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Hey y’all,
just bought a 96 F-250 7.3 4x4 with 200k on it from the original owner. He recently installed a 2 inch RSK with the TTB drop brackets and also new bilstein shocks. Seems he retained the original bushings for everything. I plan on doing a Dana 60 swap in the near future. I’ve noticed while driving at low speed, turning or hitting slight bumps, there is a noticeable creak in what seems to be the driver side front leaf. The bushings look old but barely cracked. Also I should note, the leaf springs are angled down behind the u-bolts. They comedown out of the front shackle but angle down into the rear shackle hanger, forming a slight S. He said the creaking was new but I still talked him down from his price when I bought it so I have a little extra budgeted for repairs. Here’s a picture of the leaf spring orientation. New to these OBS trucks so any info will be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Welcome to the OBS forums UsmcParm! If I'm not mistaken, the trucks that have the TTB front axles came from the factory with a negative arch. I don't have any experience with the RSK, but I don't think it would make any difference with the way the springs arch. On the creaking, as weird as it sounds, check the fender bolts by the hood hinges to see if they are tight. If they are loose you will get creaking/popping in flex turning situations. Nice looking truck by the way.
Welcome to the OBS forums UsmcParm! If I'm not mistaken, the trucks that have the TTB front axles came from the factory with a negative arch. I don't have any experience with the RSK, but I don't think it would make any difference with the way the springs arch. On the creaking, as weird as it sounds, check the fender bolts by the hood hinges to see if they are tight. If they are loose you will get creaking/popping in flex turning situations. Nice looking truck by the way.
Thanks, good to know. I did a bit more research and noticed quite a few others with negative arches as well. As bolts, they are tight. Going to try and swap some bushings for newer ones and see what changes I get. Appreciate it!
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