2wd Lift
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 117
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From: Shreveport, LA
2wd Lift
Hello PSD Gods,
I need your input. I have read a ton on this subject, but now have more questions than answers. I would like to put 2" spacers under the front coils to complement the 1" lift my RAS gave the rear. I read that spacers will not allow the ball joints to properly articulate.
Any 2wd folks have any experience with this leveling option and any documented downside?
Even with the z code springs up front, the front suspension seems overpowered by this heavy engine. I feel every bump. I added monroe hd shocks 3 months ago and tightened steering box, but still a rough ride. If I add spacers, I will add bilstein 4600s as well.
I'd love to just go for the 6" pro comp lift but not ready for that yet as I have 3 small kids that climb in and out.
The X is my daily driver and I tow a 7000 lb travel trailer once a month.
Any input is appreciated.
I need your input. I have read a ton on this subject, but now have more questions than answers. I would like to put 2" spacers under the front coils to complement the 1" lift my RAS gave the rear. I read that spacers will not allow the ball joints to properly articulate.
Any 2wd folks have any experience with this leveling option and any documented downside?
Even with the z code springs up front, the front suspension seems overpowered by this heavy engine. I feel every bump. I added monroe hd shocks 3 months ago and tightened steering box, but still a rough ride. If I add spacers, I will add bilstein 4600s as well.
I'd love to just go for the 6" pro comp lift but not ready for that yet as I have 3 small kids that climb in and out.
The X is my daily driver and I tow a 7000 lb travel trailer once a month.
Any input is appreciated.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
1 What are Z code springs off ?
2. More specifically what is the spring rate ?
3. How much did the new springs raise your ride height ?
Measure from the center of the hub to the bottom of the fender arch front and rear and we can compare yours to stock dimensions. ( spacer answer will depend on this )
4. Going to need you to describe the "rough ride" in more detail.
Is it rough driving down the highway or just when you hit pot holes or dips on the road ?
5. Also, Monroe list: Magnum, reflex and Monro-magic for a RWD Ex but no "heavy duty. Do you know the actual model you have ?
6. What size tire and air pressure are you running ?
2. More specifically what is the spring rate ?
3. How much did the new springs raise your ride height ?
Measure from the center of the hub to the bottom of the fender arch front and rear and we can compare yours to stock dimensions. ( spacer answer will depend on this )
4. Going to need you to describe the "rough ride" in more detail.
Is it rough driving down the highway or just when you hit pot holes or dips on the road ?
5. Also, Monroe list: Magnum, reflex and Monro-magic for a RWD Ex but no "heavy duty. Do you know the actual model you have ?
6. What size tire and air pressure are you running ?
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 117
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From: Shreveport, LA
1)Springs came off a 2006 f250 2wd
2)Ford part number zc345310wa. 4800lbs
3) z codes raised front initially, but back to original height after they settled
Hub to fender:
front 20 3/8
Rear 21 3/4
4) Rides fine on flat road but I feel any bump/imperfection, like a stiff jolt
5)Monroe Gas Magnum shocks
6) Front 45psi, rear 55psi P26575r16
Thanks for the response.
2)Ford part number zc345310wa. 4800lbs
3) z codes raised front initially, but back to original height after they settled
Hub to fender:
front 20 3/8
Rear 21 3/4
4) Rides fine on flat road but I feel any bump/imperfection, like a stiff jolt
5)Monroe Gas Magnum shocks
6) Front 45psi, rear 55psi P26575r16
Thanks for the response.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
From: Shreveport, LA
Thanks for the tech specs.
The ride definitely improved when I replaced the stock s codes with z codes, but still nowhere near comfortable. Maybe I should ask a spring shop to turn longer springs for me...
The ride definitely improved when I replaced the stock s codes with z codes, but still nowhere near comfortable. Maybe I should ask a spring shop to turn longer springs for me...
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
Stock ride height as best as I can find was 20.5 front and 21.5 rear
The fact that you installed brand new springs with a higher rate but it now sits 1/8" lower in front is troublesome. But without seeing it firsthand it is difficult to see what is going on. In the rear you increased the spring rate by adding the RAS and it is sitting 1/4 high.
My thought,
By changing the spring rates and ride heights you altered the handeling charteristics but that should have resulted in quirky handeling not a drastically increased rough ride.
My opinion your shocks are not ideally suited to your expected ride quality.
Spacers, since you are at near stock height you could likely get away with spacers if you don't mind replacing ball joint more frequently. The down side to using spacers is they put the balljoint at its max angle and they wear out quicker.
My recommendation would be ask around and find a shop that does suspension work, go on a test drive with the mechanic, ( not the manager or service adviser but the actual suspension expert ) and let him evaluate the situation and make a recommendation.
Short of that, ditch the RAS and install new shocks.
The fact that you installed brand new springs with a higher rate but it now sits 1/8" lower in front is troublesome. But without seeing it firsthand it is difficult to see what is going on. In the rear you increased the spring rate by adding the RAS and it is sitting 1/4 high.
My thought,
By changing the spring rates and ride heights you altered the handeling charteristics but that should have resulted in quirky handeling not a drastically increased rough ride.
My opinion your shocks are not ideally suited to your expected ride quality.
Spacers, since you are at near stock height you could likely get away with spacers if you don't mind replacing ball joint more frequently. The down side to using spacers is they put the balljoint at its max angle and they wear out quicker.
My recommendation would be ask around and find a shop that does suspension work, go on a test drive with the mechanic, ( not the manager or service adviser but the actual suspension expert ) and let him evaluate the situation and make a recommendation.
Short of that, ditch the RAS and install new shocks.
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 117
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From: Shreveport, LA
Thanks Pirate. The front sitting 1/8 lower is probably due to the plastic "seat" below the coil being worn down.
I decreased the tension on the RAS prior to taking most recent measurement because it was too stiff which is why only 1/4" increase.
I appreciate your input. I have been to one suspension shop that said steering geometry was correct. I will continue to play with it.
really do not want to replace ball joints as a regular habit.
thanks for all the info.
I decreased the tension on the RAS prior to taking most recent measurement because it was too stiff which is why only 1/4" increase.
I appreciate your input. I have been to one suspension shop that said steering geometry was correct. I will continue to play with it.
really do not want to replace ball joints as a regular habit.
thanks for all the info.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
If you do that I would go back to a stock spring rate.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
That is a clue....Now we are getting somewhere
If you can post a clear pic of the seat it may be helpful. This is not a wear item so if it is worn out you have a problem.
While you are under there taking pics, Can you get one showing the bump stops ?
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 117
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From: Shreveport, LA
Hey Pirate,
The "seat" that I am referring to is just a 1/4 inch piece of molded plastic that the spring sits on. I will get a pic soon.
I have measured distance to bump stops before and it's 2 inches clearance on both. Bump stops appear to be in good condition as well.
The "seat" that I am referring to is just a 1/4 inch piece of molded plastic that the spring sits on. I will get a pic soon.
I have measured distance to bump stops before and it's 2 inches clearance on both. Bump stops appear to be in good condition as well.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2017
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From: Shreveport, LA
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