[asavage]

I have just under an inch space (observed, not measured) between my front leaf springs and the rubber stop. I assume that to remedy this requires replacement of the springs? If so, who's our supplier? If not, 'fess up on the fix.

Also, I'm in the market for a tach (85-6), IP housing, and tach sensor, if you happen to have a spare kicking around.

(And a rear-bag mower; I have to start cleaning up around my private junkyard.)

 

[Mr_Roboto]

You could install a set of add-a-leafs in the front. Some will argue you should replace the whole spring pack, but if you just need to some ride height back, the add-a-leafs should last you a while.

Last time I bought a set, I got them through Summit Racing.

 

[asavage]

Well . . . I don't want a stiffer ride. How did your ride quality change when you installed yours?

My father's '93 F350 CC 4x4 7.3l was horribly stiff until he had one leaf removed. Can't recall if it was from the front or back, but from the factory, you could feel every cigarette butt you ran over.

 

[rthomas]

mine had airbags in the front, they added about 1" to the front and did wonders for the ride. it was a real bummer when one cracked at a seam, they are old and i havent been able to find repacments so i need a new setup /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/sick.gif
brian hagen bought new springs and had them installed for not too much $$, might be worth looking at

 

[DevoK12RS]

Al,

Did you find a resolution to this yet?

Thanks,
Devo

 

[asavage]

It's always been a back-burner for me, as I'm not driving this truck yet -- new heads sitting here awaiting a weekend, but no free weekends available during hay season.

I'm leaning toward replacing the stock springs with better springs -- today, anyway. Who knows how I'll feel about it tomorrow?

 

[ziggster40]

Al

As you may already know, I originally had an add a leaf on the front of mine, it made the ride real stiff and didn't raise it much, then I went to airbags(which I still have sitting here on my shop floor) and finally got all fed up with the IFS, and welded my Dana 50 into a solid and put the F350 positive arch springs under the front. It now sits about 3" from the bump stops. The ride is not as harsh as before with the IFS and reverse springs, but somewhat bouncy over bumps. On the smooth pavement it just glides along nice and smooth. I'd say if you're staying with the IFS and don't want a harsh ride, I'd put the firestone airbags on there. It gives you a bit of a lift, nicer ride, and adjustability to compensate for any further sagging of the stock springs...

Just my .02

Zigg /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[sle2115]

Al, I did a complete spring and axle swap. The F350 springs will move you about 3 inches off the bump stops, with the add-a-leaf's, I have about 6 now. The ride is much better than my stock F250 springs, but they were about one inch from the bump stops and hit them about every bump. Personally, I would not hesitate to use the add-a-leafs. You can also get leaf springs reasonably at two places I know of and I bought springs from both. JCWhitney has a pretty good deal on them and since they are over the $150 mark, you can get 15% off (a deal they run quite often). Also, Black's Springs in Zanesville, Ohio. They used to discount to me at the parts store and would probably do the same for you, although it has been a while since I did B2B with them. I just purchased one rear from both and they were almost $ for $. My rear springs were about $130 each but they are 2 1/4" by 10 springs. Fronts should be much less. Personally, I don't think Ford put enough spring on the front of these trucks stock, so the add-a-leafs get them closer to where they should be.

Just my .02 worth I guess. I really like the add-a-leafs on the front. I remounted my whole rear end so I allowed for the additional ride height of the front, still sits slightly lower in the front and I like it slighty that way.