Front end alignment after 5600# --> 6000# coil upgrade: How long to wait?
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 43
Likes: 1
From: Bristol, CT
Front end alignment after 5600# --> 6000# coil upgrade: How long to wait?
The title pretty much says it all, but here is a little background for those who are interested (feel free to skip to the bottom; My wife is right, I can be a bit wordy):
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My 2010 F-350 is on order and slated for late-August delivery. (Hooray!) While waiting, I decided to do some more research here about modifications that tend to be spoken highly of. In doing so, I've read through dozens of great posts with some KILLER ideas... The second most interesting of which I found (Bilsteins being #1, and thus already on-order) was the Coil Spring upgrade. I like it for a few reasons. First, it is a Ford Part number that only costs around $150, pending I go the DIY route (which I will). Another nice perk is that it usually provides some lift that will bring a truck a bit closer to being level, and therefore may even reduce bottoming out while plowing – good stuff, but will I even need it? Let’s find out…
Based my new toy’s configuration (RC/LB, 4x4, SRW, V-10, 6-speed manual, & Plow Prep), I was able extrapolate from a few pages of this poor quality 2009 document (or this high quality 2008 version) that the computer's logic will likely elected to assemble my truck with 5600# front coils. Hmm… Testosterone says “Yes, I need the 6000# coil spring upgrade.” Further research indicates ¼” to ½” of lift will be gained, resulting in a truck whose ride-height is about 1.50” shy of level (considering F-350s already have the 4” rear blocks). Perfect – hauling a modest load of firewood will keep me looking pretty “normal”, unlike so many aftermarket leveling kits which give the impression that the truck is “overloaded” with the same amount of weight in the bed. (Been there, done that…although they DO look sexy while empty!) Since the 6500/7000# coils are more than my 4.30 axle is rated for, I ordered the 6000lbs-ers. Spring Code: 5C34-5310-ACB (aka Ford P/N: 5C3Z-5310-CA).
I know what some of you guys are thinking right now (and for good reason!): "Why even bother ordering the Plow Prep pkg if you are going to immediately upgrade the only thing it really offers a gasser?" True, having a gas-job means I don't get the advertised fan clutch upgrade or the beefier alternator -- just springs. And yes, those springs are the very items I set out to upgrade here. Sounds crazy, I know. I'm OK with that though. Here's why:
Basically, I felt the piece of mind I gained by having a Doorjam sticker, shock/swaybar/brakeline/driveshaft/radiasarm length, headlight aim, and toe/camber/caster/axle angles that were 'less wrong' than the standard-issue 4800/5200# springs would have otherwise offered (as small those differences might actually be) was worth the 85 bucks. (ugh, poor sentence structure, sorry about that guys.)
So here I am, waiting some more, thinking about the tools I need to dust-off, and gazing at these shiny new springs that lay on my living room floor. But I’ve got a question…
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After I complete this upgrade, how long should I wait before having the dealership fully re-align the front end (and head lights) with their fancy new machine that they claim even works on the heaviest of Super Duties (F-550s)?
I’m leaning toward a three week timeframe which should allow for some of the initial settling to take place... but I can see why other folks might feel it best to do it the very next day, and then go back a second time 5 or 6 weeks later for the same treatment.
------
My 2010 F-350 is on order and slated for late-August delivery. (Hooray!) While waiting, I decided to do some more research here about modifications that tend to be spoken highly of. In doing so, I've read through dozens of great posts with some KILLER ideas... The second most interesting of which I found (Bilsteins being #1, and thus already on-order) was the Coil Spring upgrade. I like it for a few reasons. First, it is a Ford Part number that only costs around $150, pending I go the DIY route (which I will). Another nice perk is that it usually provides some lift that will bring a truck a bit closer to being level, and therefore may even reduce bottoming out while plowing – good stuff, but will I even need it? Let’s find out…
Based my new toy’s configuration (RC/LB, 4x4, SRW, V-10, 6-speed manual, & Plow Prep), I was able extrapolate from a few pages of this poor quality 2009 document (or this high quality 2008 version) that the computer's logic will likely elected to assemble my truck with 5600# front coils. Hmm… Testosterone says “Yes, I need the 6000# coil spring upgrade.” Further research indicates ¼” to ½” of lift will be gained, resulting in a truck whose ride-height is about 1.50” shy of level (considering F-350s already have the 4” rear blocks). Perfect – hauling a modest load of firewood will keep me looking pretty “normal”, unlike so many aftermarket leveling kits which give the impression that the truck is “overloaded” with the same amount of weight in the bed. (Been there, done that…although they DO look sexy while empty!) Since the 6500/7000# coils are more than my 4.30 axle is rated for, I ordered the 6000lbs-ers. Spring Code: 5C34-5310-ACB (aka Ford P/N: 5C3Z-5310-CA).
