1997 F-250 solid front axle question
Fleet Owner
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 21,437
Likes: 76
From: Gilbert, PA
If it was a "8" then it would of been rated at 2,200lbs. That makes it a f350 solid axle big block/diesel spring
yes, the F250 spring is rated for more weight due to how the TTB makes the spring flex more it needs to be stronger. I just hope the Original owner used f350 springs when the did the solid axle or the ride will be terrible!! Did they do a 4" block in the rear as well?
As for the R6 interior. I am not sure if that is the Opal gray color or for XLT. I had the same Interior trim code on my 97 CCSB with opal gray XLT interior
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,209
Likes: 12
From: Black Hills of SD
If I'm covering something that's already been hashed, forgive me, I didn't read every post. Check the serial number to see if it might actually be an F350. The reason I say this is because my first new pickup had the wrong badges. I picked my 1974 F250 4x4 out of a row of them at the dealer and didn't realize until I had owned it for several days that it had F100 emblems.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 5,006
Likes: 72
From: Roseville, MN
If I'm covering something that's already been hashed, forgive me, I didn't read every post. Check the serial number to see if it might actually be an F350. The reason I say this is because my first new pickup had the wrong badges. I picked my 1974 F250 4x4 out of a row of them at the dealer and didn't realize until I had owned it for several days that it had F100 emblems.
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Ft. Collins, CO
Thanks to everyone that responded. I think that clears up the question of whether or not it originally cam with the solid front axle or not...the concensus is that it did not. Now the question I have is "what axle does it have on it now?" Are there any specific markings that I should look for to identify exactly what vehicle and what year the axle might have come from in case I ever have to order parts for it in the future?
Also, I'm new to the ford scene but this truck definitely rides rough even for a 20 year old truck. The shocks are newer You couldn't drink a cup of coffee while driving on the interstate without spilling most of it. I'd like to smooth out the ride a bit without lowering the front. In fact, if possible I'd like to level the front by raising it 1-2 inches if possible but not if it would mean an even rougher ride. Shocks are Rancho and they appear to be in good shape show no signs of leaking.
Also, I'm new to the ford scene but this truck definitely rides rough even for a 20 year old truck. The shocks are newer You couldn't drink a cup of coffee while driving on the interstate without spilling most of it. I'd like to smooth out the ride a bit without lowering the front. In fact, if possible I'd like to level the front by raising it 1-2 inches if possible but not if it would mean an even rougher ride. Shocks are Rancho and they appear to be in good shape show no signs of leaking.
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,507
Likes: 5,563
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
sounds like they used the F250 springs when they put the D60 in.
to figure out what you have look for ball joints or kingpins.
also look to see if the calipers are held in place by pins, or bolts.
kingpins will be 86 to 91 axle with pin caliper retainers.
ball joints started in 92, bolt on calipers started in either 95 or 96.
to figure out what you have look for ball joints or kingpins.
also look to see if the calipers are held in place by pins, or bolts.
kingpins will be 86 to 91 axle with pin caliper retainers.
ball joints started in 92, bolt on calipers started in either 95 or 96.
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
If it's a clean truck who cares! If it rides rough because of the solid axle and you don't like it you might need some different springs. I don't know what it takes to go back to IFS. I put super duty springs on my 350 and it rides a lot better now.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 3,330
Likes: 292
From: Laramie, WY
Reverse shackle kit (RSK) with SuperDuty springs will help your ride and lift the front a bit. I'm not experienced with it just read a lot about it, a search is recommended or perhaps someone more familiar will chime in with specifics. The TTB springs used in a solid axle swap are said to ride horribly stiff by several on this site..
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Here's a good one for the RSK with super duty springs:
Precision Metal Fab (PMF) RSK Install - OBS - Ford Powerstroke Diesel Forum
I did it, totally worth it. This is my thread:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...1&goto=newpost
Precision Metal Fab (PMF) RSK Install - OBS - Ford Powerstroke Diesel Forum
I did it, totally worth it. This is my thread:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...1&goto=newpost
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Ft. Collins, CO
Truck is extremely clean. Obviously has never been abused. Paint is like new with no rust bubbles or body damage. Interior is near perfect except for broken driver's power window/lock bezel with remote mirror switch and apparently they don't make them any longer. I plan to keep this truck to use in the mountains in winter and to pull my boat in the summer. I've always liked the obs crew cabs especially the short beds. I've been watching for a used cab-height topper in white at a decent price. Apparently these are hard to come by and sell really fast when they do pop up so I've been watching the ads daily. Lots of 8' but no 6.5' so far. That will happen in due time though.
Thanks again to all that replied and helped me sort out the solid axle question.
Thanks again to all that replied and helped me sort out the solid axle question.
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
I don't think they made a 250 crew with 8' bed, just the crew with short bed. Mine is a 350 crew with long bed which is what I wanted, I use it for work. I have a big weatherguard toolbox and racks behind that. It is huge though. They are rare either way. I've only seen one other one in our area that wasn't a worn out piece of junk. Every where I go not lying I get at least one or two compliments on my truck every day and a lot of 'call me if you ever want to sell it'. I tell them they wouldn't want it if I sold it to them for what I have in it!
Fleet Owner
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 21,437
Likes: 76
From: Gilbert, PA
Truck is extremely clean. Obviously has never been abused. Paint is like new with no rust bubbles or body damage. Interior is near perfect except for broken driver's power window/lock bezel with remote mirror switch and apparently they don't make them any longer. I plan to keep this truck to use in the mountains in winter and to pull my boat in the summer. I've always liked the obs crew cabs especially the short beds. I've been watching for a used cab-height topper in white at a decent price. Apparently these are hard to come by and sell really fast when they do pop up so I've been watching the ads daily. Lots of 8' but no 6.5' so far. That will happen in due time though.
Thanks again to all that replied and helped me sort out the solid axle question.
Thanks again to all that replied and helped me sort out the solid axle question.
have a read. Pretty sure it will take all day but you will like what you see
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...csb-build.html
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