Highboy Axle Wrap solutions
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Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Halifax, NS
Highboy Axle Wrap solutions
My 1976 F250 has always had some (rear) axle wrap, which I didn't worry about too much. Fairly common on these trucks, lift block and all..
I got my springs re-arched last summer, and while the ride height and load ability seem fine, in recent weeks the axle wrap has gotten so bad the yokes are binding when starting from a stop.
So, I'm looking at 4 possible solutions, and just would like some opinions.
1) New spring packs, to stock specifications.
2) Ladder bar setup
3) Single bars under housing to frame rail. (Clearance is not an issue, this truck isn't used for wheeling).
4) I have the chance to buy springs off a F450/F550. Are these compatible?
Rear Springs - Halifax Parts, Accessories For Sale - Kijiji Halifax
Needless to say, new spring packs to stock specs just might be the costliest option, and I'd love to keep as much $ in my pocket as I can.
I got my springs re-arched last summer, and while the ride height and load ability seem fine, in recent weeks the axle wrap has gotten so bad the yokes are binding when starting from a stop.
So, I'm looking at 4 possible solutions, and just would like some opinions.
1) New spring packs, to stock specifications.
2) Ladder bar setup
3) Single bars under housing to frame rail. (Clearance is not an issue, this truck isn't used for wheeling).
4) I have the chance to buy springs off a F450/F550. Are these compatible?
Rear Springs - Halifax Parts, Accessories For Sale - Kijiji Halifax
Needless to say, new spring packs to stock specs just might be the costliest option, and I'd love to keep as much $ in my pocket as I can.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 330
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From: Newhall,CA
I'm planning on doing something like this. It gets rid of axle wrap and doesn't limit your off road ability. Anything else will make your ride stiff or kill your offroad flexiness. I guess it's best to weld your axletubes to the housing if you do this setup, which can be a complicated process.
Here's the link
Anti wrap bar
Here's the link
Anti wrap bar
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 668
Likes: 2
I allway's learn from disagreements\discusion and information from other experts. My issue is, on pavement I can fry positraction 33" tires on pavement, then I get spring wrap\wheel hop after a few feet. Before I go to a Toyota\Nissan\Isuzu truck pull, I'd like to get this fixed..
To Craigwell, I hope new answers suggest a fix for both of our problems.
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,261
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From: Big Sky Country
I'm not claiming it would be "better" than the stock setup, i was just adressing the OP's issue with axle wrap and eliminating the 4" inch lift blocks would certainly help in that regard, granted it would make for a much stiffer ride but it would alleviate the axle wrap issue.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 668
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I'm not claiming it would be "better" than the stock setup, i was just adressing the OP's issue with axle wrap and eliminating the 4" inch lift blocks would certainly help in that regard, granted it would make for a much stiffer ride but it would alleviate the axle wrap issue.
The OP and I have the same issue, I just cut and pasted your earlier responce and asked my question. I would think longer springs would amplify the spring wrap issue. If one removes the block, the spring has to become longer right? More flex in the springs comes to my mind. To the OP\Craigwell, I did not mean to hijack your thread. I will start another thread with this same topic if you desire, but several people I know have the same problem with these high boy's. What is an easy\cheap way to minimize spring wrap on these trucks, inquiring mind's would like to know.
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2010
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From: ELYRIA OHIO
Here's the link
Anti wrap bar
Anti wrap bar
Im sure its overkill but shouldn't there be on one each side of the axle though.....Or is that just my dealings in Air Suspension that have me thinking that.
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Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Halifax, NS
No problems at all, no hijack in my mind. I'm still trying to sort out the best solution, and the conversation is helpful.
I like Nutter's article here (Is this guy becoming famous, or what?)
Axle Wrap Prevention
To me it seems a single bar setup under the springs, (one each side) or the ladder bar setup is a good idea. 4 link is going too far, at least for my purposes.
The single bar under the springs might affect ground clearance a bit, but not enough to bother me - This truck carries construction materials, and it's used for snow plowing. It's already too stiff for anything off road.
I'm thinking any wider springs are going to cause problems for me with the stock lift blocks, which I want to retain.
I like Nutter's article here (Is this guy becoming famous, or what?)
Axle Wrap Prevention
To me it seems a single bar setup under the springs, (one each side) or the ladder bar setup is a good idea. 4 link is going too far, at least for my purposes.
The single bar under the springs might affect ground clearance a bit, but not enough to bother me - This truck carries construction materials, and it's used for snow plowing. It's already too stiff for anything off road.
I'm thinking any wider springs are going to cause problems for me with the stock lift blocks, which I want to retain.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Newhall,CA
That is a decent "article" that is linked on that page you listed. Im no expert but from reading that.... the ladder bar setup is the way to go if your keeping the leafs.
Im sure its overkill but shouldn't there be on one each side of the axle though.....Or is that just my dealings in Air Suspension that have me thinking that.
Im sure its overkill but shouldn't there be on one each side of the axle though.....Or is that just my dealings in Air Suspension that have me thinking that.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,261
Likes: 15
From: Big Sky Country
montana, I'm not slamming your advice, I appreciate it, The OP and I have the same issue, I just cut and pasted your earlier responce and asked my question. I would think longer springs would amplify the spring wrap issue. If one removes the block, the spring has to become longer right? More flex in the springs comes to my mind.
The OP and I have the same issue, I just cut and pasted your earlier responce and asked my question. I would think longer springs would amplify the spring wrap issue. If one removes the block, the spring has to become longer right? More flex in the springs comes to my mind.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,261
Likes: 15
From: Big Sky Country
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 705
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From: Halifax, NS
Definitely no annealing process used here.. A friend did it in his shop, so it didn't cost me much.
Once I added a couple leafs, things seem fine, but I still am considering a single bar setup to help deal with things in the long run.
Once I added a couple leafs, things seem fine, but I still am considering a single bar setup to help deal with things in the long run.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 542
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From: Dixon, IL
a couple things come to mind, most without building any bars
1. 2" add a leaf, replace block with 2"
2. rear shackle flip, no block
3. 4" lift springs, no block
4. Helper springs that bolt to the top of the pack
1. 2" add a leaf, replace block with 2"
2. rear shackle flip, no block
3. 4" lift springs, no block
4. Helper springs that bolt to the top of the pack