So I have been reading every thread I see and basically I think I have taken it to a point of confusion. So I will try to layout the use of the truck and goals so advice can be given on the best coarse of action.

The truck is a 2000 6.8 V10 4wd with 173k miles on the clock. Currently on factory 16” rims with 285/75R16 AT’s I do have a Reese sway control and weight distribution set up. I have no issues with the way it pulls currently aside from the ride. Currently there are no issues with wondering on the road.

I have no plans to go above a 33” tire. The truck is the family road trip vehicle as well since the 3 dogs get a ton of space and so does luggage and the kid. I do tow one of two trailers for some trips. The first is a double axle enclosed car hauler 8.5’x20’ 8’ interior height loaded weight with trailer approx 10k. The second is a 21BHS (21’) coachmen apex nano load weight is approx 6k.

I have taken the Ex off road as well and will probably do that from time to time but it is mainly fire roads and forestry service roads. Nothing extreme.

Towing duty, highway cruising and forestry roads are the challenges. My goal is a smooth riding down the highway, competent towing, and absorbing light off road trails with some flex to the suspension. I want to accomplish this with as little lift as possible keeping it friendly for my wife to drive and ease of getting the dogs in and out as well. Keeping it car wash friendly to would be nice but I’ll get over that lol.

So Procomps and Bilstein I know are popular with a number of F250/F350 spring combos. Those are the goals I have no issue with changing the springs, shocks, etc to get a great final result.

So I would love to hear your recommendations for a good ride and competent towing capabilities for the suspension with minimal lift.

Thanks in advance guys much appreciated. If there is a data point I overlooked please let me know and I’ll get the info, measurement or picture.

 

Pirate should be along shortly to help get you sorted out on what works well.

 

I think I know what he's going to say:

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Subscribed

 

I am going to say the same thing I always say

what is your definition of minimal lift ?
the car wash in my town has 13 foot clearance so that would not be a good reference to gauge height restriction by.

measure from the center of your hubs straight up to the bottom of your fender arch and post all 4 results.

while your description of how you use the Ex is very good we also need to know what characteristic you do not like about your current setup. makes no sense to make changes unless you are wanting it to do something that it does not currently do to uour liking, in other words, what sre you trying to improve ?

 

The biggest thing I am trying to cure is the bottoming out on the front springs. I have maybe 3/4 of an inch between the front spring and the bump stop on the drivers side.

Will get the measurements and post them up. For a height reference I guess a parking garage would be a better goal. We do trips to the theme parks and it’s nice to fit in the parking

 

post pics of your front spring, bump stop and shock along with your measurements.

 

What was the distance between the hub and the fender when they were new?

 

Roger that

 

RF 23.75
LF 22.5
RR 24
LR 24

 

Are those Sumo Springs?

 

Sumo Springs?

Best guess is stock.

 

for the sake of this conversation, roughly 23” front and 24” rear

 

based on those pics, measurments , your usage description and desire to fit I would just buy some new shocks.

from the looks of it those could be the original shocks which were barely adequate when new.

again based on your details i think you would find the KYB monomax a good choice.

i see no reason to change your springs or raise the ride height of your Ex.

 

Just the shocks will keep it from bottoming out? It bottoms out turning into my driveway.