leveling a truck apprecaite any help! thanks

crk133 · Feb 2, 2005

Hello all,

I recently bought a 1992 F-150 extended cab long bed, 74,000 miles, 5.8L, auto trans, seems to have a tow package (trans cooler). My predicament is that I have a vet box bed insert that I have inserted and the truck squats 1.5-2 inches. What would be the best method for leveling the truck out? This insert will be in the bed permanently, do I go with helper springs, air bag, or just add a leaf spring? I know that I am very near the GVWR anything else I should do? This is a graduation gift for my wife as she is graduating from vet school this spring and I want to have this all set up properly before I give it to her! Any other things you think I should do as in routine maintenance before I give it to her? I would have loved to buy her a new 3/4 ton and new vet box....da*n student loans

Thanks for any help

Bird · Feb 2, 2005

I don't know where you are, but here in the Dallas area, we have at least one (and probably more) good spring outfit that has professionals who could take care of that. They could tell you whether you need an additional leaf in the springs, just need the springs re-arched, etc. As for the other questions, I'd probably have that automatic transmission serviced, check and/or change the other fluids, inspect brakes, tires, exhaust and steering components, etc., and if it runs good, let it go at that.

Boondox · Feb 2, 2005

I added Timbrens to my Chevy front and rear. No more sag and it didn't change the ride at all. $145 a set and easy to install. They replace the OE bumper stops.

Pete

Egon · Feb 2, 2005

Think I'd go for helper springs as that may be the least costly option. If the load in the truck will vary according to what is carried in the box Air bags are adjustable.

Best of all for the Practice. That is a very difficult program to complete.

Egon /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

crk133 · Feb 2, 2005

wow you guys are fast thanks for the replies so far....more the merrier. the load will stay pretty consistant. i was leaning towards adding a springs as it seemed to be the best way. do you really think helper springs are better? i will look into a "spring shop" but i haven't found one so far, I am sure they are out there I just have to look a little better

cowboydoc · Feb 2, 2005

I agree with Pete. The timbrens will be the easiest to put on and probably cheapest solution. www.timbren.com

DmansPadge · Feb 2, 2005

I haven't had the best of luck with helper springs. I have had springs rearched and added a leaf spring and it seems to work quite well. It all depends on what you want to spend and I'm sure any of those ideas will help out. Like Bird said... you might find a good shop that could give you some ideas and estimates. Look for front end shops or heavy truck repair shops.. most will be able to help you out. None of the mentioned solutions will be terribly expensive.

RobertN · Feb 2, 2005

I'm with Bird. I had the springs on my last truck "tuned up" at a local spring shop. The fronts got arch and an extra spring, the backs got arch. I explained the weight I would haul, terrain expected, ect. Thye set it up specifically for my needs.

JJT · Feb 2, 2005

I put coil over shocks on all 4 corners of my last truck. That helped immensely. They are beefier shocks with a coil spring surrounding the shock. They simply replace your existing shocks.

I had air bags go bad after 2 years, I've heard guys swear by them, but I swore at them.

Tx_Firefighter · Feb 2, 2005

Coil over type of shocks aren't really too good of an idea.

The shock absorber mounts are not designed to help hold the truck up. The coil spring adds a lot of force to the mounts that they're never intended to have to carry.

Local spring shop can do anything you need for your height issues for very reasonable price.