I know what some of you guys are thinking right now (and for good reason!): "Why even bother ordering the Plow Prep pkg if you are going to immediately upgrade the only thing it really offers a gasser?" True, having a gas-job means I don't get the advertised fan clutch upgrade or the beefier alternator -- just springs. And yes, those springs are the very items I set out to upgrade here. Sounds crazy, I know. I'm OK with that though. Here's why:
Basically, I felt the piece of mind I gained by having a Doorjam sticker, shock/swaybar/brakeline/driveshaft/radiasarm length, headlight aim, and toe/camber/caster/axle angles that were 'less wrong' than the standard-issue 4800/5200# springs would have otherwise offered (as small those differences might actually be) was worth the 85 bucks. (ugh, poor sentence structure, sorry about that guys.)
So here I am, waiting some more, thinking about the tools I need to dust-off, and gazing at these shiny new springs that lay on my living room floor. But I’ve got a question…
------
After I complete this upgrade, how long should I wait before having the dealership fully re-align the front end (and head lights) with their fancy new machine that they claim even works on the heaviest of Super Duties (F-550s)?
I’m leaning toward a three week timeframe which should allow for some of the initial settling to take place... but I can see why other folks might feel it best to do it the very next day, and then go back a second time 5 or 6 weeks later for the same treatment.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 6,757
Likes: 5
From: Corvallis, OR
Its pretty easy to lower the headlights. The height shouldn't be significantly different, so unless it pulls or cuts tires I wouldn't worry about the alignment. FYI, my truck was totaled with frame damage when I bought it. After straightening the frame I took it for an alignment and all they did was center the steering wheel, nothing else was needed.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
From: West Virginia
Are you sure you need a front end job, just replacing springs??
Nothing can get out of adjustment. Others can chime in if I'm wrong but I don't think you will need it. Mine drives exactly the same, no wear, etc... are upgrading from 5200# to 6000# springs. Please let us know if you do an allignment and it actually needs some adjustment.
Nothing can get out of adjustment. Others can chime in if I'm wrong but I don't think you will need it. Mine drives exactly the same, no wear, etc... are upgrading from 5200# to 6000# springs. Please let us know if you do an allignment and it actually needs some adjustment.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,372
Likes: 14
From: West Cornwall, CT
I would do the alignment (or more likely the alignment check) right after the new springs were installed.
As cartmanea mentioned, I'd leave the headlight aiming alone until you actually see how they work. The adjustment is relatively easy.
Lou Braun
As cartmanea mentioned, I'd leave the headlight aiming alone until you actually see how they work. The adjustment is relatively easy.
Lou Braun
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 43
Likes: 1
From: Bristol, CT
OK, thanks, I'll do exactly that.
Yeah, if the alignment rig suggests an adjustment should be made (even if just re-centering the steering wheel), I'll have it done, and then post the details here.
Yeah, if the alignment rig suggests an adjustment should be made (even if just re-centering the steering wheel), I'll have it done, and then post the details here.
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 496
Likes: 6
From: Arizona
Part of your new vehicle warranty is a free alignment check within, I believe, the first three months. Chances are that changing the springs will not adversely affect your alignment other than maybe throwing the steering wheel off-center. What you propose sounds like a lot of trouble to go to for an additional 400 lbs of capacity, did you consider the 6500lb front coils (5C3Z-5310-BA)?
