Hi All,

First of all my truck is a 1996 F-250 HD regular cab long bed 4wd 5.8L manual w/ 4.10's.

Just looking for some experienced advice on parts and general maintenance. I am due to replace tie rods, shocks and tires and I also have a nagging squeaky belt. I have done a smog delete on my 5.8L and therefore had to replace the belt. Ever since I did that replacement my belt squeals really loud at start up then settles down. No amount of belt dressing will make this go away. Can anyone else with a smog deleted 5.8l help here? additionally looking for advice on shocks and suspension parts to make this job as painless as possible and get the best ride I can. I dont weigh this truck down with anything crazy except fire wood and occasionally it will tow around some cars for our shop but nothing crazy.

Is it also the general opinion of this forum to stick with the stock 235/85/16? This truck does get driven in winter in Missouri and it is subject to a decent amount of highway driving so a larger tire would definitely help with highway speeds, especially since I'm using 4.10 gears. I do not want to mess with the suspension geometry so a lift kit is not really in the question.

Let me know if you guys have any suggestions! Thanks, Mike.

 

I did not mean to post this twice. Please delete, admin.