New Front Springs
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: Northern New Jersey
New Front Springs
Ive only had my 1986 2wd for a few months but I always felt that it had a nice ride. But since the right side of the front end rode a few inches lower than the left, I figured it was time for new front springs. As far as I could tell they had never been replaced and were the originals.
I bought a set of standard springs from AutoZone-not higher nor lower since Im more into an original looking truck. I put them in yesterday and took them for a test ride today and they are horrible. The truck is now so bouncy that I cant stand it at all. If I hadnt changed the shock absorbers at the same time Id be busy doing that instead of writing this.
Is this the way its going to be? Will they settle in or will I get used to the ride this way? I really hate it now and wish there was something I could do. Does anyone have any suggestions? Anything to make it less bouncy would be great. I guess Ill lower the tire pressure but I hate to do that. Anything else you guys can think of? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
George Leonard
I bought a set of standard springs from AutoZone-not higher nor lower since Im more into an original looking truck. I put them in yesterday and took them for a test ride today and they are horrible. The truck is now so bouncy that I cant stand it at all. If I hadnt changed the shock absorbers at the same time Id be busy doing that instead of writing this.
Is this the way its going to be? Will they settle in or will I get used to the ride this way? I really hate it now and wish there was something I could do. Does anyone have any suggestions? Anything to make it less bouncy would be great. I guess Ill lower the tire pressure but I hate to do that. Anything else you guys can think of? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
George Leonard
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,002
Likes: 1
From: Right Next to U
Cheap shocks will make a soft ride....the more $$ you spend on a good set of shocks the better the handling and the ride will be. Remember to get TRUCK shocks. You get what you paid for if its cheap quality...
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 733
Likes: 2
there is a good chance that your old springs were so worn that they made the ride seem soft. the new springs will relax a little, and GOOD shocks do make a big difference. i agree with locknkey, that buying a quality set of truck shocks will improve your ride. stick with it, it will improve with a few miles
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,635
Likes: 0
From: Niceville, FL.
According to my Ford "1983 Light Truck Specifications Book" the original coil springs were "Computer Selected." I once asked a retired Ford mechanic what this meant and in essence he said springs were selected by a computer for each "Build" based on a number of factors including axle capacity, engine size, wheel base, transmission, accessories such as A/C, etc. to obtain correct ride height and other specifications. Sounds like your new springs may be too "soft" for your application. If you can still read the number tags on the original springs and post them, possibly someone like "Numberdummy" who frequents this forum might be able to research the spring rates.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 785
From: Simi Valley, CA
There are no more spring charts in the 1980 and later parts books. 
The only way to get the correct springs is to take the code from the Rating (VIN) Plate and then use it in the parts book section 5310 (front) or 5560 (rear) to discover what springs were originally in the truck. There's no way any longer of comparing spring weights...A PITA! &^&%^ FORD!!
The only way to get the correct springs is to take the code from the Rating (VIN) Plate and then use it in the parts book section 5310 (front) or 5560 (rear) to discover what springs were originally in the truck. There's no way any longer of comparing spring weights...A PITA! &^&%^ FORD!!
