"Upgrading" rear suspension
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
"Upgrading" rear suspension
So my 1990 F-150 4x4 only has 4 leaf springs per side. When i bought it a couple years ago it had a leaf (the second from the bottom) broken in half. Well today I headed to the local Pull-a-part and found the exact part I needed. However, right next to it was a 1992-96 F-150, but it had more leaves (5-6 plus an auxiliary/helper spring when I only have 4) per stack. I was wondering if these stacks would be a direct fit? Also, if I found an F-250, could I take those off, and bolt them up to my truck? I am looking to possibly put a flatbed setup on my truck eventually, and I figured it wouldn't sag/squat under the extra weight with upgraded suspension.
More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 616
Likes: 5
From: Missouri - Lake of the Oz
Springing to new life...
Leaf spring assemblies from either of the potential donors you mentioned would work. If you want to incorporate the units from the truck with the overloads you will need the "L" shaped spring rests that are attached to the frame rails. They are attached to the frame with rivets so can be removed but it might be a challenge. These would probably give a better empty ride while still maintaining the load carrying capacity you seek. Do also check to make sure that your U-bolts are of the proper length. Some folks state that you should never reuse leaf spring U-bolts but rather replace them any time you R&R an axle. An appropriate approach here would be "caveat emptor". If you would choose to reuse, clean and carefully inspect the bolts for any signs of fatigue and monitor VERY closely during the first days and weeks of use. If you cannot find the proper size new bolts ready-made shops such as FleetPride can custom make the ones you need.
dn.
dn.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,791
Likes: 8
From: Edmonton AB, Canada
One important more is if your truck has 2.5" or 3" wide springs. I upgraded my 95 f150 to a set of leafs with the helpers and the brackets from a CC LB f350 I gained about 2" in the rear
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
From: Big Sky Country
So my 1990 F-150 4x4 only has 4 leaf springs per side. When i bought it a couple years ago it had a leaf (the second from the bottom) broken in half. Well today I headed to the local Pull-a-part and found the exact part I needed. However, right next to it was a 1992-96 F-150, but it had more leaves (5-6 plus an auxiliary/helper spring when I only have 4) per stack. I was wondering if these stacks would be a direct fit? Also, if I found an F-250, could I take those off, and bolt them up to my truck? I am looking to possibly put a flatbed setup on my truck eventually, and I figured it wouldn't sag/squat under the extra weight with upgraded suspension.
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
Thank you all for the input. Is there anything I need to be aware of when removing these springs? Like I know you need a spring compressor when removing coil springs. I just don't want to lay myself out at the junk yard, it's in a pretty sketchy part of town and I believe the locals would let me bleed out, lol
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,791
Likes: 8
From: Edmonton AB, Canada
When I got mine I brought a cordless sawzall and cut the brackets so I didn't have to fight with the bolts at the JY. For the rivets on the overload bumpers bring a drill,drill bits a center punch hammer and chisel lol easiest way I could figure out was to drill them out and drive them out.
For the leafs I cut the u bolts with saw to drop the axle first then it's just 2 bolts for each leaf. Unless you cut the brackets too.
For the leafs I cut the u bolts with saw to drop the axle first then it's just 2 bolts for each leaf. Unless you cut the brackets too.
Trending Topics
New User
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
I was thinking the same thing for removing those rivets. I went to the JY today and I broke the four nuts on the U-bolts loose before I ran outta time. I've got a breaker bar and wrenches in the truck for the other ones. I haven't got the sawzall in my collection yet. The more I work on this truck though, the more i find a use for one, lol
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
sammer4u
Brakes, Steering, Suspension, Tires, & Wheels
10
Dec 18, 2014 08:44 AM
armyaviation
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
3
Sep 10, 2012 05:05 PM
TheTowingCowboy
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
14
Apr 1, 2011 10:40 PM