'75 Highboy dilemma

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May 8, 2010 | 01:01 PM

doc_f250

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Tuned

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From: Lexington

'75 Highboy dilemma

I just bought a '75 Highboy w/ a 410 (swapped in) FE/4-speed, etc.

The front hanger on the rear spring needs to be replaced.

I have a '78 F-350 rolling frame w/ 3" rear springs, hangers, & all.....

I have also read about the 64" GM spring swap......

Are the 2wd truck hangers the same as my Highboy?

The truck will be an off road toy/driver, seldom called to haul anything but ***.

Which would be the best, long-term?

Thanks!
D

May 8, 2010 | 04:41 PM

jmm

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im in the same delema as you. But the 78 f100 2 wheel is close, and there are other year f100 that might work to. There is going to be some material added to close up some space and some cut but they will work. another option is that some of older chevy's come close ive been told

hope this helps

May 8, 2010 | 05:02 PM

doc_f250

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Tuned

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From: Lexington

I just got back from my local yard, tape measure in hand......most were the same on the top spread, wider on the lower rivet spread, & hang lower (below the frame) than on my highboy.

If you come up w/ an idea, let me know.

Thanks for the post!
D

May 8, 2010 | 07:49 PM

75F350

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If you use a different hanger from a different era truck, dont expect the rivet holes to line up.
Find a hanger set that uses the same width spring as yours, and simply make a reference line relative to the main bolt that attaches the spring. Then measure the same distance on the new spring and transfer a line to it.
Line up the new mark on the hanger against the reference line that was made withthe stock hanger and start drilling.
Use quality fasteners, and verify that your holes are equal from side to side so that the axle is straight, and you are golden.
Its not difficult, though do know that most chebby hangers use a smaller diameter bolt for the spring, so the hanger itself will have to be modified a little

May 8, 2010 | 07:52 PM

doc_f250

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From: Lexington

Same era trucks, I checked them all.....'60's, '70's, even the '80's. No highboy's though.

I did scope out a '91 K1500....those are some long springs!!

I basically want the same ride height, but lose the block & gain some ride/flex.

Thanks!!
D

May 10, 2010 | 12:03 PM

r2000f150

Mountain Pass

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From: GRINNELL

i just got done replacing the front one on my drivers side rear leaf spring i got one at a salvage yardin my area i ground off rivet and replaced the hanger went pretty easy was worried about getting bolt out of spring but it came out ok hope you find one

May 10, 2010 | 05:14 PM

armstrongfordtrucks

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From: Butler Pa.

I don't know if this will help anyone but ford used the 2 1/2'' leaf spring in the ford cab and chassis DRW up to 1996 and springs fit in the high boys. Maybe a spring shop would have some mounts around. I don't know if they would bolt up the same.