06 Autospring Install. What else should I look at?
08-09-2014, 10:51 AM
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06 Autospring Install. What else should I look at?
I'm getting ready to order and install a 2.5" Autospring lift and level add a leaf kit on my 2006 F150 xl. It has 95k miles on it. I have a few questions before I order and get started.
The first question is are there another parts I should consider replacing on the front end while I have it apart? I have had zero front end work done to the truck since I purchased it five years ago with 12k miles on it. Should I replace the struts, ball joints? What components are probably getting worn enough to replace? Basically I don't want to take it part twice if I don't have to. I also don't want to pay the shop to replace components when I get it aligned after the install.
On the rear add a leaf...what changes to the ride if any will I experience? The XL seems to be sprung a little light for a 1/2 ton. I don't tow anything but I do haul lumber fairly often. I can definitely tell when something is back there. Would love to add a little capacity but not if the ride is going to be a lot harsher without a load.
Thanks a ton in advance for the advice. I'm not new to working in vehicles but I am new to suspension work and need all the help I can get.
The first question is are there another parts I should consider replacing on the front end while I have it apart? I have had zero front end work done to the truck since I purchased it five years ago with 12k miles on it. Should I replace the struts, ball joints? What components are probably getting worn enough to replace? Basically I don't want to take it part twice if I don't have to. I also don't want to pay the shop to replace components when I get it aligned after the install.
On the rear add a leaf...what changes to the ride if any will I experience? The XL seems to be sprung a little light for a 1/2 ton. I don't tow anything but I do haul lumber fairly often. I can definitely tell when something is back there. Would love to add a little capacity but not if the ride is going to be a lot harsher without a load.
Thanks a ton in advance for the advice. I'm not new to working in vehicles but I am new to suspension work and need all the help I can get.
08-09-2014, 11:26 AM
#2
I think you'll find after taking it all apart once, it's actually not that bad. I would let the parts wear out. Your struts and lower ball joints are likely fine if you have no symptoms. Your upper control arms are fairly cheap on eBay and may be due soon.
The other parts you may need to replace soon are your sway bar end links and tie rod ends. But these are super easy and you can replace them without taking apart your suspension. I did a 2" level and developed a front end "clunk" about 10k after (2007 FX4, 60,000 miles). It was the sway bar end links. Easy fix. For the back, I debated about the add a leaf but decided I wanted to be able to adjust the height and went with air bags. (Air lift). Very glad I did - really love them. Great for both hauling and towing. I just didn't want the rear to sit so high when the bed was empty...
Good luck and enjoy!
The other parts you may need to replace soon are your sway bar end links and tie rod ends. But these are super easy and you can replace them without taking apart your suspension. I did a 2" level and developed a front end "clunk" about 10k after (2007 FX4, 60,000 miles). It was the sway bar end links. Easy fix. For the back, I debated about the add a leaf but decided I wanted to be able to adjust the height and went with air bags. (Air lift). Very glad I did - really love them. Great for both hauling and towing. I just didn't want the rear to sit so high when the bed was empty...
Good luck and enjoy!
08-10-2014, 10:49 AM
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