Leaf Springs Shot...Options?
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Joined: Jan 2004
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Leaf Springs Shot...Options?
Leaf springs in my '88 F150 4x4 (XLT Lariat) are shot. I need to replace 'em. I live in the salt zone, and I've replaced most of the parts underneath the car, but I haven't done anything with the suspension parts yet. There's a lot of rust. So I was thinking about doing some other work while I was getting the leaf springs replaced. And wondering how much it would cost.
For instance: if I'm replacing leaf springs, anyway, how much harder/more expensive would it be to lift the back about 2"? How much should it cost (I'd be using a local spring shop, most likely)?
And if I were to go ahead and replace all shocks, as well as the front coil springs? How much would that cost? And how much extra to lift the whole truck a couple of inches?
I'm new to this stuff. Can use all the help I can get.
Jim
For instance: if I'm replacing leaf springs, anyway, how much harder/more expensive would it be to lift the back about 2"? How much should it cost (I'd be using a local spring shop, most likely)?
And if I were to go ahead and replace all shocks, as well as the front coil springs? How much would that cost? And how much extra to lift the whole truck a couple of inches?
I'm new to this stuff. Can use all the help I can get.
Jim
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,372
Likes: 14
From: West Cornwall, CT
Replacing your rear leaf springs is difficlult only because of the rusty bolts that you will have to deal with. Just about every one of them will need to be cut off, pounded out and replaced. Same for the rear U-bolts that hold the spring packs in.
Before replacing all those suspension components, I'd recommend looking at the different suspension lift kits available and their cost. All of this is available on-line. Prices for replacing the stock suspension parts is probably available on the NAPA website.
Lou Braun
Before replacing all those suspension components, I'd recommend looking at the different suspension lift kits available and their cost. All of this is available on-line. Prices for replacing the stock suspension parts is probably available on the NAPA website.
Lou Braun
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 79
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From: Fort Lupton, CO
I had to do the same thing on my 79 F250 4x4. Superlift helped me out with a 4" lift kit which included all new hardware and "Superride" springs for approx. $1k, I used skyjacker shocks, about $200. All this is much heavier than stock. Looks good, handles great.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 118
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From: South Shore, MA
I too have a superlift superrunner 4" kit and I wish I got the replacement leafs instead of add-a-leafs. I think superflift offers 2.5" and 4.5" springs for the rear and I think skyjacker offers similar. They can be expensive and so can shipping because each spring is heavy. Skyjacker kits you would want the class II kit or the superrunner superlift kit. They would be the most complete and they come w/ the drop pitman arm, drop axle brackets, extended radius arms, etc.
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