Jeramie Posted August 29, 2011 Report Share Posted August 29, 2011 I bought a 2001 F150 (2wd) back in 2002. It has the 5.4L V8, has been a GREAT truck, and still has only about 104,000 miles. I have had a lot of luck with Ford trucks. This is my 3rd. Because my truck is paid off (and has been for several years) I’m in no hurry to get another payment. However, I could really use the capacity of an F250. I pull hay, horse trailers, and pulled my tractor until I upgraded to a 7k lb tractor. The F-150's suspension is way undersized for what I need to do. The wife and I have been talking about beefing it up. I was on the fence about changing the rear axle and springs to an F250. They made the F250 is the same body style and I hoped I could find the parts to just swap it but I’m afraid it would be a monstrous job. Also, I know that the round hood (non super duty) F-250 had the motor and tranny so I probably wouldn’t gain a thing by changing the rear end. The last F150 I had couldn’t be squatted. That thing would handle about any load where this truck squats if you put over 1k in the back. Ive thought about changing the springs on the rear but read that it will cause the rear to ride 2.5" higher so the front will have to be change. Then i run into toe in issues, etc... What are my options to increase the suspension? I don’t want another payment but need more from the truck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MUDRUNNER Posted August 29, 2011 Report Share Posted August 29, 2011 You could throw an add-a-leaf spring under the spring pack. It will still ride about 1 1/2" higher when it's not loaded, but shouldn't squat as much with a load. Add-a-leaf are also fairly cheap. Another option is putting air bag spring helpers on it. It costs a little more, but you can just air them up when you want to tow, and air them down just for regular driving. Also, I know Monroe makes a shock with a coil over spring on it that increases it's capacity. I can't say which is better since I've only ever installed bigger springs or add-a-leafs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaun_300 Posted August 29, 2011 Report Share Posted August 29, 2011 Do that style Fords have the torsion bar setup? If so you can crank them up higher to give you more in the front, it will make it ride stiffer, be sure to get an alignment done because it'll toe the front wheels in. I have an article sticky'ed at the top to show how to do it, real easy as long as the bolts aren't seized. Last year dad broke a leaf spring in his 01 Silverado, the company we deal with in Ottawa who makes leaf springs didn't make the factory 3 leaf spring for that truck, only a 5 leaf, same as a 3/4 ton. $500 for a pair for the 5 leaf, or $850/piece for a 3 leaf from GM.:hammer1: Raised the truck up quite a bit, but I just cranked up the torsion bars in the front to level it out as close as I could. Sure rides like a 3/4 ton now though! Not sure if the F250 leafs will bolt right up to the F150 or not. I've done quite a few of the airbag helper springs for customers, they work great. You can have the factory suspension for comfort and pump them up to desired level when carrying a big load. Think they're around $300 if I remember correctly. Get the Firestone brand if you go that way. I find they're the easiest to install. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeramie Posted August 30, 2011 Author Report Share Posted August 30, 2011 I've done quite a few of the airbag helper springs for customers, they work great. You can have the factory suspension for comfort and pump them up to desired level when carrying a big load. Think they're around $300 if I remember correctly. Get the Firestone brand if you go that way. I find they're the easiest to install. A few years back we talked about buying a camper and locally they run around $350.00. Not to bad. However, I didnt know how effective they were? I know all out (on board compressor, gauges, etc) was something like $600. Im switching to 10-ply Falkens in about a month so if the bags would work my only concern would be the 5-lug connection. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Kat Posted September 2, 2011 Report Share Posted September 2, 2011 Air bags will do what your asking at the cheapest price possible. Easy to install, and totally adjustable, even on the fly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeramie Posted September 6, 2011 Author Report Share Posted September 6, 2011 Air bags will do what your asking at the cheapest price possible. Easy to install, and totally adjustable, even on the fly. Looks like the direction im heading... Thanks gang. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted September 15, 2011 Report Share Posted September 15, 2011 Don't know how much hauling you plan on doing Jeramie, but the transmission and brakes might be something to think about with a 1/2 ton. Most 1/2 ton trucks are not rated to haul/stop a tractor that size with a loader + the trailer weight. Trailer I haul my tractor on has electric brakes, no way I would pull it without them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeramie Posted September 16, 2011 Author Report Share Posted September 16, 2011 The drive train is identical to the F250 my sister and brother in law own. Same body style too. YOu are probalby spot on about the brakes but I plan on putting electric brakes on it when I get everything finished. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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