leaf spring to coil spring conversion
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From: Iowa
leaf spring to coil spring conversion
I have a 1988 f-150 with 6" lift and a 1988 with stock suspension. Can I do conversion from my front end leaf springs to my lift kit coil springs. I want to put my lift onto my f-250, this is the only difference i can think of as far as bolt on.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Spokane, WA
You'll need radius arms, a trac bar, and coil buckets both on the axle and on the frame. It will require a bit of fabrication. Personally I'd just get a set of lift springs for the F250. The only reason I can see for going to coils is a slightly smoother ride but you're talking a lot of work.
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From: Iowa
well i've got radius arms off of my 150 which is where i could get the rest of the parts like the coil spring buckets and the lift kit came with a new trac bar. Will f-150 parts work or not? what would i have to do as far as fabrication. the guy i bought the lift from had it on a 250 with the same coil springs.
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From: Spokane, WA
Originally Posted by 351ballsofford
If i decide or have to Where can i order 6" lift springs? I've looked for them but only found like 1" or 2"
If you use the F150 parts to do coils you'll need to weld the coil buckets to the axle. The upper brackets should be able to bolt to your frame. As I said, it can definitely be done, just a little hassle.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Spokane, WA
Alrighty, this one is for you. Go to ebay and search item 7949579198. They are 6" Skyjacker springs for a new Superduty. These are the same springs I've got on my truck. If you want to double check to be safe e-mail the seller for eye to eye measurements. I believe these will fit your truck. They're only at $100 right now.
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ivanribic i must say you did a nice job with ur truck on 44's. I'm glad ur helpin me out. I took some pictures today of the front underside of my 250 so i didn't have to keep running across town every time something popped into my head. I think i'm gonna go with the welding of the coil buckets. i notices there hooked to a joint that connects to the trac bar does the 250 do this also?
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Spokane, WA
Thanks. 
The older F250's (with the solid axle) do not use a trac bar because the leaf springs will hold the axle in place. With the coil springs you must use it or your axle will shift from side to side. It's not that hard to fab up a bracket for it though. I'm not too familiar with the fit of the radius arms but take a look and see how they mount up to the axle.
The older F250's (with the solid axle) do not use a trac bar because the leaf springs will hold the axle in place. With the coil springs you must use it or your axle will shift from side to side. It's not that hard to fab up a bracket for it though. I'm not too familiar with the fit of the radius arms but take a look and see how they mount up to the axle.
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From: Iowa
so what will i have to fabricate , honestly i'm a little confused. i've gotta add my radius arms right? the guy that put on my lift actually fabricated a bar from one side of the frame to the other for the trac bar. that 250 i have has a trac bar.
Post Fiend
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From: Spokane, WA
Radius arms, coil towers (the part on the frame that holds the top of the coils), coil buckets (on the axle that holds the bottom of the coils). Doh! I forgot that F250 is a TTB axle so you'll have the trac bar already. The down side to TTB is you will need drop brackets for the axle itself or your tires will look like this \\---//. You can buy those brackets or make your own. If they're not right you're going to have a lot of problems with your front end and bad tire wear. At this point, keeping the TTB axle in mind, I would have to say you'd be much better off buying a kit for the F250. Sorry I didn't think of that sooner . . . totally spaced it off.
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From: Iowa
Well i've got the two brackets that came with the lift that lower the axle. I can use those cant i. I thought if i used the lift kit that was meant for coil on a truck that wasn't coil all i would have to do is change the springs to coils. I have the 2 drop brackets and the drop radius arm brackets and a replacement trac bar, with built up mount, on the front of the frame.