Wondering what options there are for pre 1977 F250 Highboys? The largest i could find was a skyjacker 4" system. My experiences have always been 1977-1996, but im looking into (hopefully) getting a 75 F250 highboy and am just trying to get a feel for my options. Is add-a-leaf the only way to get more than 4" lift, what about shackle flip kits, and recomendations? (NO BODY LIFTS )

Thanks in advance

 

you can get (special order/custom made) springs taller than 4", but you get a stiffer ride, and a truck that is less stable. If you want bigger tires, the general consensus now is to trim the fenders to clear the tires. With the proper trimming, you can fit 38s without a lift.

 

a spring shop can make virtually any lift height you want within reason im sure, they simply add the arc to the spring to get the desired ride height- not rocket science. it may be pretty pricey though, i never checked into the price. i had a spring shop make u-bolts and custom riser blocks for me

 

A local spring shop will re-arch (hot) springs for about $200-400.

 

On whatever 1973-79 rig i do get i will be looking to clear 38"x15.5" GroundHawgs with only as much trimming as unnoticable. So they would just be increasing the curvature of the stock springs? and then get the proper sized shocks seperatly?

By the way im sure this is asked all the time but how much of a factory lift did highboys have over lowboys? (ive always heard around 3" but never confirmed)

 

the lowboys had flat front sprngs, highboys had a positive arch to them. Expect them to be about 2-3" higher in most cases. When they re-arch the spring, that is exactly what they are doing, creating more arch. There is 2 ways of doing it, cold, and hot. Hot is the best way, it re-tempers them, they come out as good as new. For as little lift as what you will need to clear the tires(with fender trimming, and maybe some flares if done tastefully) You could almost get away with a longer shackle, and lowering the front mount of the springs (front) and doing a shackle flip in the rear. 2" longer shackle will give you about an inch of lift. You cant get too crazy, your rig wont be safe on the road. This will maintain your ride quality, and not set you back a million dollars. I do not know if a kit manufacturer still offers springs for a highboy, but maybe will do it special order?

Alcan
national spring service
I am sure there are others, they will custom build you a spring that will ride nice. You have to weigh your rig at each tire, and give them some precise measurements to get springs that will work for you. I cant find the URL for the sites I just listed, I will try tommorow when my brain works better.

 

3" at very most i would think. the whole truck changed so its not like comparing apples to apples. they changed the frame, front axle, front leaf springs, most likely different thickness rear leaf springs, riser block was probly different height

 

i just checked skyjacker website and this what it says:

'73-'77 4" lift will fit 40x12.5x16.5 tire
'78-'79 6" lift will fit 40x12.5x16.5 tire

a kit is the way to go if you ask me because you should extend brake lines, change pinion angle, new u-bolts, use drop pitman arm- you get all this stuff in a complete kit. alot of guys half azz it then wonder why u-joints bust and brake lines get ripped apart

 

Where on their site did you find that? This is all i found

http://www.skyjacker.com/products-search-list.asp

 

http://www.skyjacker.com/image/catal...re%20chart.pdf

 

Awesum, then 15.5's will be fine, espescially with flares.

Now its just a matter of aquiring the truck...

 

The early truck can't utilize a drop pitman arm, because they use a power assist box at best, and the pitman arm simply swings parallel to the frame from front to rear. Brake lines for a 4" kit will work with the limited suspension flex of aftermarket springs using stock shock mounts. Even without front shocks attached, the springs and the very short shackle will never allow the axle to articulate enough to have brake line issues. Even stock lines can be relocated to accomodate over 8 inches of lift, Just relocate the little bracket below the frame by flipping them upside down, and you will never run out of slack.
If you are looking for a reasonable amount of flex, and a killer ride, you should consider the Super Duty (99-04) front spring. You can use this with very little modification, and can be very pleased. A 6" spring will clear 39.5" tires with little effort, and still create enough flex to make them rub at full articulation. These springs can be purchased new for less than the kits for these early trucks, and the spring technology is much better.
You will have to modify the bushing, and since you are using these on a highboy, you wil have to make a modification to the hanger, or remove the "military-wrap" leaf to make it fit. You will also have to lengthen the shackle to prevent the spring from hitting the frame when it flattens out at full compression. All in all, these are monor mods that should take only a couple of hours total to resolve, and are very much worth the effort. The removal of the "military wrap" leaf is worth about 2.5 inches of additional travel.
Be prepared to modify the shock mounts to accomodate the additional travel, but you can lift your ride for very little money without a kit.
Consider a shackle flip out back, and you can clear your tires with little effort, and save a few hundred bucks compared to a similar kit.