I know someone offered information on some used springs recently to me, just can't find the info. However, here's my question. My truck originally had a 351m but was replaced by a 460, and I need new springs. The truck having sagged in the front, and the GVW is less than 7000. should I replace these springs with the variable rate in the same range or should I go with a non variable spring in same weight or higher in standard springs. I'm tending toward the higher weight springs but uncertain on the outcome once on the truck. I feel that there should not be much difference in weight of the motors as both are roughly the same size.
In adddition I need tires on this truck, and as it has 16.5 wheels ( 5 nice chrome ) I am debating to try and find some aluminum wheels in 16 inch. I have located a set of 95 F250 rims that I'm fairly certain will work for a a reasonable price, but will not get the caps with the wheels, and possibly not lugnuts either.
Rich
f250 with 460 spring advice.
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FORDBOYpete
- Posts: 850
- Joined: July 21, 2006, 8:30 am
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64 f100
This is what year F250 ? And how do you use it?
I mean like work, cruising, towing? All enter into spring choice decisions. Suspension springs hold weight in constatnt tension when static, and use rebound factors when working/flexing loaded. This is technically suspension shock, and matched SHock Absorbers will dampen correctly if spring rate & shock ratings are compatible. When they aren't is when it is troublesome.
Too heavy a spring rate rebounding excessively on a vehicle not requiring it results in several problems with a potential for disaster, in my opinion. What you want to achieve is "Balanced Suspension", not either/ or type.
Conversely too light a spring rate does so same in quite opposite ways, sag, cave-in on hard loading in turns or steering control problems stopping, and so forth.
Some F-250s came 1 ton rated, Trailer & Camper spcls are 2 examples, so are some stake body flatbeds and there are also supercab & crew cab 1 ton F-250s.
So before I would attempt to make a selection I'd need to know most or all of the above factors involved.
FBp
This is what year F250 ? And how do you use it?
I mean like work, cruising, towing? All enter into spring choice decisions. Suspension springs hold weight in constatnt tension when static, and use rebound factors when working/flexing loaded. This is technically suspension shock, and matched SHock Absorbers will dampen correctly if spring rate & shock ratings are compatible. When they aren't is when it is troublesome.
Too heavy a spring rate rebounding excessively on a vehicle not requiring it results in several problems with a potential for disaster, in my opinion. What you want to achieve is "Balanced Suspension", not either/ or type.
Conversely too light a spring rate does so same in quite opposite ways, sag, cave-in on hard loading in turns or steering control problems stopping, and so forth.
Some F-250s came 1 ton rated, Trailer & Camper spcls are 2 examples, so are some stake body flatbeds and there are also supercab & crew cab 1 ton F-250s.
So before I would attempt to make a selection I'd need to know most or all of the above factors involved.
FBp
Change is the Only Constant
FBP thanks for responding. The truck is a 78 f250 that came originally with a 351m, that was later replaced with a 460. The actual rating on the truck was 6800 gvw. The truck was used at one time to pull a camper, and also as a fishing truck with topper and bed made in the back. It has a Gear vender overdrive and several other add ons. Just trying to decide which springs best suit the truck, as it has sagged badly in the front, especially on the drivers side. Not certain of the variable rate springs, as I have never used these that I recall. The truck will most likely be used for an everyday driver and is to nice to beat around, but may be used for pulling a camper. Interior is original with a new floor rug, and is exceptionaly nice inside. It needs new tires, but I will not put any on untill something is done about the springs and I check out the frontend. I tend to overkill, but the truck had AC added on after market , uncertain whether the extra heavy duty radiator was original. With these things factored in I'm tending to the heavy springs.
Rich
Rich
64 f100 wrote: The truck is a 78 f250 that came originally with a 351m, that was later replaced with a 460. The actual rating on the truck was 6800 gvw. The truck will most likely be used for an everyday driver and ... may be used for pulling a camper. .....the truck had AC added on after market , uncertain whether the extra heavy duty radiator was original. With these things factored in I'm tending to the heavy springs. Rich
Rich,
According to this chart, http://raceabilene.com/kelly/hotrod/engine.html there is noticeable amount of weight difference between the 351M @ 575lbs vs. the 460 @ 720lbs.
Of course if you were to switch out the 460 cast-iron intake manifold or cylinder heads for aluminum pieces,,, you'd be able to trim off some weight from that 460.
Since it's a F250, If I were you, I'd go with the heavier springs and some nice 6-ply radial tires.... just 'cause it's a F250 and you never know when a friend will ask you, "Do you think your truck can pull or haul this or that?" You sure don't want to start making excuses for your truck like I put a wimpy suspension under it and now I have to hold back from doing any 3/4-ton status work with it......
BarnieTrk
More than likely, the springs were not replaced when the 460 was installed, and in addition the AC was an add on also, although that alone would most likely not be of concern in weight consideration. I'm mostly just trying to go with the right set of springs, but the air ride thing suggested by tech is interesting. I would like to know how much it cost?
Rich
Rich