Consuela

So,

I have an 1981 F150 Camper Special that I am trying to level, possibly lift. In the front I have 2 shocks and 1 spring on each tire. That being said, my question is this:

If I use a leveling spring in the front, or possibly lift the truck, would my shocks extend to bridge that distance, or would I need new shocks? Its late here so I don't have pictures, but can post some tomorrow if needed.

Thanks!




Not the best pictures but gives an idea

Tony Raine

pics are always fun to look at, so post them up regardless. Camper specials are cool, they had some neat options.

an actual lift kit will have proper length shocks (just the ones behind the spring, as the quad shock wasn't on all of the trucks).

as far as leveling... depends....
the shocks behind the spring may be ok, but i can see the ones in front of the spring getting extended too far due to the type of suspension you have.

***don't forget about brake lines!***

you could always have someone drive one tire up some sort of ramp/hill, and twist things up while you watch.

if you are all original, this is a good time to do some maintenance:
-if the rubber brake lines are original, replace them regardless. cheap insurance
-radius arm bushings are not very hard to replace while the spring is out
-you will need an alignment afterwards. look in advance for a shop that is familiar with twin I-beam/traction beam suspension (is it 2wd or 4x4?). Before i swapped out the TTB on my Bronco II, if an alignment place gave me a blank look when i said "Twin Traction Beam", I went somewhere else.
-do the alignment quickly afterwards. it can eat up a set of tires fast
-axle beam bushings are a PITA to swap, so only do those if you have a lot of play.