F350 leveling question

The method you used to level it maintains all the stock spring rates and such, which is a good thing. These folks seemed to be leaning toward lifting the front level with the rear, and that would create a "squat" rear when loaded. You left the front alone and increased your standard load in the rear. If the 322lbs. of stuff you put into the bumper lowered the rear the 2-3" it takes to meet the front, than the same 322lbs. of stuff would sit it 2-3" low in the rear if the front were raised to meet the rear unloaded.

-BunnMan

On theirs, yep, they may not be taking into account the softer spring rate before the over load springs are engaged.

The spring rate changes when the upper leaves rest down on the over load spring.

My 322 pounds is so far back from the center of the rear axle it acts as if I have added 442 pounds over the rear axle instead. The pickup still isn't "level" but got closer.

And... 120 pounds, less in the front at the same time. :) For me that was the point of it all, better handling first better ride second. It was easy, get rid of the soft part of the rear suspension without adding leaves etc but more important taking "weight" (not mass;) off the front end.

All I know is, I like how it turned out and a few things have cropped up that I didn't expect that made it even better than expected. :)

Haven't seen/felt any ill effects so far, all positive.

I did the same thing to my '67 bug. I noticed how much better it handled in the wind and on exit ramps etc when the gas tank was full. What I ended up doing was filling my spare tire full of water and also re-setting the toe-in on the front (and lack there of on the rear;). Years later on the newsgroup ramva I learned VW added weights to the front of the Porche for the same reason... better handling.

Never know when a kooky sounding guy's going to come up with something worth while huh? ;)

Alvin in AZ

I'm sure it depends on the particulars of what "mushy" means and the environment the vehicle is used in, but compare the following : 1993 F-150 (light end of the spectrum) 1990 BroncoII

The BII really vibrates, almost like a massage seat, when driving over "ripples" in the road due to the stiffness in the suspension. (ie on the expressway going to work, there are a number of small little bumps because the road isn't new and smooth)

The F-150, however, can rock and roll with a lot more. It feels much more like being on a sailboat rocked by gentle waves. As for those ripples on the way to work, you don't feel a thing in the pickup.

I like that F-150's ride better than the BII's. Your preference may differ, though.

-D

Of course it will, because I'm weird. :/

My old F150 rides like something in-between those you describe. When I had dual shocks on it was rougher than my new singled-up ranchos but the ranchos give me more confident feel at the same time. I don't know why and may not be true?

From my experimenting distilled down to a blanket statement... "Rancho shocks and the stiffest springs the maker offers for the front springs, is the place to start"

Alvin in AZ