Front Suspension Upgrade
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
Front Suspension Upgrade
I was wondering if anyone has used a product by Timbren. This product by Timbren bolts in where the bump stop goes. I am looking into doing some thing to the front of my 95 psd. I have a snow plow for it and i just changed the cutting blade on it and added a back drag blade also. The new balde is 1/2" thick, much heavier than stock one. With the extra weight the front end sags even farther down.
Does anyone have any thoughts on what to use (leaf helpers) or any thing else that does not raise ride height
Thanks
Does anyone have any thoughts on what to use (leaf helpers) or any thing else that does not raise ride height
Thanks
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: Thunder Bay, Canada
I've got the Timbren load boosters on my 95 F250. I think they're great. With my plow mounted up, i haven't had any problems with suspension bottoming out. I noticed no difference in ride quality in the off season either. The timbrens either just touch at rest or there is a very slight gap. When the plow is mounted up, the springs touch the booster all the time.
I think they are worth it. IMO, I wouldn't put in an extra leaf, it'll just ride that much rougher when the plow isn't mounted up, and my truck rides much too rough for my liking already.
Only other option you probably have is a set of air bags.
I'm actually getting ready to install a Dana 60 in that truck. I am using my old 89 F350 as the donor. The F350 springs were much better riding in that truck, and i'm looking forward to the extra 1.5 inch ride height. I was used to the F350 for plowing for 9 years, and i find the 3/4 ton sits just too low for my liking. My plow at full angle, and lift keeps catching on highspots when i'm backing up, ticks me off.
Good luck with whatever you choose. If you want some photos of my timbren setup, i can probably get some tomorrow.
Ken
I think they are worth it. IMO, I wouldn't put in an extra leaf, it'll just ride that much rougher when the plow isn't mounted up, and my truck rides much too rough for my liking already.
Only other option you probably have is a set of air bags. I'm actually getting ready to install a Dana 60 in that truck. I am using my old 89 F350 as the donor. The F350 springs were much better riding in that truck, and i'm looking forward to the extra 1.5 inch ride height. I was used to the F350 for plowing for 9 years, and i find the 3/4 ton sits just too low for my liking. My plow at full angle, and lift keeps catching on highspots when i'm backing up, ticks me off.
Good luck with whatever you choose. If you want some photos of my timbren setup, i can probably get some tomorrow.
Ken
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
Thanks for the info Ken I just ordered a pair of Timbrens. They should be here by the weekend. I'm glad to hear that you like them and that help out with the plow. Hopefully I can get them on be for it snows
Thanks again
Thanks again
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: Thunder Bay, Canada
Rocco, i did install them myself, little over a year ago, so my memory isn't too fresh on the job right now.
I don't recall if i had to take the shock bolts out, but i think i probably had to take the lower ones out, and swung the shocks out enough to get a socket on the bolts behind it. You'll need to have a wrench to get the nuts inside the frame. As i recall they were fun, but not impossible.
I think i used a floor jack under the frame behind the spring hangers to lift the truck and allow the axle to sag, and make some room. It didn't take much, and i'm not sure right now if it was even necessary.
About the hardest part of the job is taking off the old bolts from the shock mount, and the old rubber block mount. I recall using a torch to cut off the bolts, (or more likely they were rivets) holding the existing rubber block to the frame. Then i believe i had to clearance another rivet, or something, with an angle grinder before the timbren mount would sit flush against the frame.
I was just looking at the install instructions on the timbren site.
http://www.timbren.com/timbren-appli...fs/FF2504A.pdf
The base plate in these directions look to be a different shape than the one i got, but maybe it's just a generalized thing in all their directions.
Should be a 2-3 hour job if you have the tools, and a torch set.
Ken
I don't recall if i had to take the shock bolts out, but i think i probably had to take the lower ones out, and swung the shocks out enough to get a socket on the bolts behind it. You'll need to have a wrench to get the nuts inside the frame. As i recall they were fun, but not impossible.
I think i used a floor jack under the frame behind the spring hangers to lift the truck and allow the axle to sag, and make some room. It didn't take much, and i'm not sure right now if it was even necessary.
About the hardest part of the job is taking off the old bolts from the shock mount, and the old rubber block mount. I recall using a torch to cut off the bolts, (or more likely they were rivets) holding the existing rubber block to the frame. Then i believe i had to clearance another rivet, or something, with an angle grinder before the timbren mount would sit flush against the frame.
I was just looking at the install instructions on the timbren site.
http://www.timbren.com/timbren-appli...fs/FF2504A.pdf
The base plate in these directions look to be a different shape than the one i got, but maybe it's just a generalized thing in all their directions.
Should be a 2-3 hour job if you have the tools, and a torch set.
Ken
