Leaf Springs
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,948
Likes: 44
Many guys are using SD spring under the earlier trucks. Same width, but a 6 inch spring with a shackle reversal kit is killer huge.
I believe that a shackle reversal and stock SD springs clears 40's.
Small lift springs are all thats required to clear 44's.
I think Raw Power used this set up.
I believe that a shackle reversal and stock SD springs clears 40's.
Small lift springs are all thats required to clear 44's.
I think Raw Power used this set up.
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Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,092
Likes: 0
From: Olympia
Well right now my truck is just sitting. I was doing some engine tune-up. I'm trying to fix a problem, which I assume is back to my damn fuel relay.
I want to clear 42's, at least. I mean taller is better IMO, as long as it has some tires under it to keep it from tipping over. I was planning on 42's. But if I can fit bigger I might go bigger.
Thanks for the information Ed.
I want to clear 42's, at least. I mean taller is better IMO, as long as it has some tires under it to keep it from tipping over. I was planning on 42's. But if I can fit bigger I might go bigger.
Thanks for the information Ed.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 364
Likes: 0
From: Southern Delaware
Wait, so the answer is "yes"??? Right??? the SD springs will fit under an 88 350??? Im wanting to ditch the ttb springs atop my D60 and F350 springs are hard to find for those years....so what kind of lift will SD stock springs net under a 88 f350??? The yards around here have more SDs than 86-97 F350 4x4s....but since I have a diesel, I would have to use diesel SD springs(weight/higher spring rates).....The local yard has a SD and I can get the pair of springs for $75-so I could possibly get newer springs with a better ride quality AND a lift for less than $100 if this is correct???
Sorry, dont mean to hijack, but this stuff is some very useful info....thanks
Sorry, dont mean to hijack, but this stuff is some very useful info....thanks
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,948
Likes: 44
Asking how much lift one might gain is a loaded question. Not knowing which spring code you intend to use leaves many variables.
If you guys have not yet performed a shackle reversal yet, it is time. Not doing this would be counter productive.
Keep in mind, this adds about three inches to any set of springs.
Stock SD springs were available in 3600 lb all the way up to 6000 lb springs with a deflection rate of 470 lbs per in. Fair difference in heigth there.
Verify that the center alignment pin is where it has to be so that the axle is located where it needs to be. Also keep in mind that and spring once compressed will flatten towards the shackle pivot, so take this into consideration when you design the front end. Nothing worse than a wheel munching a fender under compression. An inch can make a big difference.
If you guys have not yet performed a shackle reversal yet, it is time. Not doing this would be counter productive.
Keep in mind, this adds about three inches to any set of springs.
Stock SD springs were available in 3600 lb all the way up to 6000 lb springs with a deflection rate of 470 lbs per in. Fair difference in heigth there.
Verify that the center alignment pin is where it has to be so that the axle is located where it needs to be. Also keep in mind that and spring once compressed will flatten towards the shackle pivot, so take this into consideration when you design the front end. Nothing worse than a wheel munching a fender under compression. An inch can make a big difference.
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Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,092
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From: Olympia
I'm planning on the shackle reversal while using SD springs. But if I don't gain more than stock springs.. well they'd be pretty useless. Trying to fit a 42" tire. I want to do a little more modifying to things but slowly down the road. I don't need to go anywhere with this truck anytime soon. So its all good.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,330
Likes: 17
From: Dryden, ON, Canada
The SD springs are not a direct bolt in on an 80-96 truck. They are a little longer than the stock spring, I don't have an exact measurement as I haven't looked at my big truck in a while, but, it takes a bit of fabwork to get them in there.
I sort of remember that leaving the rear spring hanger in the stock location would have moved the axle back about an inch. Don't quote me on that though, I haven't seen my truck in almost 2 months... LOL
I sort of remember that leaving the rear spring hanger in the stock location would have moved the axle back about an inch. Don't quote me on that though, I haven't seen my truck in almost 2 months... LOL
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Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,092
Likes: 0
From: Olympia
Two months? I feel for you..
Sometimes I just sit in my F-350 and listen to it running.
Shut up thats not creepy. >_>
I had already planned to modify hangers/shackles so its not a big deal.
Sometimes I just sit in my F-350 and listen to it running.
Shut up thats not creepy. >_>
I had already planned to modify hangers/shackles so its not a big deal.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 237
Likes: 0
From: Longmont, CO
Many guys are using SD spring under the earlier trucks. Same width, but a 6 inch spring with a shackle reversal kit is killer huge.
I believe that a shackle reversal and stock SD springs clears 40's.
Small lift springs are all thats required to clear 44's.
I think Raw Power used this set up.
I believe that a shackle reversal and stock SD springs clears 40's.
Small lift springs are all thats required to clear 44's.
I think Raw Power used this set up.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,948
Likes: 44
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 364
Likes: 0
From: Southern Delaware
Man 3 bills aint to bad....but I wish they had a pic with it installed. Im trying to picture how it would look like by following the instructions, but its kinda hard...futhermore, it doesnt specify how to make it work in conjunction with the longer SD springs. So custom modifications would be needed... Im just looking for an upgrade on the inexpensive side-although Im not saying the sky kit is pricey, just more than I can allocate at this time-perhaps when tax returns come in....I dunno-a addaleaf may just be what I need....
perhaps, if a stock SD is say 4 inches longer than the 88 springs, then you could get them re-arched so the SD spring eyelets are the same distance apart as the 88s and use them in the stock 88 positions....I dunno-trying to be innovative...
perhaps, if a stock SD is say 4 inches longer than the 88 springs, then you could get them re-arched so the SD spring eyelets are the same distance apart as the 88s and use them in the stock 88 positions....I dunno-trying to be innovative...