Need new front leafs - clear 35's but not kill my spine
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MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,606
Likes: 151
From: SE Georgia
Need new front leafs - clear 35's but not kill my spine
Cab is a '86, but frame/drivetrain is a '89. Dana 60 swap up front. Current leafs, no data known about brand/sourcing.
I want to swap to something with same height, but softer. Truck seriously has about 3" of flex.
So yeah, any suggestions? I don't mind a truck ride. But right now it's a spine jingler on pretty much any bumps. Been researching swapping in Superduty leafs. Probably heading that route unless y'all can give me a good wave off
So yeah, any suggestions? I don't mind a truck ride. But right now it's a spine jingler on pretty much any bumps. Been researching swapping in Superduty leafs. Probably heading that route unless y'all can give me a good wave off
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,171
Likes: 20
From: Denton, TX
Biggest clearance issue is your front bumper. Trim it or use an aftermarket and your 35s should clear with just about any F350 leafs.
If it rides as you describe, pretty good chance whoever swapped in the D60 reused the D50 TTB leafs...TTB leafs are much stiffer. Getting simply stock front F350 leafs will be an improvement.
Research a RSK (Reverse Shackle Kit) for a near bolt on use of SuperDuty leafs for an even more improved ride. If you have some fabrication skills, you can move the front shackle pivot mount forward enough to use the SD leafs without a RSK.
Precision Metal Fab makes the best RSK in my opinion.
Junior at ATSsprings dot com is my go-to contact for SD leafs.
Looks like you have already done some research...good luck and ask questions as a lot of us have bumped our heads on these issues already.
If it rides as you describe, pretty good chance whoever swapped in the D60 reused the D50 TTB leafs...TTB leafs are much stiffer. Getting simply stock front F350 leafs will be an improvement.
Research a RSK (Reverse Shackle Kit) for a near bolt on use of SuperDuty leafs for an even more improved ride. If you have some fabrication skills, you can move the front shackle pivot mount forward enough to use the SD leafs without a RSK.
Precision Metal Fab makes the best RSK in my opinion.
Junior at ATSsprings dot com is my go-to contact for SD leafs.
Looks like you have already done some research...good luck and ask questions as a lot of us have bumped our heads on these issues already.
Thread Starter
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MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,606
Likes: 151
From: SE Georgia
The more I look at my front leafs, the more I think I may already have Superduty leafs installed. But that bottom leaf (3rd one, shorter length) looks like the helper leaf from a rear spring pack. If that's the case, no wonder the damn thing rides stiff. Either way, that 3rd leaf is preventing alot of spring flex. I may yank it and replace with a shorter piece to see if the leafs flex some more, especially before dropping more cash on new leafs.
or just yank and put 1" lift shackles
anybody know the overall length of SD leafs vs. HD leafs? I know they are 3" longer-ish.
or just yank and put 1" lift shackles
anybody know the overall length of SD leafs vs. HD leafs? I know they are 3" longer-ish.
Last edited by Tylus; Jan 15, 2017 at 12:32 PM. Reason: spelling
Thread Starter
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MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,606
Likes: 151
From: SE Georgia
so yeah, here is the rear pack. it looks very similar to my 2006 F-250. I'm annoyed by the spacer leaf under the leaf pack there as well. Will have to pull that + 2" block...and install a 4" block 
2006 F-250 
the joys of buying someone else project. you get to play the "what the hell were they thinking?" game
More Turbo
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 687
Likes: 20
They don't appear to be the TTB leaf packs either. The TTB springs are flat or maybe a slight negative arch.
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MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,606
Likes: 151
From: SE Georgia
at this point I wouldn't be surprised if they were a rear leaf pack thrown in
lots of weird stuff going on. I'll snap a picture of under the hood. it'll appall you guys. I can count at least 3 different trucks here for sure. I'm fairly certain a 4th truck donated as well
will probably be best to just wipe to a zero state.
lots of weird stuff going on. I'll snap a picture of under the hood. it'll appall you guys. I can count at least 3 different trucks here for sure. I'm fairly certain a 4th truck donated as well
will probably be best to just wipe to a zero state.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,171
Likes: 20
From: Denton, TX
The OBS front dogbone shackles are too short and in the wrong location to mount SD leafs to them without a major wrestling match.
Don't know if this answers your question though...
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