho rs5000s, I also had to rebuild the steering setup , the stabilizer was shot, new ball joints, tie rods, etc etc. The ride has really smoothed out. I used to watch the change bounce out of my ashtray cup holder(I am easily amused), but now I can actually use it for holding drinks.

 

I run them between 5lbs and 10 lbs below max cold pressure. And is there a negative to going for more pliant springs?