Suspension upgrades
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New User
Joined: Feb 2012
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Suspension upgrades
I have a 72 F100 that I plan on using for a wood truck, I put almost a full cord of wood (dry and seasoned) in the bed this fall and the suspension was sagging very bad. I have thought about swapping out the full rear end with a 3/4 ton, but the brackets for the springs are too small for the springs, and I dont really want to carry 2 spare tires. Is there anything else I can do for the suspension to where I can carry more of a load?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
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From: NorCal
Visit Air Lift.. they are an FTE sponsor too: Air Bag Suspension, Air Springs, Air Suspension Kits | Air Lift Company - Tow and Haul with Safety and Comfort
Or Hellwig overload helper springs: Load Pro Series | Hellwig Products
I have a set of uninstalled Hellwig LP-25 provided by the previous owner for my 70 F100. I'm gonna lower my rig and have no use for them. I'm not sure if it is complete but PM me if you're interested and we can work things out.
You're in CA.. where in CA? Shipping costs would be pretty low.
Or Hellwig overload helper springs: Load Pro Series | Hellwig Products
I have a set of uninstalled Hellwig LP-25 provided by the previous owner for my 70 F100. I'm gonna lower my rig and have no use for them. I'm not sure if it is complete but PM me if you're interested and we can work things out.
You're in CA.. where in CA? Shipping costs would be pretty low.
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,012
Likes: 251
From: North Pole, Alaska
All you need to do is find a set of 68-72 f-250/350 springs. I put a set on my 72 F-100 using 2 Hi-Lift jacks and 2 logs back in 79. It turned it into a curve cruiser where I could up the speed through curves by 10-15 mph over the posted signs. I even held off a Vette with a full load of wood for 26 miles before the road straightened out. We wore the old springs out hauling 4 loads of hay with 32 bales per load, averaged out to 125 lbs per bale.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,369
Likes: 7
From: Gainesville, GA
IMO, if you're going to be hauling all the time the spring upgrade is the way to go. If you drive empty most of the time, the air lifts will give you a much better ride. When I put a heavier camper on my truck I went to the junk yard and got a couple of long leaves for my existing springs and new u-bolts. Much cheaper.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 553
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From: Raleigh, NC
Factory Helper Springs
In another thread I asked if anyone ever looks for factory helper springs since I'll be removing some, someday, from a '70 F100 SB 2WD. HIO Silver suggested I contact you because he thought they'd be a better solution for what you need than what he'd suggested.
Don't know if the helper springs would fit your truck or not but the cost of shipping them from NC to CA would probably make it impractical. And, I'd rather have a local pick up if possible.
If they would fit your truck I think they'd be a good solution for you. The regular springs are not real stiff but when the rear end is down about 2" the helper springs stiffen things up. Maybe you can find some near you.
Don't know if the helper springs would fit your truck or not but the cost of shipping them from NC to CA would probably make it impractical. And, I'd rather have a local pick up if possible.
If they would fit your truck I think they'd be a good solution for you. The regular springs are not real stiff but when the rear end is down about 2" the helper springs stiffen things up. Maybe you can find some near you.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 83
From: NorCal
Whoa.. I'm willing to sell. That's not a problem... just giving you another option to see if you were interested. I PM'ed ya the other day informing you that the Hellwig set-up is complete.... I'm just looking for a box now in order to get a bid on shipping.
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 553
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From: Raleigh, NC
Maybe I gave you the wrong impression. He was willing to give up a sale if there was a better solution. He was really looking out for you even if it cost him a sale. Just a mis-communication.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 83
From: NorCal
Here's a pic of Hellwig's Load Pro Series (PN LP-25).. it's never been installed and complete. You can download the installation diagram and instructions at the link below and compare the parts in the image with the parts in the instructions.
Download Instructions | Hellwig Products
Download Instructions | Hellwig Products
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