Quick suspension question
Thread Starter
|
5th Wheeling
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 41
Likes: 3
Quick suspension question
The springs on my old Ford are tired. I was under the truck and noticed that, on level ground, the truck sits maybe 1/16 of an inch from the bump stops, so I effectively have no suspension travel. The truck is an 86 F250 diesel 4x4, banks turbo, 4-speed. It has two big flat springs in the front. My questions are:
The truck has had a custom diamond plate bumper with a 12,000 lb Ramsey winch, which if I have to guess adds 250-ish lbs to the front of the truck counting the turbo and hardware. Aftermarket spring manufacturers make 3 levels of spring stiffness; is the added weight to the front sufficient to require heavier springs? My inclination is to go with stock springs.
Assuming the the truck will be lifted to the stock height from where it is practically sitting on the axle, how much lift can I expect? The truck only clears the garage door now by 1.5-2 inches, if I need to raise the garage door opening a few inches I'll plan it for this summer.
Thanks.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,950
Likes: 2,718
From: Virginia
How is your tire wear right now? Any difference in height will throw the alignment off,and could affect your tire wear unless you go get it re-aligned.
Since you have the diesel engine, you more than likely have the heavier springs under it already.
Hopefully you will not raise it much over a inch. If you go much over 1.5 inches, they will not be able to get it back in alignment unless it was really low to begin with.
Since you have the diesel engine, you more than likely have the heavier springs under it already.
Hopefully you will not raise it much over a inch. If you go much over 1.5 inches, they will not be able to get it back in alignment unless it was really low to begin with.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,950
Likes: 2,718
From: Virginia
P.S. You may find you get some height back out of it by replacing the spring bushings. They lead a rough life because of the frontend design these trucks have, especially the front shackle bushing which are up inside the frame rail were you can't see them.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 5,831
Likes: 121
From: St Albert, Alberta
The springs on my old Ford are tired. I was under the truck and noticed that, on level ground, the truck sits maybe 1/16 of an inch from the bump stops, so I effectively have no suspension travel. The truck is an 86 F250 diesel 4x4, banks turbo, 4-speed. It has two big flat springs in the front. My questions are:
The truck has had a custom diamond plate bumper with a 12,000 lb Ramsey winch, which if I have to guess adds 250-ish lbs to the front of the truck counting the turbo and hardware. Aftermarket spring manufacturers make 3 levels of spring stiffness; is the added weight to the front sufficient to require heavier springs? My inclination is to go with stock springs.
Assuming the the truck will be lifted to the stock height from where it is practically sitting on the axle, how much lift can I expect? The truck only clears the garage door now by 1.5-2 inches, if I need to raise the garage door opening a few inches I'll plan it for this summer.
Thanks.
Thread Starter
|
5th Wheeling
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 41
Likes: 3
Thanks.
Thread Starter
|
5th Wheeling
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 41
Likes: 3
I would not go with stock springs, every 4x4 Truck I have owned got a winch and winch bumper, I always upgrade the front springs to the snow plow package springs. I find the factory front springs on the diesels to be less than adequate to say the least. IIRC the snow plow pkg front springs are 3 leaves instead of 2, They also improve ride and handling in my opinion.
Thanks.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Bbrantner
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
11
Feb 7, 2019 10:10 AM
54 Oldsman
Brakes, Steering, Suspension, Tires, & Wheels
5
Feb 26, 2003 11:57 AM
