Lowering rear end
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 397
Likes: 7
From: SW Louisiana
A totally new member here and just purchased my first Super Duty F-250 4WHD and want to level (lower) the rear of my new truck to balance height with the front but admit I don't know a lot about it other than what I've read here in this post and threads which seems to point to just "simply" replacing the axle/spring spacers with small ones.
My truck:
2019 SWR Super Duty F-250 4X4 Crew/C 6.7L, 160" WB.
Factory Installed Options Include:
Also, since I don't plan to do this myself and will take it either to my Ford Dealer or a reputable 4x4 Off-Road Shop, I'd appreciate knowing what I should tell them needs to be done. In fact, one shop I spoke with today (by phone) said, "oh yeah, easy," , "we just remove the spacer all together and bolt it back together using new shorter u-bolts!." ....That of course did not sound reasonable to me as my reading up here in the forum leads me to understand that at a minimum I need to replace the OEM spacer with another of smaller height and possibly can use those from a different series or model year Super Duty.
I just purchased the truck the day before yesterday and won't take delivery of it until next Monday - So, can anyone here tell me what my OEM spacer height is and what height spacer I should replace them with in order to achieve a level (or near level) F to R height?
Please bear in mind I'm an old guy, so keep the responses simple please.
Thanks.
Newbie: rewillia
My truck:
2019 SWR Super Duty F-250 4X4 Crew/C 6.7L, 160" WB.
Factory Installed Options Include:
- Package 708A which includes the Trailer Towing Package (not the HD Camper Package)
- FX4 Off-Road Package
Also, since I don't plan to do this myself and will take it either to my Ford Dealer or a reputable 4x4 Off-Road Shop, I'd appreciate knowing what I should tell them needs to be done. In fact, one shop I spoke with today (by phone) said, "oh yeah, easy," , "we just remove the spacer all together and bolt it back together using new shorter u-bolts!." ....That of course did not sound reasonable to me as my reading up here in the forum leads me to understand that at a minimum I need to replace the OEM spacer with another of smaller height and possibly can use those from a different series or model year Super Duty.
I just purchased the truck the day before yesterday and won't take delivery of it until next Monday - So, can anyone here tell me what my OEM spacer height is and what height spacer I should replace them with in order to achieve a level (or near level) F to R height?
Please bear in mind I'm an old guy, so keep the responses simple please.
Thanks.
Newbie: rewillia
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 91
Likes: 1
Looking for clarification on this? I see some are saying the 2" 2016 OEM blocks are "not" tapered like the original 3" blocks.. Is this correct - Yes/No?
The PMF blocks can be ordered with e 2.5deg taper.
I just checked my 2012 F250 CCSB 4x4 6.7 and it has tapered blocks...so "IF" the 2016's are not tapered, why not just order the 2012 blocks?
The PMF blocks can be ordered with e 2.5deg taper.
I just checked my 2012 F250 CCSB 4x4 6.7 and it has tapered blocks...so "IF" the 2016's are not tapered, why not just order the 2012 blocks?
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 85
Likes: 1
I used 2019 OEM f450 1 in blocks. Found the little nipple on the bottom and indent on the top were 5/8 diameter instead of 9/16 like the 250 are. I modified them and grinded them down to 9/16 to fit right. Rear sits only 1/2" higher in rear. 42" in front 42.5" in rear with 35s on truck. The blocks are tapered also
Looks nice leveled with no additional weight added to back of truck. What does it look like when you add 1,000 pounds of weight to back of truck? How much will it sag below the current leveled position? Have heard a lot of discussions about leveling the truck and seen a few pictures of after it has been leveled. Let’s see some pictures of the leveled F 250’s with a 1,000 pounds of weight added to the back of the truck so we can see how much sag in the back there is? Any pictures that can be posted about this for comparison when loaded after doing the leveling modification?
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
Looking for clarification on this? I see some are saying the 2" 2016 OEM blocks are "not" tapered like the original 3" blocks.. Is this correct - Yes/No?
The PMF blocks can be ordered with e 2.5deg taper.
I just checked my 2012 F250 CCSB 4x4 6.7 and it has tapered blocks...so "IF" the 2016's are not tapered, why not just order the 2012 blocks?
The PMF blocks can be ordered with e 2.5deg taper.
I just checked my 2012 F250 CCSB 4x4 6.7 and it has tapered blocks...so "IF" the 2016's are not tapered, why not just order the 2012 blocks?
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 91
Likes: 1
Thanks for the response! I see most Folks are using the OEM 2016 blocks (6C3Z-5598-A) that are not tapered. However the 2019's are tapered...and my concern is that it might create an issue going from a tapered block to a flat block? Having said that, I have been doing some research and it might be that the spring blocks/spacers on the 2019's are actually flat but also show a wedge (5C3Z-5A313-A). I went down and checked out a truck on the lot today and measured the blocks...and they were 3 1/4" in the back and 3" in the front. However, I'm going to have to look a little closer, as I thought that was all one piece but may have included a tapered wedge?
