My son has recently aquired a 79 F150 4x4 460 motor with what people are telling me is a 4 inch lift. The springs on the front have had a 2 in. square tube welded between the frame and the spring cup. the back looks as though it was done correctly with blocks, I just need to know how to determine the exact size of the springs and shocks I need to Install on the front to correct this bonehead move someone did? Thanks for any info.

 

The thing to do would be to get rid of the body lift all together. Thats just my opinion on the subject at hand.

 

What are you talking about? Why don't you try reading the thread before you open your mouth? The OP never said a word about there being a body lift, just a boneheads bad idea for a front suspension.

Now back to the original question... If I understand correctly, instead of getting taller coils, the last guy just added material under the coil in order to lift them up? That's brilliant. /sarcasm

It's hard to tell you how much lift you have in the truck without being able to look at it. If it were me, I would just go ahead and buy a proper lift kit with new coils, rear springs and shocks for that truck and start all over again.

 

I agree with you but I am talking about a 17 yr old without a job, so we are trying to do it right but cheap, the rear looks to be done the right way but I am by no means a lift man, never fooled with one. And yes they added materiel between frame and spring cup to lift.

 

Well, I'd say that you have a couple options.

1st, you could get rid of the lift. Just undo the modifications and move on. That solution is almost free. (you'll need new u-bolts for the rear axle and a grinder/welder to fix the front suspension, but that's probably it).

2nd, you can try new coils. Look here 1967-79 Full Size Truck/bronco - Springs - Coil Springs. On their site they list a stock coil as 13" tall loaded. From that I'd guess that you can make some comparisons to what you have going on and then figure out how big of a lift spring you need.

Or, you can get a new lift and start over, like I said. That way you know exactly what you're dealing with. As far as price goes, your new front lift springs will cost between $100 and $150. For $100 more you could get a lift with all the correct pieces front and rear and then you won't have to guess on what coils will match the rear lift you've got going on. Rough Country Suspension Suspension Lift Kit : JC Whitney: Truck Accessories & Parts. There's a 4" lift for $236. Tell your kid to go mow a few lawns, it really doesn't take that long to earn the extra $100...

 

Thanks for the info, going back stock might be the best option right now but then Im wondering if the 35s will fit under the stock suspension? LOL on the cutting some yards, I have been telling him the same thing. Is the Rough Country a decent suspension?

 

I have 35x12.50s on my stock 76 F-150

 

Rough Country isn't too bad. With that said, you usually get what you pay for... There are better quality and better riding lifts out there, but you won't find them cheaper. Of course, part of why that lift is cheap is because they use blocks for the rear instead of new springs, but at least you'd know that these blocks are made to the right size to match the front.

How is the body on the truck? Clean or rusty? If it's rusty, dented or generally beat up, I'd seriously consider going back to stock and then trimming the fenders with a sawzall until the tires fit. It actually won't take that much, as I believe that 33's fit without trimming. After all, this is a truck for a high school kid and will probably be driven for a year or two, then disposed of and cutting fenders is a free, easy way to gain clearance and allow money to be spent elsewhere.

On the other hand, if the body is perfect, I'd probably try to get it lifted properly or find a set of smaller tires. Heck, I'd be willing to bet with a little looking around on craigslist you could find someone in your local area that would be willing to swap your 35's for a pair of 33's or 31's and maybe they'd throw in a little cash you could use for other parts.

 

If the alignment is correct and the caster is not all jacked up you can remove the spacer and lower the entire bucket by two inches. This will just eliminate the spacer / block and provide a more secure methind of spring retainment.
In a pich this is a cheap and effective solution.

 

Thanks for all the info guys, It'll give me something to ponder over and see whats gonna be the best route to go.

 

try here Coil Spring Specialties -- individually calibrated coil springs for any suspension need. you can just take measurments from the original bottom spring perch and the top. They will make you waht ever you need. Excelent customer service!!

 

OK I got up under the truck today, the rear leafsprings have a 3 in. block under them. From what I have been reading that should be a 4 in lift????

 

ANY blocks under the front end is BAD NEWS, it's an accident waiting to happen, if you're gonna lift do it properly, your sons life isn't worth it (or the lives of others) do it the right way.

 

4wd trucks had a rear block installed from the factory.
Because add a leafs can be installed and leafs can be changed there is still some uncertainty over what you truly have.