Hi All,
I have a 1996 F250 HD extra cab that is pretty new to me. It feels like there is no suspension up front when you hit a bump. I know that the driver side shock is bad the other may be bad as well but I don't know that that is the problem entirely. I get under the truck and it looks like there is less than an inch from the top of the spring to the bump stop. By eyeball the front camber looks good. The PO said the ball joints were replaced last year (I also have a receipt). How much suspension travel should there be? It's less than an inch now...that does not seem like enough.

Your help is greatly appreciated.

Damon

 

the front springs sit pretty close to the bump stops with new springs
i replaced my springs when they sat about 1/2 an inch from the stops. the truck very choppy before i changed them and much better after, although still stiff.
These trucks ride rough though, depending what you were driving before, you may not be used to it.

 

You can't use the bump stop as a gauge, the wheel will move more because it's further away from the pivot point. But even so you have to remember this is a HD truck with leaf spring suspension so it's going ride firm.. much firmer than most any other vehicle.

 

Thanks for the replies. I'll fix the shocks and see what happens.

 

I have a 1997 F-250 H.D. (same truck). Mine's a Supercab, 4x4. I too have less than one inch to the front bump stops.

I too have to believe there should be more distance from the spring to the bumpstop, and I'll tell you why: Because the distance from the top of the front tire to the fenderlip is about 2" (by eye) less than the same measurement from the top of the rear tire, to the fenderlip. And on many pics of these trucks, here on FTE, it seems that this generation of 4x4 sits level, when properly sprung. So I think probably one inch is even too little, give the difference, front-to-rear, described above.

I asked my stealership, twice, for the bumpstop spec.--still waiting.

I have the complete factory service manual--if I knew where to look, I could look it up for you--LOL.

Big Six

 

i just looked at mine truck with ~1 yr old springs in it, it has about an inch.
Engine is a windsor.
yours is fine.