Sway Bars
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,190
Likes: 620
Sorry for the delayed response, folks.
I've been on vacation. And I took the truck and drove it at speeds up to 80 mph.
The truck and its suspension is in great shape. It has poly bushings, KYB shocks, and everything is tight. I honestly don't know about the alignment, but it has never had a tire wear problem. That's why I was thinking sway bars (or at least a front bar), could help.
"Requiring attention" is a relative term. I don't expect it to handle like a Porsche, but I was hoping for a bit of improvement. At highway speeds, in curves, is when it is less than inspiring. I've done my share of driving, including 1.3 million in 18 wheelers, so I have a pretty good idea of what to expect. However, this is my first F150. Maybe it is what it is?
Sway bars may not be a big improvement on the highway, but I think every bit of suspension control can help.
I appreciate all of your thoughts, ideas and info as to how they mount.
I've been on vacation. And I took the truck and drove it at speeds up to 80 mph.
The truck and its suspension is in great shape. It has poly bushings, KYB shocks, and everything is tight. I honestly don't know about the alignment, but it has never had a tire wear problem. That's why I was thinking sway bars (or at least a front bar), could help.
"Requiring attention" is a relative term. I don't expect it to handle like a Porsche, but I was hoping for a bit of improvement. At highway speeds, in curves, is when it is less than inspiring. I've done my share of driving, including 1.3 million in 18 wheelers, so I have a pretty good idea of what to expect. However, this is my first F150. Maybe it is what it is?
Sway bars may not be a big improvement on the highway, but I think every bit of suspension control can help.
I appreciate all of your thoughts, ideas and info as to how they mount.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 107
Likes: 1
The Ford TTB (and 2wd Twin I-Beam) suspensions never were, and won't ever be considered "Precision Instruments" they've got their quirks. They honestly handle just fine, but they drive different than just about anything else out there, just due to the nature of the way the front "half-axles" cross over each other, and mount to the opposite side of the truck. It's actually an incredibly strong setup, and the reason that you see all those Trophy Trucks blasting across the desert with them. You can get some absolutely sick suspension travel out of them, without sacrificing strength, as opposed to something like an Unequal Length A-Arm front suspension. But they have their downsides in the way they drive, especially if you're not used to driving them.
I'd try to find a front bar in a yard, but I don't look forward to dealing with that nut on the spring. (In the yard, and on my truck!) I wouldn't want to heat it, being so close to the spring.
I've seen aftermarket bars, but about $800 for both!
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,540
Likes: 2,032
From: North Texas
Front will make biggest difference. My 88 has comical roll without bars. Dually is much tighter, but also a heavier suspension too. I never drive a half ton with bars.
I swore Hellwig had a front bar kit for $250ish a while back. Maybe they just have shot up that much?
I swore Hellwig had a front bar kit for $250ish a while back. Maybe they just have shot up that much?
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 12,338
Likes: 1,314
From: Central Mississippi
Even when the nut releases the bottom spring retainer, you'll still have to put downward force on the spindle to open up enough gap to take the spring out.
The spring is not loaded enough (at all) to jump out on its own.
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TheKirbyMan
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
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Sep 10, 2012 10:14 PM
