Front Suspension Upgrade
#152
Registered User
I will say. Its bouncy... and I mean hard bouncy.
I'm using some Rancho 5000's that came from the rear of a '95 3/4-ton. Bilsteins might do better?
I'm convinced I need more weight. I'll swipe the beater winch bumper off my D300 and get a winch. Maybe 2nd battery... I've been lusting for an air compressor too.
I'm doing a major rear suspension change first. I'll see how it goes.
I'm using some Rancho 5000's that came from the rear of a '95 3/4-ton. Bilsteins might do better?
I'm convinced I need more weight. I'll swipe the beater winch bumper off my D300 and get a winch. Maybe 2nd battery... I've been lusting for an air compressor too.
I'm doing a major rear suspension change first. I'll see how it goes.
#153
Registered User
I am going to give this a try after the dust settles from my 4X4 swap. I made my front spring hangers so both stock and 52" springs will fit.
http://www.1stgen.org/viewtopic.php?...7f8ff5d128f878
P.s not the first idea but what he ended up doing.
http://www.1stgen.org/viewtopic.php?...7f8ff5d128f878
P.s not the first idea but what he ended up doing.
#154
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Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Eastern Montana
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How have your front springs held up? It's been a couple years now since your post and I was wondering how you like them after a couple years of service. I'm considering buying a set.
#155
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I'm not sure who your question is directed at but as far as my latest conversion It is an absolute pleasure driving the truck since doing this modification. The truck handles the weight of a truck camper without issues, it squats in the rear until it hits the auxiliary springs which is what the springs are supposed to do when loaded. The front springs have not sagged at all and continue to give a smooth ride.
I put on 17" rims with 265 70 17 all season (not all terrain) tires on them and the ride is even better than before, even when the truck empty and the tires are inflated to 85 psi. It took a lot of R&D but I am very happy with my final results.
I put on 17" rims with 265 70 17 all season (not all terrain) tires on them and the ride is even better than before, even when the truck empty and the tires are inflated to 85 psi. It took a lot of R&D but I am very happy with my final results.
#156
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Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Eastern Montana
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I was referring to your Custom Suspension front leafs. I went ahead and ordered them. They look like a pretty good set up. I have a 93 W350 dually X-cab that has a death wobble from hell. Even broke my steering box bracket, gotta weld that back up. I'm hoping the springs help. The longer frames put more weight on the front axle and the old springs are sagged out pretty good. They are a good set of customs the original owner put in, but they've seen their better days. I am thinking the caster angle of the axle may be out of wack with the way the springs are setting. I'm not sure what the correct angle is or how to measure it, but it's a place to start. Any info you have on how to deal with the death wobble would be greatly appreciated. I have a 91 W350 gasser that has the same problem. Thanks for the response.
#158
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#159
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Just throwing a steering stabilizer at it is just masking the problem, NOT fixing it.
#160
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Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Eastern Montana
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I'll give that a shot also. They feel pretty tight but I'm sure the tie rod ends need replaced. I did replace the kingpin bushings, so maybe a complete kingpin rebuild kit is in order. I've considered the crossover steering deal also, just not sure if there's any real advantage there since I'll only be lifting the front an inch or so. The old girl has over 275K on her, and has spent a lot of time banging around of road.
#161
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If anyone knows where I can find a factory front shock bracket, I'd appreciate it. My left front is stripped so for the mean time I had to weld the washer on to hold the top of my shock in.
#162
Registered User
#164
My '82 MB 300d has a factory SS. The SS is a good mask for front end issues. It also helps from keeping the steering wheel ripped from your hands when you hit a big puddle of water or on a rough road.
The SS as noted before is not a fix all.
The SS as noted before is not a fix all.
#165
Registered User
I'm not sure who your question is directed at but as far as my latest conversion It is an absolute pleasure driving the truck since doing this modification. The truck handles the weight of a truck camper without issues, it squats in the rear until it hits the auxiliary springs which is what the springs are supposed to do when loaded. The front springs have not sagged at all and continue to give a smooth ride.
I put on 17" rims with 265 70 17 all season (not all terrain) tires on them and the ride is even better than before, even when the truck empty and the tires are inflated to 85 psi. It took a lot of R&D but I am very happy with my final results.
I put on 17" rims with 265 70 17 all season (not all terrain) tires on them and the ride is even better than before, even when the truck empty and the tires are inflated to 85 psi. It took a lot of R&D but I am very happy with my final results.