I have a 96 f250 with 77k on it. I bought it at 72k and it sat for a while in PA and then Eastern Shore of MD. Yay, rust. Overall, truck is in great condition. Between the surface rust and what PA does to undercarriages of vehicles for salt/rust, it's time for new suspension items, plus it needs tires and I can't justify new tires wearing out unevenly without touching the suspension. I'm thinking probably all the main items, ball joints, etc and then the other "well I've come this far and it doesn't make sense to put it back on not new". I plan to wire the frame and paint accordingly for future rust prevention. My plan is to remove the bed on the back, replace suspension and brakes back there, and whatever else I may find and also do the frame as well. It's a great truck, great body, interior, cab. Replaced both fuel tanks/pumps (missing one - other needed replacing), all seals and gaskets (some because I just wanted to and had water coolant leak at thermostat housing and timing cover), fluids, water pump, thermostat, battery, front brakes (pads/rotors/calipers), radiator when I got it. Plan to keep this for a while and if I get rid of it, make sure it's taken care of in the meantime.

I'm gonna remove the front suspension first and then go from there for ordering replacements. I'm not trying to necessarily gain any more lift. It sits about 23.5" from center hub to fender in front and 24.5" in back. It looks to be all stock. I would like to keep it at the same height but I'm having trouble finding what the stock height is. If anything, might go with stock suspension and add a 2.5" overall length. Current tires are 245/75/16. Like to have a bigger tires on there. Maybe 285s, if I do the 2.5 lift, I believe I can go 33s. It's not the everyday vehicle so I'm not concerned about gas mileage. It performs landscaping for the family, to and from the dock for crabbing and the occasional joy ride when I just wanna drive that instead.

I'm asking for any tips and advice that others may have come across. Any suggestions on brands/parts. Any swaps of any kind I may not know about. Pretty much anything that you may consider helpful as I go.

Thank you in advance for any tips/tricks and advice.

 

Sorry I can't offer any advice. It would be great if you did get some tips because I'm looking to do the same on my 93 F-150 2wd with 232k miles! My truck was once a flood vehicle, so I bet the suspension looks similar to the one on your truck.