Hello All !

Writing to ask your experiences and advice. I want to replace all of the suspension springs on my '77 F250 and don't want the front end up higher than the rear end (it sits that way now). I don't want any lift blocks as part of the solution and I need to clear 37" tires. My truck is currently receiving a complete repaint and the suspension is my next project, probably this autumn. I'm looking around and see that Superlift and Skyjacker make replacements, but I went through three lifts on my old CJ. In my experience, the SL was stiff beyond belief and the SJ was too soft. I installed a Big Dick Suspension kit on my CJ, but they don't seem to make F250 springs. My brother has recommended going to a semi-truck spring manufacturer, both for price and quality; not sure what kind of ride to expert. I've looked at other posts and see some folks have played with newer F-series springs; this is a maybe, but I prefer avoiding welding new spring perches or similar modifications.

I appreciate your help.
Idaho Highboy -

 

New rear leaf springs, you want to delete the need for the OEM rear block. One company offers that option off the shelf and it is not cheap either.
Atlas Suspension. http://www.atlassuspension.com/

1973-1979 F250//F350 4x4 Atlas SuspensionAtlas Spring Company

Remember that your HB rear leaf springs are 2 1/4 wide. And therefore your rear spring (front and rear) hangers are the same way. You want to swap in newer 3" wide rear leafs, be ready to grind rivets to remove the old narrow hangers. No need to weld new spring perches on, just bolt them on after you grind the rivet heads and punch out the rest to remove the old ones, if need be.

ATS has hangers and shackles. https://www.autoandtrucksprings.com/ https://www.autoandtrucksprings.com/ford-leaf-springs

 

As I was reading your post I was thinking exact same thing your brother suggested assuming you have a good truck spring shop locally. If it was me I would not want to put some unknown after market springs on and ruin the integrity of the Highboy plus not end up with an acceptable solution. A good spring shop can do whatever you want and if it needs tweaked afterward they can do that. Once you buy aftermarket you are stuck with what you have which may or may not be to your liking.

 

I bought a unfinished project truck that had a bunch of new parts. These springs were part of the package so I don't know much about them, yet.

 

Thanks all for your comments so far. I appreciate the reference to an off the shelf product but am hoping to NOT spend $2K on springs; although you plainly stated "not cheap"

I'll continue looking around and listening here for other ideas.
Best,
- IH

 

If you have the tools I suggest updating the rear springs with spring from something newer. Highboy rear springs are not a great design and can be easily out performed in every way by newer longer and wider spring designs. Just pull the rear axle, springs and spring hangers from a junk yard. If a good donor is found you get disk brakes, better ride, and higher load capacity. Maybe even a rear locker/posi.

If that is not an option a spring shop can make you what you want. You may have a problem with heavy loads with a high arch spring though. I have have springs made by just talking to a spring shop over the phone and having them shipped. Worked out well for me.

Just my 2 cents. Good luck

 

Just out of curiousity, I've found this set of hangers and shackles. It appears like it would be what I need for my '78 F350, but it's not listed as an application (runs 1980-1998). I do have 3" wide springs, and the bolts look at least similar to where they should go although it's hard to be certain without measurements of the part itself. These hangers and shackles absolutely should work though, correct?

 

I am pretty sure those would work. I'd call ATS and tell them what you need, they should be able to answer you question with 100% certainty. And they should be able to tell you the mount hole measurements.

 

Deleted...

 

First off, are you sure it is a highboy? You said it has 3 inch wide springs. Is that how wide the rear springs are? If so, it is not a highboy.

Post your vin and or production date of your truck and someone will identify what you have. You dont want to buy springs that you can't use.

 

HB front leafs are 3" wide and rear leaf springs are 2 1/4 wide.

 

Sorry I
confused post #7 as being the OP