installing new front leaf springs
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installing new front leaf springs
i just ordered some new tuff country easy ride front leaf springs for my 1990 4x4 diesel f-250.
is installing them something that i can do myself? or do i need to take it into a shop to have it done? it looks like i have to drop the entire front axle down to put them in.
is installing them something that i can do myself? or do i need to take it into a shop to have it done? it looks like i have to drop the entire front axle down to put them in.
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2004
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Shock length, drag link length, pitman arm, brake lines, sway bars, drive shaft's, pinion angles. 2" isn't a hole lot, but these things will be effected somewhat. All you can do is put them in and see where your at. Maby someone on here has done the same thing ?
Butt-Head
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 9,448
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From: Reed Point, MT
Yes you can install the leaf springs yourself. Just support the vehicle very carefully. That diesel weighs nearly a ton (1300 lbs. wet) and that's a lot of pressure on jackstands, etc.. Do not use cinder blocks!! Been there, done that, doesn't hold a diesel.
However, the springs you ordered weren't just springs were they? If so, you still need to pick up some TTB pivot drop brackets. Those will be the most time-consuming part of the job since you have to cut/drill/grind (however you choose to do it) all the wonderful rivets that attach the stock brackets to the frame.
With 2" of lift about the only thing you'll have to do is adjust the draglink collar (to make the draglink slightly longer) and take the truck in for an alignment (since it will be WAY off!!). Then, once the springs sag a little, get another alignment. Gotta love the TTB!!
Cody
However, the springs you ordered weren't just springs were they? If so, you still need to pick up some TTB pivot drop brackets. Those will be the most time-consuming part of the job since you have to cut/drill/grind (however you choose to do it) all the wonderful rivets that attach the stock brackets to the frame.
With 2" of lift about the only thing you'll have to do is adjust the draglink collar (to make the draglink slightly longer) and take the truck in for an alignment (since it will be WAY off!!). Then, once the springs sag a little, get another alignment. Gotta love the TTB!!
Cody
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what i ordered was JUST the leaf springs. no hardware or anything else was included.
http://www.suspensionconnection.com/...3.html#ITEMIMG
http://www.suspensionconnection.com/...3.html#ITEMIMG
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 9,236
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From: Senoia, GA
that is kind of sketchy.... with 2" of lift you may not need the pivot drop brackets but it is highly recomended. if you end up not being able to align it without doing major fabbin, you will need to purchase the drop brackets.
swapping springs is pretty easy.... however it is a bit time consuming and you will really want to have some help. you basically need to jack the truck way up (not by the front axle) and support it then unload the front springs by lowerin the front axle by a second jack.
-cutts-
swapping springs is pretty easy.... however it is a bit time consuming and you will really want to have some help. you basically need to jack the truck way up (not by the front axle) and support it then unload the front springs by lowerin the front axle by a second jack.
-cutts-
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an off-road shop said they would do it for $200. i'm just going to have them swap the springs and go get my truck aligned.
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Joined: Mar 2004
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From: S.E. Washington
Your new springs will probably include four U-bolt sets. The off-road shop will most likely cut off the old U-bolts and toss them (as they should). If not included, you can pick some up from most "farm supply" stores for under $10 each, or check with the off-road shop. I would also change the 9/16" bolts that hold the springs to their brackets. The factory ones were never meant to come apart, and they are probably rusted together anyway.
Other than that, it's just a matter of getting it aligned. I'd like to know how it works out for you. I installed single add-a-leafs on my F-250 that was sagging badly and the camber was thrown way off. I took them off a couple days later. Then I installed Tuff Country's leveling spring packs with the 2" drop brackets and the problem was solved. They are adjustable so you can adjust the camber yourself. I would highly recommend having them installed if a standard alignment won't bring the camber angle into spec. Good luck!
Other than that, it's just a matter of getting it aligned. I'd like to know how it works out for you. I installed single add-a-leafs on my F-250 that was sagging badly and the camber was thrown way off. I took them off a couple days later. Then I installed Tuff Country's leveling spring packs with the 2" drop brackets and the problem was solved. They are adjustable so you can adjust the camber yourself. I would highly recommend having them installed if a standard alignment won't bring the camber angle into spec. Good luck!
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Quesnel, BC, Canada
i had an 80 bronco when I was 15, coil sprung I know but TTB still. I wanted just a little more clearance in the front, so I bought some of those coil spring spacers 
and cranked em up to the full 1.5". My springs hadnt sagged, they were newer, so the 1.5" lifted it up 1.5" over stock (not back to stock)....end of story, I had to take them out because it totally screwed my camber up. Youll need the TTB drop brackets, Id just go to a local steel fab shop with some templates...it'll be cheaper. You shouldnt need new pitman arm, you should be able to correct the toe in on your tie rods alone...unless you do serious wheeling.
and cranked em up to the full 1.5". My springs hadnt sagged, they were newer, so the 1.5" lifted it up 1.5" over stock (not back to stock)....end of story, I had to take them out because it totally screwed my camber up. Youll need the TTB drop brackets, Id just go to a local steel fab shop with some templates...it'll be cheaper. You shouldnt need new pitman arm, you should be able to correct the toe in on your tie rods alone...unless you do serious wheeling.
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i'm just going to swap out my stock springs for these. use the same u-bolts if they're long enough since the new springs didn't come with any. then i'm taking it to a shop to be aligned. we'll see how it all works out.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Quesnel, BC, Canada
your front end isnt a solid piece, its like IFS but not quite. Picture it as an 'X' the right half is attatched to the left side of the engine cross member and vice versa. Its called Twin Traction Beam, or TTB for short. If you lift the outside of the beam only, it will suck the bottom of the tire towards the inside of the truck, and shoot the top of the tire out...its all about geometry and angles. you can buy brackets from almost any aftermarket suspension dealer, or just search hard on the internet and im sure you can find templates to get made