Tuned
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 474
Likes: 3
94 blue ford i have a 05 250 gasser with the plow package and the 5600 front springs. It is very rough ridding when the plow is not on it and the 600 pounds of counter in the rear of bed. It is the rc lb just like u are getting. On the other hand my 05 350 sb crew has the 5600 fr springs with out the plow package but the heavy suspension and v10 and it rides like a cadillac, i mean lincoln compaired to the rc long bed. The 5600 on the rc lb is way more then what u will want as it is just a harsh ride. My 250 is a 5.4 and yours is a v10 so that will give u a little more weight up front so the 5600 may be just right.
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More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 713
Likes: 5
From: Minneapolis, MN
You shouldn't need to touch either the alignment or headlight aim. The difference you're talking about is about the difference between new tires and worn out tires... I went from 4400 coils on an 05 without plow prep to 5600's. It brought the nose up about an inch, and I can add another 1.5 inches with the front air bags aired up. Even with the air bags full, alignment doesn't change. I also carry 1200lbs worth of plow on this truck with no ill effects.
Why the change from 5600 to 6k? Are you plowing with this truck? If that's the case, skip the coils and go with the air bags, they're only $75 and are adjustable for when the plow is on the truck and will still give you a decent ride unloaded. The height you will gain with 6k coils is so minimal, it's not worth the cost if it's just for looks. If you do decide to pull the trigger, check around some more... I got my 5600 coils for $70/pair.
Good call on the V10 with 4.30's!
Why the change from 5600 to 6k? Are you plowing with this truck? If that's the case, skip the coils and go with the air bags, they're only $75 and are adjustable for when the plow is on the truck and will still give you a decent ride unloaded. The height you will gain with 6k coils is so minimal, it's not worth the cost if it's just for looks. If you do decide to pull the trigger, check around some more... I got my 5600 coils for $70/pair.
Good call on the V10 with 4.30's!
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Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 43
Likes: 1
From: Bristol, CT
Part of your new vehicle warranty is a free alignment check within, I believe, the first three months. Chances are that changing the springs will not adversely affect your alignment other than maybe throwing the steering wheel off-center. What you propose sounds like a lot of trouble to go to for an additional 400 lbs of capacity, did you consider the 6500lb front coils (5C3Z-5310-BA)?
I should be able to swap the coils out by myself without too much trouble... probably just a few hours of work when factoring in the Helwig front anti-sway bar and BilsteinsHDs which I'll be bolting on at the same time.
Yes, I did consider the 6500 and 7K springs briefly, but opted-out since they are rated higher than the axle. Plus, I can't add too much more lift in the front without clipping my ICC lights when entering the garage.
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 43
Likes: 1
From: Bristol, CT
KSCrude, thanks for the tip. Yeah, I wouldn't doubt the 5600s will be gentler than the 6000s. I'll just HAVE TO drive the truck configured both ways and then put the 5600s back in if the 6000s are rough. 
Assuming your 250/5.4 has an auto, we will probably weight the [V8/automatic vs. V10/manual], but I don't have hard numbers to back that up.
Assuming your 250/5.4 has an auto, we will probably weight the [V8/automatic vs. V10/manual], but I don't have hard numbers to back that up.
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 43
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From: Bristol, CT
Yeah, as I'm reading all of the responses it really sounds like there won't be much to align -- it should remain nice and true. 
Good point, Wizard, I hadn't thought about how similar this is to old vs. new tires (or plow up/down for that matter).
I don't want to plow with the truck if I can help it. The decision to move from 5.6K to 6K stemmed mainly from the looks department (and to match up the axle rating with the spring rating because I am weird like that). I think I paid a bit more for the 6000# springs than you did for your 5600s, but that is probably par for the course.
If I'm not mistaken, the 4.30 gear upgrade (axle code "X4L") bumps me up to the Dana Super 60 ...which sounded like a bargain for a mere $50.
Good point, Wizard, I hadn't thought about how similar this is to old vs. new tires (or plow up/down for that matter).I don't want to plow with the truck if I can help it. The decision to move from 5.6K to 6K stemmed mainly from the looks department (and to match up the axle rating with the spring rating because I am weird like that). I think I paid a bit more for the 6000# springs than you did for your 5600s, but that is probably par for the course.
If I'm not mistaken, the 4.30 gear upgrade (axle code "X4L") bumps me up to the Dana Super 60 ...which sounded like a bargain for a mere $50.
More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 713
Likes: 5
From: Minneapolis, MN
Indeed it does, worth every penny.
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