04/05 front suspension comparison
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04/05 front suspension comparison
From what I have read,
250/350 in 04 have leaf springs in front, which many have wrote are a better set up than the 05 with the new spring set up in the front. So which better? Why switch? What is the effect when the snow plow package is added to the 05? (I will not use the snow plow,just want a HD truck) I will be replacing my 83 f250HD 460 4x4 soon and enjoy the fact that even with the camper on, going around corners the truck remains level (dosnt dip). I will replace with 250 or 350 4x4 V10 LB standard cab
Thanks for all the advice in here, its great!
250/350 in 04 have leaf springs in front, which many have wrote are a better set up than the 05 with the new spring set up in the front. So which better? Why switch? What is the effect when the snow plow package is added to the 05? (I will not use the snow plow,just want a HD truck) I will be replacing my 83 f250HD 460 4x4 soon and enjoy the fact that even with the camper on, going around corners the truck remains level (dosnt dip). I will replace with 250 or 350 4x4 V10 LB standard cab
Thanks for all the advice in here, its great!
Sit. Stay.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 18,308
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From: Washington State
Originally Posted by MrKen
From what I have read,
250/350 in 04 have leaf springs in front, which many have wrote are a better set up than the 05 with the new spring set up in the front.
So which better?
Why switch?
What is the effect when the snow plow package is added to the 05?
250/350 in 04 have leaf springs in front, which many have wrote are a better set up than the 05 with the new spring set up in the front.
So which better?
Why switch?
What is the effect when the snow plow package is added to the 05?
#2. Increased turning radius for one. Improved axle control. By seperating the function of suspending the axle and locating the axle (both duties are handled in leaf sprung trucks.) you are able to fine tune handling and control.
#3. Why would it be any different than a leaf spring? Both are springs. Both can be made progressive. I cannot imagine the coil set-up to be inferior to the leaf springs...there still is a solid axle under there.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
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I like my 05 and think its a big improvement from my 01. Its a lot better ride and the turning radius is way better and I like the new dash to. Also the grill looks awesome, makes the 99-04 stock grills look like commercial trucks.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Breezewood (S.Central) PA
I traded in my '95 F250 SC LB on an '05 F350 DRW CC LB and the ride is MUCH better in the '05. My '95 was like riding a buckboard where the '05 is very smooth.
Also the turning radias is much better in the '05. My '95 was only a supercab but I had more problems parking it than I do the '05.
That's my $.02 worth of what I've seen between the 2.
Also the turning radias is much better in the '05. My '95 was only a supercab but I had more problems parking it than I do the '05.
That's my $.02 worth of what I've seen between the 2.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Long Island USA
Originally Posted by Yeti
That will be there as long as they use U-jonts rather than cv's
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MrKen, I just traded my 99' F350 DRW in on a 05' KR DRW F350. The ride and handling are a quatum leap over the 99'. Just to put things in perspective,I had a 80 F350 for 19 yrs before the 99'. The 99' was a vast improvement over the 80'. The new design allows for more precise control of caster. That tranlates into better directional control. You should test drive the 05 and the 04. But be warned you will be hooked. BTW all my trucks have been 4WD. Hello to all
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Senior User
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From: Breezewood (S.Central) PA
Originally Posted by krewat
I understand that, but how much WORSE is it?
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: PA
Not that I don't believe yall, but how can the ride quality be improved? The springs still need to be stiff enough to support the load of the truck. I have never really though of coil sprung vehicles to ride softer vs. leaf sprung ones.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,378
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From: nebraska
Another thing people do not mention is the front axle is way beefier then the old. Park an older SD next to the newer one. Youll see what I mean. The tie rod is huge and the axle tube is bigger. The frame is beefed up as well. It looks like Dodge and GM are in the dust again.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 529
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From: Fairbanks USA
I just traded in my 2000 350 standard cab for a 2003 350 super crew and the ride difference is un-believable. The 03 drives like a car compared to the 00.
It must be the longer wheelbase of the 03. I can't imagine the 05 with coils could ride smoother. But i've never driven an 05 so maybe I'll have to go test one when the dealer finally gets one on the lot.
It must be the longer wheelbase of the 03. I can't imagine the 05 with coils could ride smoother. But i've never driven an 05 so maybe I'll have to go test one when the dealer finally gets one on the lot.
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Gilroy, CA
Coil Springs do ride better
I just took delivery of an 05 Lariat, CC, 6.0L PSD, FX4, Long Bed. I test drove 03 and 04 similar vehicles. The 05 gives a much better ride. Coil springs don't have the friction drag between the leaves as leaf springs do. My brother has an 04, CC, FX4, short bed and my turning radius with the 05 long bed is the same or tighter than his.
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