Ideal suspension
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
Ideal suspension
I was wondering if anyone had any idea as to what would the best suspension setup for a daily driver, occasional trail truck. I would like to build my own frame out of 5 x 2.5 tubing. I have experience in fabrication and welding so am not worried about the work. I just do not know if coil springs, leaf springs or a 4 link would be better. I am not rich, but looking for something a little different. My project is a 1979 ford f-150 extended cab. I would obviously like the cheaper route, but do not want to redo it in a few years. Any ideas
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 318
Likes: 1
From: Florida
I would say. Start off simple with the leaf springs and work your way up to coil over with 4link. I've seen 4 link done on leaf springs and it looked ok. Leaf springs have some flex, but not a whole lot. In the same breath, depending on how you set your leaf springs up they could have a lot of flex.
What kind of trails you plan on taking the truck on? If it includes lots of rocks, I would say stick to coil overs. I haven't work much with coil over so this is my opinion from seeing and reading others experiences. Leaf springs is pretty much all I have ran with. Cheaper and simple.
What kind of trails you plan on taking the truck on? If it includes lots of rocks, I would say stick to coil overs. I haven't work much with coil over so this is my opinion from seeing and reading others experiences. Leaf springs is pretty much all I have ran with. Cheaper and simple.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
I would just like to take the truck off-road on a few trails, nothing to crazy, just something to take the family out. I thought about coil springs, but wondered how much weight they could handle. I also thought leaf springs would be all around the best choice for the money, and will probably go that route. 4-link sounds cool, but wonder if it is worth the time and money. A lot of the trucks around here run 6 inch lift and 35 tires, so I want something different again, maybe 37 - 40 inch. I am really wanting something different than anyone else, and will listen to any ideas.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 4,701
Likes: 6
Coils can handle just about any weight. Lots of 2wd 1.5 ton trucks had front coils. That being said, I would just do leaves and base it on something common and easily upgradable, such as superduty or 73-87 chevy springs. If you want to get truly creative, research building custom leaf packs. Some guys swap in rear springs in the front from a K5 blazer. There's tons of ideas out there.
I am building a 68 Dodge crewcab for this exact same type of use. I built the suspension based on stock springs. This way I can buy an off the shelf lift kit for it if I want it higher later.
I am building a 68 Dodge crewcab for this exact same type of use. I built the suspension based on stock springs. This way I can buy an off the shelf lift kit for it if I want it higher later.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 318
Likes: 1
From: Florida
This web site under suspension has an adjustable mounting kit for placing 52' rear chevy leafs on the front of your rig. They advertise for chevy but I'm sure there's a way to bolt or weild it to any type of truck.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Speedjester
1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
3
Jan 21, 2015 02:52 PM
makthenif
1997 - 2006 Expedition & Navigator
4
Nov 21, 2011 02:48 PM