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
Thanks for the response! I see most Folks are using the OEM 2016 blocks (6C3Z-5598-A) that are not tapered. However the 2019's are tapered...and my concern is that it might create an issue going from a tapered block to a flat block? Having said that, I have been doing some research and it might be that the spring blocks/spacers on the 2019's are actually flat but also show a wedge (5C3Z-5A313-A). I went down and checked out a truck on the lot today and measured the blocks...and they were 3 1/4" in the back and 3" in the front. However, I'm going to have to look a little closer, as I thought that was all one piece but may have included a tapered wedge?
A taper is called for when the spacer is over a certain height for obvious reasons. My custom spacers are flat because I replicated the height of the older flat spacers. They worked out really well for me. Ironically I bought a MUCH higher trailer today so I may go back to my taller OEM spacers eventually.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 173
Likes: 2
From: Pratt, KS
A totally new member here and just purchased my first Super Duty F-250 4WHD and want to level (lower) the rear of my new truck to balance height with the front but admit I don't know a lot about it other than what I've read here in ......
Please bear in mind I'm an old guy, so keep the responses simple please.
Thanks.
Newbie: rewillia
Please bear in mind I'm an old guy, so keep the responses simple please.
Thanks.
Newbie: rewillia
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 91
Likes: 1
I used the ‘16 Ford blocks on my ‘17 F250, and went with the PMF tapered blocks on my ‘19 F250. I did fight a vibration issue on my ‘17, but I never could directly relate it to the blocks. My ‘19 is perfect. I’d just call PMF or go to their website pmfsuspension.com and order the 2” blocks with 2.5 degree taper and a complete set of U-bolts. A 2” block will still leave the rear about 3/4” to 1” higher in the rear. Once you get them you can take it to about any auto repair place and they can swap the blocks for you quick. They’ll probably recommend an alignment after you change them, but it’s not necessary in my opinion. If you are scheduling an appointment anyway, I’d order a Fox 2.0 steering stabilizer and have them swap it at the same time. I elected to swap shocks and add sulistic shackles as well. I waited a few thousand miles on my ‘17, but after knowing the difference I did it immediately on my ‘19. Enjoy the new ride!
Anyone else please add to this as well. Do the 2019's have just a 3' block or do they have a 3" block AND a small tapered wedge?
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 173
Likes: 2
From: Pratt, KS
Here’s mine with 1,300 lbs placed on the very back of the bed. I have the 2” PMF blocks. Sorry the picture isn’t the best, it just happened to be in the background of another picture I took, but I figured it did kind of answer your request.
Looks nice leveled with no additional weight added to back of truck. What does it look like when you add 1,000 pounds of weight to back of truck? How much will it sag below the current leveled position? Have heard a lot of discussions about leveling the truck and seen a few pictures of after it has been leveled. Let’s see some pictures of the leveled F 250’s with a 1,000 pounds of weight added to the back of the truck so we can see how much sag in the back there is? Any pictures that can be posted about this for comparison when loaded after doing the leveling modification?
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 173
Likes: 2
From: Pratt, KS
It was just a 3” block on both the ‘17 and ‘19. The ‘19 is tapered, but I honestly can’t remember on the ‘17. I think they were the same tho. I can double check my original ‘19 blocks tomorrow.
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 91
Likes: 1
This forum is sure a wealth of info, thanks so much for all the responses....I just want to get this right.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 397
Likes: 7
From: SW Louisiana
In reading through most of these threads here, I've yet to see/read any reference to;
1) having alignment checked following the swapping out of axle/spring spacers to lower/level the rear with the front, i.e. caster, and
2) whether (OEM stock) shock travel is affected (which I assume would be the case when lowering) and if replacement was needed
Can anyone shed some light on these two factors?
1) having alignment checked following the swapping out of axle/spring spacers to lower/level the rear with the front, i.e. caster, and
2) whether (OEM stock) shock travel is affected (which I assume would be the case when lowering) and if replacement was needed
Can anyone shed some light on these two factors?
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 173
Likes: 2
From: Pratt, KS
In reading through most of these threads here, I've yet to see/read any reference to;
1) having alignment checked following the swapping out of axle/spring spacers to lower/level the rear with the front, i.e. caster, and
2) whether (OEM stock) shock travel is affected (which I assume would be the case when lowering) and if replacement was needed
Can anyone shed some light on these two factors?
1) having alignment checked following the swapping out of axle/spring spacers to lower/level the rear with the front, i.e. caster, and
2) whether (OEM stock) shock travel is affected (which I assume would be the case when lowering) and if replacement was needed
Can anyone shed some light on these two factors?
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 91
Likes: 1
In reading through most of these threads here, I've yet to see/read any reference to;
1) having alignment checked following the swapping out of axle/spring spacers to lower/level the rear with the front, i.e. caster, and
2) whether (OEM stock) shock travel is affected (which I assume would be the case when lowering) and if replacement was needed
Can anyone shed some light on these two factors?
1) having alignment checked following the swapping out of axle/spring spacers to lower/level the rear with the front, i.e. caster, and
2) whether (OEM stock) shock travel is affected (which I assume would be the case when lowering) and if replacement was needed
Can anyone shed some light on these two factors?