My 92 F250 SC 4X4 has a couple of annoying problems with the front end.

#1. When the outside temperature is below freezing and cold, I get a distinctive knocking from the front end passenger side suspension. This sound is only present when going over bumps. Smaller bumps like uneven packed snow at moderate speed really accentuate the noise. When the temperature is warmer (rainy west coast climate), the sound is not really noticable. I was told it could be a some type of joint that is worn, but why would it only make the noise when it is freezing out. Could it be possible that the shock that has some kind of fluid in it is making this noise due to the fluid not flowing through the valves when cold.

#2.
A few years back, I wanted to have the front end of the truck leveled, and felt the leaf springs were sagging too much. A local shop sent out a set of F250 leafs they had, and had a leaf added, and everything refurbished. This did raise and level the front end. Problem is the leafs they had sent out were for a deisel. I have a 460 gasser. Apparently a big weight difference. The front end is so stiff, my head almost hits the roof when going over deep pot holes. The ride on anything less than pavement is almost unbarable at any speed over a slow crawl. I have the option to get my old springs back, but like the hieght. If I have a leaf added to them, and have them overhauled, do you think I will get a softer ride.

Thanks for the responses
Mr. P

 

I contacted my local mechanic who advised that the knocking over smaller bumps was most likely my front shock. He suggested that sometimes the fluid has leaked out (Bushings go bad) and sometimes water gets in and causes this problem when things get cold. My thoughts were that the front shock was most likely the problem.

I contacted a leaf spring shop today, and was advised that they could remove one of the leafs (has three total which is apparently one more than stock) that was added to these deisel units, and that it would soften the ride out. I am seriously thinking of doing this, and am hoping I would maintain my front end height.

Kind of answering my own question, but hope someone else may gain some insight into a present or future problem of a similair nature.

Mr. P