Front leaf springs....

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Mar 7, 2007 | 09:24 AM

classicfordfreak

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From: Sunfield,MI

Front leaf springs....

Hopefully you guys can give me some opinions and insight here. I've got a 90 F-150 that i converted to leaf springs and a straight axle dana 44HD up front. They came from a 78 F-250. Well of course with ford leaf springs, they are sagging pretty good now. The truck had a L6 in it and i have pulled it out and put a 390 in it. With the straight six the springs were sagging significantly and now with the big block they are worse. My question is, would you guys recommend putting new springs in it or maybe just putting an ad-a-leaf kit in it. The truck has a 3" body lift and by the time i got done with the axle swap it sits about 5 to 6 inches taller than stock and i don't really want to lift it anymore than it is now. Any opinions are greatly appreciated. Also, if you recommend new springs, what is a good way to go as far as aftermarket or replacement, or just having some springs custom made. Money is obviously an option. Enough said, thanks, matt

Mar 7, 2007 | 10:18 AM

todder53

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Joined: Mar 2002

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From: Somerset, Wisconsin

If you're looking for a short term fix go with the add-a-leafs but i would just get new springs all together. Then you don't have anything to worry about down the road. Don't have any custom made looking at too much money. JC Whitney has replacements front springs for $100.

Mar 7, 2007 | 11:16 AM

rebocardo

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Joined: Jun 2002

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From: Atlanta GA

Skip the add a leaf. Get new springs or even springs from a junkyard. Myself, I would go to a local truck/spring shop if you live near an urban area and have custom new springs made. You want a lot of leaves in the front with flex, otherwise the ride will be harsh and brutal on the steering components. Basically, get more lift from more springs (1/4" x # of springs) and counter that with a lower rate springs. Then counter the soft ride with better/dual shocks.

Since the eye to eye length is so short on front springs, you really do not want only 3-4 springs or an overload spring to achieve the lift because it will be a harsh ride.

For front springs, military wrap is never a bad idea.

I have seen charts for this somewhere ... and basically did not understand it, spring guy will though

FE 390 into a 1990, you're the man!!! :-)

Mar 7, 2007 | 11:48 AM

classicfordfreak

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From: Sunfield,MI

I already have dual shocks up front. What i would like is too fix the sagging problem. The truck is used for pulling a trailer around home and mild offroad use. I have a set of 4 inch lift springs off a high boy that would bolt right on it but i don't really want to lift it anymore than it already is. So i would like to either fix what i have or buy new.

Mar 7, 2007 | 02:57 PM

BUZZer67

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Joined: Jun 2006

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From: On A Lake

I was reading an article in a mag (I think it was petersons) about some fiberglass springs...
Now that was on a jeep but maybe they have some for a F-150

it may be worth a shot to look into

.02

Mar 7, 2007 | 06:43 PM

classicfordfreak

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Joined: Dec 2005

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From: Sunfield,MI

First off, the truck has a big block and i need the springs for the front, Second, Fiberglass? I did read that article and it doesn't sound that bad for something small like a jeep as you said. I wouldn't really feel too safe with them in a full size pickup, especially while holding a big block and pulling a car-hauler around all the time. Thanks for the insight though, greatly appreciated.