Coil Over Conversion for 1st Gen. Super Duty?
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New User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2
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Coil Over Conversion for 1st Gen. Super Duty?
Hey all,
Virgin poster here. I finally got to the position that I could afford a Super Duty (2003 reg cab 5.4) and am now looking for mods to do to it. The list gets longer by the day, friends definately help that one out.
To the nitty gritty, I want to put a coil over suspension on my front axle. The thing is, I don't want to lift it. I like how it sits now and being a short fat guy don't desire to strain myself anymore than I currently do.
I have been looking for aftermarket coil overs, but they all seem to have quite the lift to go along with them. My questions are:
1. Is there an acceptable after market coil over suspension for a first gen SD?
2. Is it possible to get the coil over from a 2nd gen and put it on or am I looking at an axle swap also?
3. Do I need to seriously look into a trade if I am set on this addition?
Thanks for the assistance guys.
--Julio
Virgin poster here. I finally got to the position that I could afford a Super Duty (2003 reg cab 5.4) and am now looking for mods to do to it. The list gets longer by the day, friends definately help that one out.
To the nitty gritty, I want to put a coil over suspension on my front axle. The thing is, I don't want to lift it. I like how it sits now and being a short fat guy don't desire to strain myself anymore than I currently do.
I have been looking for aftermarket coil overs, but they all seem to have quite the lift to go along with them. My questions are:
1. Is there an acceptable after market coil over suspension for a first gen SD?
2. Is it possible to get the coil over from a 2nd gen and put it on or am I looking at an axle swap also?
3. Do I need to seriously look into a trade if I am set on this addition?
Thanks for the assistance guys.
--Julio
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,007
Likes: 4
From: Central Florida
There is a fair amount of engineering that goes into a coil over suspension. The axle has to be located, by four link, three link or ladder bar and a track arm. Then the axle has to pivot on a radius, luckily though with the front axle you don't have to worry much about weight transfer so the fulcrum point isn't all that critical.
There most likely is not a stock height conversion kit. It's too much work for no change.
You could do the 05+ suspension, but you will either have to weld up the mounts or use the stock crossmember and axle. I think it would be easier to engineer your own parallel 4 link and add coil overs.
The leafs are a simple system, easy to work on, easy to lift and little to go wrong. I don't think you will see much gain in a coil over swap. These are 6000lbs pickups, not 2500lbs sports cars, major handling improvements will take more than just front end work.
There most likely is not a stock height conversion kit. It's too much work for no change.
You could do the 05+ suspension, but you will either have to weld up the mounts or use the stock crossmember and axle. I think it would be easier to engineer your own parallel 4 link and add coil overs.
The leafs are a simple system, easy to work on, easy to lift and little to go wrong. I don't think you will see much gain in a coil over swap. These are 6000lbs pickups, not 2500lbs sports cars, major handling improvements will take more than just front end work.
Elder User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 818
Likes: 0
From: Mobile, AL
I helped my buddy in Wisconsin do a simular setup on a 97 F350, he used Fabtech components, but did not order them by make and model, instead he ordered them by measurements and spring rate. I complained about the idea of removing the perfectly good leaf springs and doing all that work for a measley 2" of lift. He chewed up tires pretty bad untill we got all the adjustments right, it was a pain in the a$$. Please don't say you wan't Freightliner airbags for the rear too.
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 6,245
Likes: 1
From: IL, USA
For an aftermarket setup...the Full Traction coilover conversion is the way to go, IMO. But, it's meant for a 4-8" lift. Reason being the physical dimension of the coilovers. If you were willing to cut the fender liner and relocate some things to allow the coilover to go into the engine bay, you may be able to go lower.
You can swap to the 05+ axle, suspension and steering to run coil springs.....this is not a coilover.
Smallest aftermarket setup to run a coilover is a 4.5" lift.
You can swap to the 05+ axle, suspension and steering to run coil springs.....this is not a coilover.
Smallest aftermarket setup to run a coilover is a 4.5" lift.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,924
Likes: 6
From: Richmond BC
sell ur truck and replace it with a coil over vehicle...if ur set on a coil setup..
less headache in the long run..
esp if ur NOT looking to lift the truck at all...
im guessing u want the extra turning radius and softer ride ???
less headache in the long run..
esp if ur NOT looking to lift the truck at all...
im guessing u want the extra turning radius and softer ride ???
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Ames, Iowa
Lift it Julio... You're not that short or fat. Sounds like it might be cheaper to get a BowFlex so you can climb up the tires to get in it...
I'm the guy that keeps making his list longer and longer.
I'm the guy that keeps making his list longer and longer.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2002
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You Keep What You Kill
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,902
Likes: 2
From: Huntersville, NC
Maybe I'm slow today but I never really understood what the OP was trying to accomplish... Was he wanting the "coil springs" like the 2005 + models or was he wanting a "coil-over system" like the one sold by Icon? Both are significant converions...
Icon Vehicle Dynamics 2005-2007 FSD 7-9 Inch Coil-over 4-Link Suspension System - 2005-2007 F250/F350 SRW 4wd - Truck Toyz Store
Icon Vehicle Dynamics 2005-2007 FSD 7-9 Inch Coil-over 4-Link Suspension System - 2005-2007 F250/F350 SRW 4wd - Truck Toyz Store
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 6,245
Likes: 1
From: IL, USA
The one by Icon works on 05+ trucks.
Different setup to convert a 99-04 to coilovers....Full Traction being the best in the under 10" of height, and One Up Offroad being the best in the over 10" of height.
Different setup to convert a 99-04 to coilovers....Full Traction being the best in the under 10" of height, and One Up Offroad being the best in the over 10" of height.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,191
Likes: 1
Not a big fan of coil over's Shock mounts are deseigned for shocks,(ride dampening) not suitable for lifting.
When the old style front ends (leaf spring) the shock mouted to the lower rack, it always busted at the shock mount.
When the old style front ends (leaf spring) the shock mouted to the lower rack, it always busted at the shock mount.
