Leaf Spring Questions
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Leaf Spring Questions
Hello,
I have a 99 F-150 x-cab. My suspension is stock, and I've noticed that my rear end sits about level with the front. I measured to be sure, and it seems to be about .5" taller in the back. So I think my rear springs are slouching? How much higher does the rear sit from the factory typically?
Thank you
I have a 99 F-150 x-cab. My suspension is stock, and I've noticed that my rear end sits about level with the front. I measured to be sure, and it seems to be about .5" taller in the back. So I think my rear springs are slouching? How much higher does the rear sit from the factory typically?
Thank you
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2019
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A half-inch to 3/4"- 1" is the correct height over the front height. (Overload block under the springs or just springs/shackles depending on if you have it set to tow a lot)
If you just have the truck for normal stuff it is 1/2".
Now all of this depends on the shocks (how old and if worn out) and how tight the torsion bars are adjusted on the front end when the alignment was set. (Softer ride or harder ride on those torsion bars)
If you just have the truck for normal stuff it is 1/2".
Now all of this depends on the shocks (how old and if worn out) and how tight the torsion bars are adjusted on the front end when the alignment was set. (Softer ride or harder ride on those torsion bars)
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Very interesting. I tried to use my truck for a car trailer at work, and my ball was about 1" too low for the trailer. They do have the trailer set up for lifted trucks, and mine is a 2WD with coil fronts, 235/70R16 tires. So it sits low as is.
I'd like to be able to haul a car once in a while, and from what I understand, the 4.2l V6 with an auto and the factory 3.55 and 255 width tires has a high enough rating to tow a uhaul trailer with a car up to about 3500lbs. Soon I'll be going to 3.73 with LS and 245/70R17 tires. That will give me about .75" lift and give me the ability to tow a little more weight. My truck already came from the factory with the hitch and the trans cooler. Anything else that would be advisable to add for heavy (for the V6) towing?
I'd like to be able to haul a car once in a while, and from what I understand, the 4.2l V6 with an auto and the factory 3.55 and 255 width tires has a high enough rating to tow a uhaul trailer with a car up to about 3500lbs. Soon I'll be going to 3.73 with LS and 245/70R17 tires. That will give me about .75" lift and give me the ability to tow a little more weight. My truck already came from the factory with the hitch and the trans cooler. Anything else that would be advisable to add for heavy (for the V6) towing?
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
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they make a variety of 2 inch receiver hitch inserts.. You can get a 0 or 2 inch drop or 2 inch lift... or 4 inch, etc..
Look up what your truck is RATED at for load and that is it... Dont count on tires or shocks ADDING extra capacity.
If your truck has SETTLED in the back, it might be time for new springs.
Look up what your truck is RATED at for load and that is it... Dont count on tires or shocks ADDING extra capacity.
If your truck has SETTLED in the back, it might be time for new springs.
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they make a variety of 2 inch receiver hitch inserts.. You can get a 0 or 2 inch drop or 2 inch lift... or 4 inch, etc..
Look up what your truck is RATED at for load and that is it... Dont count on tires or shocks ADDING extra capacity.
If your truck has SETTLED in the back, it might be time for new springs.
Look up what your truck is RATED at for load and that is it... Dont count on tires or shocks ADDING extra capacity.
If your truck has SETTLED in the back, it might be time for new springs.
When I get the 3.73 rear end done, I don't intend to tow any more than what the factory ratings are with the 4.2, auto, 255 width tires and 3.55 rear end. That should be enough to tow my Camaro on a UHaul trailer if I ever need to.
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My truck has no axle blocks. The OE U bolts have approximately 1.25" free thread showing past the nuts. Would 1" lift blocks cause any axle wrap? I know the 4x4 trucks came with the 2" blocks from the factory, so it should be okay?
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hwyhogg
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
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