lets just say
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,669
Likes: 1,249
From: Jefferson City, MO
Here is some great reading for you. Although I would say, keep it stock. 
53-79 F-Series Steering & Suspension .: Articles
53-79 F-Series Steering & Suspension .: Articles
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 3,793
Likes: 19
From: Austin
Hey Rob,
Nice truck! We changed out our stock front end with a No limit Wide Ride with coilovers. It was right around $2,000 with the additional master cylinder brake upgrades. I would say this route is nowhere near "easy".
It involves cutting into the frame & extensive welding - I had professional help & it still took months to complete.
If I had it to do over I'd really take a hard look at completely refurbishing the stock front end or going with a Bolt In kit from CPP. That's just my experience - I have seen a lot of people go the Heidt's front end route - it seemed to be a little more reasonable. The instructions from No Limit were pretty worthless but they were good people to work with.
Ben in Austin
1950 F1 351W/AOD
Nice truck! We changed out our stock front end with a No limit Wide Ride with coilovers. It was right around $2,000 with the additional master cylinder brake upgrades. I would say this route is nowhere near "easy".
It involves cutting into the frame & extensive welding - I had professional help & it still took months to complete.
If I had it to do over I'd really take a hard look at completely refurbishing the stock front end or going with a Bolt In kit from CPP. That's just my experience - I have seen a lot of people go the Heidt's front end route - it seemed to be a little more reasonable. The instructions from No Limit were pretty worthless but they were good people to work with.
Ben in Austin
1950 F1 351W/AOD
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Senior User
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 434
Likes: 0
Well it makes it hard because i already have the powe steering kit , i have everything but the PS bracket i will get that when i get closer , i am having another seat cover made once i get that installed i will start the converision, , and i say your right its bette to redo the stock front end, ,buy a few parts at a time and just change them all, , i was thinking it would ride better with coil springs, , right now i have some notchy spots in steering, , i am hoping its the gear box, , that will go when i do the swap, , ,
Thanks for all the info guys
Thanks for all the info guys
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
there is nothing inherently better about coils vs leafs as far as ride quality. Ride depends on spring stiffness vs load, tire construction and size, shock absorber valving matched to springs, road surface quality, seat padding and springing, body mounting/vibration isolation.
Ford front parallel leaf springs are designed to be flat at rest, so there is probably nothing wrong with yours. For the best ride, install slider strips between the leafs, remove every other leaf if stock stacks.
IMHO you are way overthinking your build, creating issues where none may exist, wanting to make changes without basis or need. Just go ahead and get it on the road, don't look for problems, assume there are none and identify exactly when/if any do show up. Remember you are rebuilding a 60 year old work truck not a Ferrari or Bentley. Like it for what it is, not what it is not!
Ford front parallel leaf springs are designed to be flat at rest, so there is probably nothing wrong with yours. For the best ride, install slider strips between the leafs, remove every other leaf if stock stacks.
IMHO you are way overthinking your build, creating issues where none may exist, wanting to make changes without basis or need. Just go ahead and get it on the road, don't look for problems, assume there are none and identify exactly when/if any do show up. Remember you are rebuilding a 60 year old work truck not a Ferrari or Bentley. Like it for what it is, not what it is not!
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Senior User
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 434
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Thanks ax, your right i over think things, i been driving the day lights out of it fot sure,,i am wainting to redo my seat then i am starting my PS swap, i have every thing but the pump bracket ill get it ,, then ill see how it drives, ,,, if you know anyone that could use a black and orange seat cover let me know i can make a good deal
Thanks
Thanks
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Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Kentucky
Piping. Or at least that's what they call it around here.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 487
Likes: 0
From: Hibbing, MN
leaf springs
Besides the issues I'm having with the power steering the ride with the stock straight axel and leaf springs is really nice. My truck rides nicer than my '05 Chev 4x4. I should add that every square inch of the cab has been covered with DynaMat, expensive but worth the ride. If I had to do it again I'd still run the leafs, nice ride! Extremely important to rebuild all the moving parts including the spring perch bushings. If you rebuild it all it is a very good ride indeed.
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Senior User
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 434
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yeah piping she makes it from the same material ,, she will have my new seat cover done mon even and door panels to match cant wait ,, and yeah i am doing the PS as soon as possible been driving around today and man these parking lots are small lol and tough to get into ,
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