Leaf spring question
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 41
Likes: 3
Leaf spring question
I have a 86 F250 diesel and the front springs are pretty much shot, the front bumpers are sitting on the axle. The spring code is 9A. I look at replacement springs, and vendors sell springs with capacities everywhere from 2,000 lbs to 4,000+ lbs.
Can anyone tell me what the capacity of the stock front spring is? The truck is about 500 lbs heavier than stock in the front, due to a Banks turbo, winch and winch bumper, so I will probably buy a slightly stiffer spring but I don't want to overdo it.
I'm not interested in a lift kit, the stock height is just fine, and the truck is mostly a camping, fishing and occasional off-roading vehicle.
Thanks in advance.
Can anyone tell me what the capacity of the stock front spring is? The truck is about 500 lbs heavier than stock in the front, due to a Banks turbo, winch and winch bumper, so I will probably buy a slightly stiffer spring but I don't want to overdo it.
I'm not interested in a lift kit, the stock height is just fine, and the truck is mostly a camping, fishing and occasional off-roading vehicle.
Thanks in advance.
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
All I can *maybe* tell you is the OEM replacement part number, you can maybe find some additional info on that via Google or parts/spring stores... but to do that I need... the SPRING codes from your Certification Label on the driver's side door jamb. Not all springs are the same........
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 1,415
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From: Lower 48
diesel, winch, winch bumper - 4,000 lbs. That engine by itself is very heavy, and since you're playing with a diesel expect that if there are two or more parts listed you are going to need the heaviest and most expensive.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,958
Likes: 105
From: Houston
try talking to the people at Eaton Springs (www.eatondetroitspring.com) Tell them the year make and model and any other information and they can make the springs just to your liking.
If I have to replace my leaf springs and coil springs on my '82 I will be using them like wise on my '56 as they reuse the original blueprints so the springs will be just like factory. They also can make modifications if need be like making them a little stronger than stock for extra gear up front.
If I have to replace my leaf springs and coil springs on my '82 I will be using them like wise on my '56 as they reuse the original blueprints so the springs will be just like factory. They also can make modifications if need be like making them a little stronger than stock for extra gear up front.
SPONSOR
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 711
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From: Souderton
Your spring has a weight capacity of 3,485 lbs PER side. It is a 2 leaf full taper with a pad on the bottom.
Here is a link to the stock replacement spring for you to check out some of the specs:
Ford F250 Truck 4wd Leaf Spring, Ford F250 Truck 4wd Leaf Spring Over 8500 Lbs, Ford F350 Truck 4wd Leaf Spring, Front
If you are looking for a Heavy Duty option than you would need to go with a 3 leaf setup. This will bump you up to approximately 4,750 lbs PER side. It will stiffen up the ride a little up front and it will also raise the front approximately 2". It is not a lift spring but the lift occurs because of the extra leaf and increased weight capacity.
Here is a link for that:
Ford F250 Truck 4wd Leaf Spring, Ford F250 Truck 4wd Leaf Spring Over 8500 Lbs, Ford F350 Truck 4wd Leaf Spring, Front HD
There is another 3 leaf option that is available that isn't doesn't have such a large increase in capacity, if you like send me a message or give me a call and I would be more than happy to discuss that possible option with you.
Here is a link to the stock replacement spring for you to check out some of the specs:
Ford F250 Truck 4wd Leaf Spring, Ford F250 Truck 4wd Leaf Spring Over 8500 Lbs, Ford F350 Truck 4wd Leaf Spring, Front
If you are looking for a Heavy Duty option than you would need to go with a 3 leaf setup. This will bump you up to approximately 4,750 lbs PER side. It will stiffen up the ride a little up front and it will also raise the front approximately 2". It is not a lift spring but the lift occurs because of the extra leaf and increased weight capacity.
Here is a link for that:
Ford F250 Truck 4wd Leaf Spring, Ford F250 Truck 4wd Leaf Spring Over 8500 Lbs, Ford F350 Truck 4wd Leaf Spring, Front HD
There is another 3 leaf option that is available that isn't doesn't have such a large increase in capacity, if you like send me a message or give me a call and I would be more than happy to discuss that possible option with you.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 195
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How do you tell if you need to replace leaf or coil springs (or even how much life they have left in them)?
I have a 1986 F250 Lariat Super cab 2x4 Diesel, spring code K, 8800 GVWR, x259 type-gvw. As far as I can tell it is the original leafs and springs.
I have a 1986 F250 Lariat Super cab 2x4 Diesel, spring code K, 8800 GVWR, x259 type-gvw. As far as I can tell it is the original leafs and springs.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
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From: Waterloo, Iowa
Sagging, for one thing, or even just a "level" bed. Also shocks are actually what dampen the springs, when the springs are shot they can't do that effectively and can get ruined quick. Worn shocks don't do springs any favors either. Spring bushings are usually done by this time as well. When hitting difficult road conditions the shocks have difficulty keeping the tire in contact with road, etc.
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 195
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Sagging, for one thing, or even just a "level" bed. Also shocks are actually what dampen the springs, when the springs are shot they can't do that effectively and can get ruined quick. Worn shocks don't do springs any favors either. Spring bushings are usually done by this time as well. When hitting difficult road conditions the shocks have difficulty keeping the tire in contact with road, etc.
I am having new shocks put on today so I want to be sure I get any associated issues fixed soon before my new bilsteins get mucked up!
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2014
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About 166,000 miles. Don't really know as much as I would like about its past workload, though I know the previous owner pulled a 9K lb trailer up to Tahoe once.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,958
Likes: 105
From: Houston
Best bet is to measure from the ground up to the wheel arch. I did mine and the ground wasn't exactly level as there was dirt and rocks but roughly my passengerside in the front was 1/2" lower (this is probably why at 35+ MPH the passengerside front tire scrubs the bolts on the fender apron. The rear was lower as well but not as far though.
I had planned on replacing mine all around because for starters I do not know how many miles is on this truck and the big thing is my right front 31x10.50-15 tire scrubs as the truck bounces. Another thing to keep in mind with this is the cab bushings can also play an effect on height to the wheel arch, probably better to measure from the ground to the frame to get a accurate form of measurement.
I had planned on replacing mine all around because for starters I do not know how many miles is on this truck and the big thing is my right front 31x10.50-15 tire scrubs as the truck bounces. Another thing to keep in mind with this is the cab bushings can also play an effect on height to the wheel arch, probably better to measure from the ground to the frame to get a accurate form of measurement.
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