2wd suspension question
 

Hi folks. I have a 2003 xlt scab longbed 2wd. This truck is a pure bred work truck, has 170,000 miles, consistently hauls 1,000+ lbs in the bed. I currently have a snapped leaf spring in the drivers side rear. It has certainly sagged over the years.

Now, this truck is purely a street truck. I will take it off the road, but not really "off-roading." The truck is too long and not designed for it, so I don't even try. That being said, I am interested in hearing experiences from this forum on beefing up this old trucks suspension.

I am going for a few things: Most important is functionality. I wouldn't mind a mild lift i/e helper springs if that's the way to go. I guess in a perfect world I would like a leveling kit of some sort, simply for aesthetic reasons to match my 33" BFG TKO2's

So my overall question is this: What are the best suspension mods for this 2wd street hauler?

I have done a little parts research and I came to the conclusion that the best idea for the rear is an OEM leaf spring, add a helper spring, and some good shocks (I want your opinion on these as well).

Now for the front: I am not too familiar with how to functionally improve and lift the front. I would like to get 1"-2" out of the front. Open to all suggestions here.

I want the lift for getting around in the winter. I work in blizzards and 3 feet of snow. You better believe this longbed is running right thru the snow. I'd like to have the ground clearance to match the tires:thumbsup:

pics
 

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.f15...4559501ff7.jpg


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.f15...941e9e9c1e.jpg


this is how I would like it to sit


https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.f15...cb49dc39fb.jpg

2wd suspension question
 

Ok well
1- hmmm 33"a stock? Post size
I have a 3" spindle lift and run those. Not too much room.
2- for rear the 7700 or f250ld is the way to go.
3- front options are coil spring or coil spacer. For longevity of suspension you should go for 3" spindle. Factory angles, everything happy. And you get pretty high up on 33"s.
4- if you expect going through I snow you may want to do 7.5"
Then your talkin 35"s. I personally think that's silly though.
5- to help with snow might want to get a locker? Or if you have open diff than DEFINITELY a ls from a yard.

1) Okay, you got me! The tires are actually 285/75/16. That comes out to 32.8" x 11.4". They fit fine in the rear, the fronts are pretty tight, they rub a little bit at full lock. I'm cool with it tho.

2) What's a 7700, 250ld etc. Are those springs?

3) I would go with a new coil spring at this point for sure. Are there 1" or 2" lift springs available that I can mix with a good shock up front? I would rather not go with a 3" spindle if it's not necessary.

4) Definitely don't want or need to go to 7.5"

5) I would like to believe I have something other that an open diff. I would have to confirm with the vin # for that tho. I get around just fine in the snow, it's just that sometimes I'm on the road before the plow trucks:laughing:

hmmm... did my reply not make it thru? maybe I should try again

1) I am riding on 285/75/16. They fit pretty snug. Rub a little bit at full lock, but I'm cool with it.

2) are the 7700's leaf springs? please explain

3) I would prefer not to do the 3" spindles if I don't have to. A good solid lift coil would be preferred. Are these available?

4) I definitely don't want or need to go 7.5". I already get around just fine.

5) I would have to reference my vin #, but I would imagine I have some type of ls already based on how well this thing gets around in the snow as is.

7700 springs are the springs that came on the 7700 F-1/250.

Its was considered a LIGHT DUTY F-250 or HIGH DUTY F-150. They also came with 7 lug wheels, the suspension on them were much strong due to its larger payload capacity. This is why its suggested you go with them. A direct bolt on and will help with sagging.

Wayne

The 7700 series rear leaf springs will bolt right up and give you the extra payload you need. I personally have not seen lift coils for our trucks but if you are dead set against a spindle lift then grab some spacers. I would try my best to stay under 2" though. After that ride quality will start to suffer.

2wd suspension question
 

7700 are leaf springs. Direct bolt on.
Yes I believe rough country makes lift coils. But ride quality and your front suspension will suffer.

Okay sounds good, does anyone know how much of a lift the 7700 springs will give me, if any? I like the level stance or even a little rake look. What I want to avoid is lifting the front higher than the rear.

It seems pretty one sided that if I choose to modify the front 3" spindles are the way to go. I am not too familiar with front suspension mods. Would these be the only part to purchase? I will be replacing the wheel bearings for sure. I imagine I will also want to do the shocks, and while I'm at it new springs. Is OEM the way to go for these parts?