F350 lowering
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Apr 2008
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F350 lowering
Hi everyone. First post here. I have an '06 F350 SD crew cab short box. This truck replaces my F250. The additional lift of the 350 is causing some clearance headaches and I'm looking to see if there's a simple way to lower the back 2 inches. It appears that the 350 uses a 4 or 5" spacer block between the rear axle and spring which is twice the size of the same part on the F250. It seem that if I were simply to replace this spacer with the shorter one, the difference would be sufficient for what I'm trying to accomplish. There also seem to be enough natural "rake" in the suspension that I would still be taller in the back end than in the front. Can anybody tell me if this is an acceptable way to go? I haul horses in a goose neck, but other than that, never really use the full capability of the 350. That said, I certainly don't want to compromise safety. Anybody's input would be greatly appreciated! Thanks everyone. Jim
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: West Cornwall, CT
The dealer should have all of the information needed to do this modification. Ford came out with instructions on how to do this. I think that this was released as a technical service bulletin.
Lou Braun
Lou Braun
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Joined: Aug 2007
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I did it with my '06 F350 4X4 SRW because I pull a 5th wheel. There is a TSB for it that gives the part numbers and all we really needed was the 2" blocks that are used on the F250 and F350 4X2 and the U bolts for them. It was a around $110 at the Ford dealer. Since changing the rear height we now get a start up shudder since it changed the angle of the drive shaft. Air bags or traction bars have been recommended to correct the shudder problem but I have not installed either yet.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Corvallis, OR
If you want some F250 blocks I'll trade you for the one's that came off my truck. They are same as '06. I have a friend wanting F350 blocks so this would work out well.
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5th Wheeling
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Apr 2008
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To Banditsdaddy: I found the TSB for this change and they specifically address the shudder issue. See: 07-7-2 Rear Of Vehicle Is Too High/low - 5th Wheel And Goose Neck Applications - 4x4 - The Diesel Garage Forums
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Joined: Aug 2007
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Thanks wildwest2 , I had the TSB one time and lost it. I am going to check into the Center Bearing mounting bracket with Ford. When I ordered the parts at my local ford dealer they didn't mention the bracket and said that changing the shocks really didn't matter.
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5th Wheeling
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Center bearing bracket
Bandit's daddy. Save your call to your dealer. I just checked mine and found a spacer above the bracket that's just the right size for going from a 2 inch to 4 inch. In other words, if you're going from a 4 inch to 2, simply remove the spacer. I trig'd it out this morning just to make sure and the spacer is just the right size that when removed, puts the drive line back in perfect alignment with the shorter blocks. Jim
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Thanks wildwest2 I don't remember seeing a spacer above the bracket on mine but I'll take another look. I lubed the splines this morning. Have to work the next 2 days and will be traveling the 2 days after that but will definitely check it out. The only time I get the shudder is when I'm pulling my 5th wheel, it drops the rear about 3".
Last edited by banditsdaddy; Apr 18, 2008 at 05:59 PM. Reason: add info
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5th Wheeling
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3 inches?????????? WE may have found the problem. Write me after you check the spacer. Lets make sure the driveline is correct and then tackle any lingering shudder problem. 3 inches is way too much. The question is why. You can write me direct at wildwest2a@aol.com Jim
