Shock upgrade or leveling kit
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Shock upgrade or leveling kit
I'm trying to figure out what would be the best option for my truck. I have an 05 350 super cab short box Lariat FX4 with a 8' Fisher plow. I checked the door panel and the shock rating on the sticker is CCCC. I read a post awhile ago that said what the ratings for various Ford shocks are but i can't find it again.
What would be the best thing for me to do to the truck to bring up the front end especially when i have my plow hooked up. Is a leveling kit just a quick fix and couldn't handle the stress from plowing? I rather do it right the first time especially if i'm going to put the money into it..
If i put stronger Ford coils on it will change the ride quality that much? And if i change the coils what should i put on for shocks? Bilsteins? Any and all suggestions would be great!!
What would be the best thing for me to do to the truck to bring up the front end especially when i have my plow hooked up. Is a leveling kit just a quick fix and couldn't handle the stress from plowing? I rather do it right the first time especially if i'm going to put the money into it..
If i put stronger Ford coils on it will change the ride quality that much? And if i change the coils what should i put on for shocks? Bilsteins? Any and all suggestions would be great!!
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 6,245
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From: IL, USA
Do you have the plow package on your truck?
For stock height, yes I would do the bilsteins.
You could go to a heavier stock spring like what's on the 450/550 line of trucks, but it will definitely ride firmer (I have a 06 F-450 and 07 F-350 to compare).
If you do a spacer for a leveling kit, it won't change spring rate or load capacity of the front coils. It will just give you a lift however tall the spacer is (1-2.5")
Another option would be the load assist air bags that go inside the front coils and give you an additional 1000lbs of support when aired up.
For stock height, yes I would do the bilsteins.
You could go to a heavier stock spring like what's on the 450/550 line of trucks, but it will definitely ride firmer (I have a 06 F-450 and 07 F-350 to compare).
If you do a spacer for a leveling kit, it won't change spring rate or load capacity of the front coils. It will just give you a lift however tall the spacer is (1-2.5")
Another option would be the load assist air bags that go inside the front coils and give you an additional 1000lbs of support when aired up.
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DCS-
I don't believe i do, it's a new to me '05 so is there any way i could tell?? I'm sure a ford dealer could run the VIN and tell me, no?
I thought that if the spring rating for the front was different than the rear that would be some indicator of an upgraded front factory suspension to indicate a plow package but as i said the rating on the door jam sticker read CCCC.
The salesman at the dealership i bought it from said the plow was put on at the factory but he could have just been blowin smoke up my a**!!! Who knows. I would just like to bring up the front end w/o the plow and prevent as much squat when it is on.
Do you think a leveling kit would weaken the front when plowing and not take the abuse??
I don't believe i do, it's a new to me '05 so is there any way i could tell?? I'm sure a ford dealer could run the VIN and tell me, no?
I thought that if the spring rating for the front was different than the rear that would be some indicator of an upgraded front factory suspension to indicate a plow package but as i said the rating on the door jam sticker read CCCC.
The salesman at the dealership i bought it from said the plow was put on at the factory but he could have just been blowin smoke up my a**!!! Who knows. I would just like to bring up the front end w/o the plow and prevent as much squat when it is on.
Do you think a leveling kit would weaken the front when plowing and not take the abuse??
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 6,245
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From: IL, USA
Is that what it says on the sticker for "Front GAWR"?
If you use a spacer up front it won't weaken the front.
If you don't have the plow package and go with heavier factory springs it will strengthen the front.
The load assist air bags will also stiffen the front.
If you use a spacer up front it won't weaken the front.
If you don't have the plow package and go with heavier factory springs it will strengthen the front.
The load assist air bags will also stiffen the front.
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The front GAWR reads 6000, the rear reads 7000 and the SPR is CCCC
Another question, would spacers up front change the quality of the ride or could it be offset w/ a good set of shocks? Any brand of leveling kit that is the best?
BTW, the pics of your '01 are pretty sweet, that's a great lookin rig! Thanks for your help!
Another question, would spacers up front change the quality of the ride or could it be offset w/ a good set of shocks? Any brand of leveling kit that is the best?
BTW, the pics of your '01 are pretty sweet, that's a great lookin rig! Thanks for your help!
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 6,245
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From: IL, USA
Thanks, I was trying to upload current pics here but kept having issues.
All spacers are pretty much the same as far as lifting the front end. Since spring rate isn't changed, as long as the alignment is done afterwards the ride won't really change much. A good set of shocks like the Icon shocks or Bilsteins would actually improve the ride, IMO.
If you want pricing on some different options, let me know.
All spacers are pretty much the same as far as lifting the front end. Since spring rate isn't changed, as long as the alignment is done afterwards the ride won't really change much. A good set of shocks like the Icon shocks or Bilsteins would actually improve the ride, IMO.
If you want pricing on some different options, let me know.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 14,904
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From: Wayland, MI
Shocks will not lift the truck. It only dampens the ride, you can go to a heavier shock but it won't raise the truck. You can check with a local spring shop for what the heavist spring rate (snow plow prep) is and have them installed, this will raise the truck a bit but not look like a lift kit. If you like the way your truck rides right now then buy a leveling kit (spacer) and put a heavier shock on. I have a 99 with the snow plow prep and installed a leveling kit, my truck sags 3/4" when I hook my V plow up. I did notice this year that when the plow is angle one way or the other the truck dips more to that side when I lift it up. I am going to have to replace my springs next fall.
Toyman
Toyman
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DCS-
I haven't posted enough to PM you so do you have an email i could contact you to pick your brain some more? I would definitely like to figure out what my options are and what the costs would be. Thanks again!
I haven't posted enough to PM you so do you have an email i could contact you to pick your brain some more? I would definitely like to figure out what my options are and what the costs would be. Thanks again!
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