Suspension Packages
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Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Wasilla Alaska
Suspension Packages
Hello, Im trying to find out which suspension package is the most heavy duty, front and rear. Camper, Heavy Service, Snow Plow? Do you have to get a combination of them to get the max, or is there one package that covers all the bases? Thank You.
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2004
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I think the camper pkg offers the most" bang for the buck". It stiffens the front 1 or 2 levels,adds the same stabilizer as the stabilizer pkg and adds a set of rear overload springs. Cost here (Canada) is a $50 Cdn. bargain.I suspect the snow plow pkg stiffens the front more than the rear.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
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I am about to order an F350 with the TowBoss Package. I will tow a 5th wheel that is about 16,000-lbs. Should I be getting the Camper Package, or is that just overkill. I have no intention of ever using the truck with a slide in camper.
On my current 94 F350, the fully loaded weight on the rear axle is about 7,500-lbs., which is right at the GVWR of the rear axle. The 2005 has a GVWR of 9,100 lbs.
Any thoughts on the Camper Package?
On my current 94 F350, the fully loaded weight on the rear axle is about 7,500-lbs., which is right at the GVWR of the rear axle. The 2005 has a GVWR of 9,100 lbs.
Any thoughts on the Camper Package?
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
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Get the heavy service package. Especially for 2wd trucks. It raises front axle capacity and spring rate. It actually makes the truck sit a bit higher up front from what I've heard. Forget factory overloads if getting them means not getting the heavy service upgrade, they don't seem to do anything until the truck is already sagging anyway. The best thing to do would be to add two leaves to the rear spring pack. Even one leaf can make a substantial difference
depending on the spring rate. I had heard somewhere that Ford's stock leaf rates are in the area of 1250lbs per inch flex. This is too soft considering it's a pack containing 4 springs. Adding a spring with 2300lbs+ rating to them should help out alot. Of more value than the auxilliary springs though, is the sway bar,
I don't know if this comes with the heavy service package or not.
depending on the spring rate. I had heard somewhere that Ford's stock leaf rates are in the area of 1250lbs per inch flex. This is too soft considering it's a pack containing 4 springs. Adding a spring with 2300lbs+ rating to them should help out alot. Of more value than the auxilliary springs though, is the sway bar,
I don't know if this comes with the heavy service package or not.
New User
Joined: Aug 2004
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So 2" of spring sag yields 2500lbs? 3" yields 3750lbs? Not too shabby I would say.
Back to the question...the camper pkg in 03 got the heavy service front springs along with the overloads and rear anti sway bar. Not sure about the snow plow pkg. Hope this helps.
Back to the question...the camper pkg in 03 got the heavy service front springs along with the overloads and rear anti sway bar. Not sure about the snow plow pkg. Hope this helps.
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Freshman User
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From: mass
I have an 05 F-350 DRW SC pickup. It has a rear stabilizer bar. Acording to ford's 05 superduty brochure stabilizer bar is standard on DRW, in optional packages on SRW.
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Senior User
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Originally Posted by Elkchaser
So 2" of spring sag yields 2500lbs? 3" yields 3750lbs? Not too shabby I would say.
Back to the question...the camper pkg in 03 got the heavy service front springs along with the overloads and rear anti sway bar. Not sure about the snow plow pkg. Hope this helps.
Back to the question...the camper pkg in 03 got the heavy service front springs along with the overloads and rear anti sway bar. Not sure about the snow plow pkg. Hope this helps.
New User
Joined: Jul 2004
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Does anybody know how the Camper package will affect ride? I am ordering an '05 F250 and the dealer is trying to talk me into the Camper package. I am unlikely to ever have a camper, but may tow an RV trailer or boat. I am more interested in the ride than absolute towing and/or payload capacity.
thanks
thanks
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Michigan
i have the camper package and it doesnt affect the ride. as stated you get a rear sway bar which helps cornering. It will also help with a camper (duh) but will also help with towing. the overloads are kind of a joke since you need to load alot of weight for them to even touch and then you are shinning every tree you drive by at night. they need to raise the over load spring up so it contacts its stops sooner.
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Cincinnati, Ohio
I have an 05 FX4 CC LB SRW PSD with the camper package. My overload springs have only about 1" to contact the front frame pad and ~ 2" for the rear. It seems that it will be progressive with this (I will check other dealer stock to see if this is typical). The camper package adds 1 up in spring rate in the front (400lbs), rear sway bar and rear helper. I don't have a camper (bought from dealer stock).
I can't comment on differences in ride, mine is pretty stiff but that may be the 'lousy' Continental tires (18") which will not be on my truck for long.
SRW sway bars were removed from being standard on 05 F350 SRW mid model year (per spec book).
I can't comment on differences in ride, mine is pretty stiff but that may be the 'lousy' Continental tires (18") which will not be on my truck for long.
SRW sway bars were removed from being standard on 05 F350 SRW mid model year (per spec book).
New User
Joined: Nov 2004
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I have snow plow prep on my 04 5.4 CC 250 and the ride is much stiffer, not even close to stock trucks. The ride is a DREAM when I have a salter in the back and my plow on the front, otherwise I'm fourwheelin on pavement it seems. If the ride is most important, keep it stock and try some aftermarket mods when you need them. Alot of plow/tow guys swear by timbrens, they are cheap and help with sag tremendously, front or rear.......