Coils or Leafs
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,324
Likes: 4
From: Michigan
Coils or Leafs
I'm interested in purchasing a used F250 CC shortbed 4x4.
Is there much difference in ride quality of the newer coil sprung frontend over the older leaf?
What year did they switch over, 05?
Is there much difference in ride quality of the newer coil sprung frontend over the older leaf?
What year did they switch over, 05?
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 67
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From: Wilmington,NC
Al, I think they switched in '05, I had a '03 F250 with the leaf springs and now have an'08 with the coils, the '03 didn't ride bad but you needed a mile to turn it around,the '08 does ride better and woo-hoo! I can make u-turns on city streets now! Look for the coils if possible,its one beefy front end! Chris
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From: Forney, Texas
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 6,757
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From: Corvallis, OR
Well, actually wheelbase makes a huge difference in turning radius too. My super cab short box turns way sharper than my dad's crew cab long box, both '03 with leaf springs.
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From: PA
Ride quality is subjective. The coil sprung trucks seem to have more of a floaty (AKA old 70's car) ride to me. The leafs seem to be a bit more stiff and have less body roll. The coil truck do turn a lot tighter for sure.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Albuquerque
Originally Posted by cartmanea
Well, actually wheelbase makes a huge difference in turning radius too. My super cab short box turns way sharper than my dad's crew cab long box, both '03 with leaf springs.
Either parking lots have gotten smaller...or they need to get bigger???!!!
biz
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,613
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From: Flagstaff, Arizona
You never said which engine option you are considering with this truck. There is a big difference in Diesels starting in 03. That year you can get either a 7.3L or a 6.0L. Pretty significant difference between the two engines! The V10 or 5.4 changed from a 2v to a 3v at some point....not sure of that, but I'm sure somebody will chime in.
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From: Stephensville WI
Power Stroke engines: 99-03 7.3L, 03-07 6.0L, 08+ 6.4L
Gas engine: 99-04 2V V-8 and V-10. 05+ 3V V-8 and V-10.
Automatic Transmissions: 99-04 4R100 on gas engines, 99-03 on 7.3L. 04+ on Power Strokes (6.0 and 6.4) and 05+ gas engines, 5R110W Torqshift.
Front Suspension: 99-04 Leaf Springs. 05+ coil springs
Brakes: 99-04 smaller disc brakes. 05+ larger disc brakes.
Gas engine: 99-04 2V V-8 and V-10. 05+ 3V V-8 and V-10.
Automatic Transmissions: 99-04 4R100 on gas engines, 99-03 on 7.3L. 04+ on Power Strokes (6.0 and 6.4) and 05+ gas engines, 5R110W Torqshift.
Front Suspension: 99-04 Leaf Springs. 05+ coil springs
Brakes: 99-04 smaller disc brakes. 05+ larger disc brakes.