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I've felt like the ride in my newly acquired is just a tad harsh. I know it's a solid axle truck etc.. Do these front leafs look correct tho? They look really flat to me For reference, 170k on this '03 V10 4x4
Looks like your bump stops are in good working order. If you're having rough riding conditions, take a look at your shocks. I run bilsteins myself, but I have a lift and that's what I had to get. They ride a bit rough, but I'm good with it. KYB monomax was what I used to have on a stock ride height. Really rode nice. And they lasted for a while (100K miles).
If you're hitting the bump stops regularly, you might consider a different setup (like a lift). There's just not much ride height there on a stock X.
The reason they are flat is Ford wanted the excursion to ride two inches lower than the superduty trucks these things are based off of. So they effectively put in two inch lowering springs to achieve that , making the springs pretty flat in the process. Not the first time they've done this and really nothing wrong with it other than it looks funny.
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Exswap Yes my bump stops are new Dorman. The originals were.. non existent aside for the bracket they mounted with. I also replaced the shocks with those Bilsteins.
I will eventually lift it, just not in the cards $$ right now. I really only want to be high enough for 35's. Of course new wheels, tires, lift..
I've measured the "true" way & I now sit (center hub to fender)
C code Front 23 1/8" 2 leaf springs
G code Rear 24 1/8" 6 leaf springs
I would love to go coil springs up front but it'll be a while again $$
The factory bump stops were an active part of the suspension due to the shortened spring travel, if the replacement bump stops are stiffer than the factory ones they will harshen up the ride a bit.
Front leaf springs have always been flat on Ford trucks... for the last nearly 50 years. The leaf springs in Post #1 are perfectly normal.
Ever since 1978, in Ford truck models ranging from the F-250 all the way up to the Louisville-Aeromax 9500, factory Ford front leaf springs have been "flat" when brand new.
Flat springs, and even negative arched springs, are not only perfectly normal... there are turning, braking, and handling advantages in slightly negative to neutral arch leaf springs on the steer axle for on road vehicles.
