Front end leveling
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New User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2
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From: San Deigo
Front end leveling
I'm sure most people won't agree with this, but here's my plan.
I bought a 99 that has 35x12.5x16.5 on Weld Rims with a 4" front lift. I don't want it set-up like this, so I'm going back to stock rims, and probably 265 times. For the suspension, I want to get the 4" leaf's out and either go back to stock or get a 2" leveling lift. Plus I want to put new shocks on all 4 locations to get rid of some of the bounce.
Question is, for the 2" leveling lift I have heard 3 options
1) 2" leafs
2) stock leafs with helper leafs on-top
3) stock leafs that I guess have a bracketed lift where they are mounted
Which one would people recommend?
I bought a 99 that has 35x12.5x16.5 on Weld Rims with a 4" front lift. I don't want it set-up like this, so I'm going back to stock rims, and probably 265 times. For the suspension, I want to get the 4" leaf's out and either go back to stock or get a 2" leveling lift. Plus I want to put new shocks on all 4 locations to get rid of some of the bounce.
Question is, for the 2" leveling lift I have heard 3 options
1) 2" leafs
2) stock leafs with helper leafs on-top
3) stock leafs that I guess have a bracketed lift where they are mounted
Which one would people recommend?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,372
Likes: 14
From: West Cornwall, CT
If you still have the original stock springs, they could be reinstalled along with a helper spring to give you the 2" lift. This would be the lowest cost option.
Another choice would be to get a set of Ford 6000# front springs that came with the snow plow package. This should just about level your truck and you know the springs will fit and work right. The ride is firm, but it is a truck after all.
Aftermarket replacement springs are the most expensive option but they have the best ride.
Lou Braun
Another choice would be to get a set of Ford 6000# front springs that came with the snow plow package. This should just about level your truck and you know the springs will fit and work right. The ride is firm, but it is a truck after all.
Aftermarket replacement springs are the most expensive option but they have the best ride.
Lou Braun
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,948
Likes: 44
A set of springs with a helper, or overload spring on top will not lift the vehicle. An overload will only assist after the spring is compressed. Since the stock spring is a neg. arch spring, it just will not work. Overload springs are for the rear.
Finding a stock set of springs is not too dfficult, you will have a few things to consider.
Most 4" kits come with a trac bar relocation bracket, so you will have to obtain a stock one to bring everything back to stock. You will also have to figure out how the rear was lifted so you can also lower it back to stock heigth, or the front will still be much lower than the rear. This might have been done with an add-a-leaf, an additional block, or a completly new spring. If a new spring was used, it will require the purchase of a stock one to return back to stock heigth.
The stock sway-bar links will have to be obtained if these were changed.
The driveline center support bearing may need to be adjusted if it was dropped to eliminate vibration after it was lifted.
That looks to be it. None of which is very difficult, just a little bit more than meets the eye. Gotta know everything involved before you jump in with both feet.
You are only in San Diego, not too far from me. PM me if you have questions, or need help. I have stock stuff laying around the shop, and can help you out if you need
Finding a stock set of springs is not too dfficult, you will have a few things to consider.
Most 4" kits come with a trac bar relocation bracket, so you will have to obtain a stock one to bring everything back to stock. You will also have to figure out how the rear was lifted so you can also lower it back to stock heigth, or the front will still be much lower than the rear. This might have been done with an add-a-leaf, an additional block, or a completly new spring. If a new spring was used, it will require the purchase of a stock one to return back to stock heigth.
The stock sway-bar links will have to be obtained if these were changed.
The driveline center support bearing may need to be adjusted if it was dropped to eliminate vibration after it was lifted.
That looks to be it. None of which is very difficult, just a little bit more than meets the eye. Gotta know everything involved before you jump in with both feet.
You are only in San Diego, not too far from me. PM me if you have questions, or need help. I have stock stuff laying around the shop, and can help you out if you need
