Leveling the front end

72f100 · Post by **72f100** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 10:55 am

I'd like to eliminate the "nosedive" look my truck has by leveling the front end. Has anybody done this or can anyone recommend something? Should I just head down to my local supsension shop? I've got a 1972 f100 2wd.

Post by **FORDification** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 11:16 am

I'm not sure I understand what you're asking. Are you saying the front end is sagging and you want to raise it? If so, it sounds to me like your front springs are simply wore out and it's time to replace them.

72f100 · Post by **72f100** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 11:22 am

I was under the impression that from the factory, the front end is lower than the back end (or the back end is higher than the front end) in order to help accomodate heavy loads. I don't haul any heavy loads, and prefer the look of a level truck. Does that make sense?

Post by **FORDification** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 11:47 am

Oh, OK, you're looking to level the truck out front-to-back. You can remove a leaf or two (depending on how many your truck has now) or install lowering shackles (as long as your truck doesn't have the Flex-o-matic setup).

Or you can flip the front spring hangers on each side 180 degrees...that's good for 3"-4". However, since this will alter your pinion angle, you'll need to correct it either by relocating the spring perches or using a wedge shim between the rearend housing and spring. Here's a shot of a member's truck with the flipped bracket:

72f100 · Post by **72f100** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 9:18 pm

Well, I could do that, but I was looking to make the truck higher not lower. Is it possible to raise the front end to match the back end? Maybe if I used some stiffer springs up front? I'm really not sure.

fordman · Post by **fordman** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 9:29 pm

well you could put new front springs and shocks on the front and then maybe even put some of those twist things in the springs to make them taller and not quite as soft.

72f100 · Post by **72f100** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 9:46 pm

That's what I'll probably do. What are the twist things?

Post by **FORDification** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 9:56 pm

Just swap in some F250 springs from a Camper Special or even some F350 springs...they'll raise the front end up and make it stiffer.

72hiboy4x4 · Post by **72hiboy4x4** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 10:35 pm

do yourself a favor and don't use the twisty things. they are a band-aid for weak springs and will eventually ruin your springs.
Like Keith said, a good set of f-250 or 350 springs should do it for ya! or a set of 2 or 4" lift springs might do it.

72f100 · Post by **72f100** » Sun Dec 31, 2006 12:04 am

2" lift springs sound like something I'm looking for. Where can I buy something like that?

72f100 · Post by **72f100** » Sun Dec 31, 2006 12:19 am

Are these the "twist things"?

http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/Prod ... 19/c-10101

fordman · Post by **fordman** » Sun Dec 31, 2006 12:20 am

72hiboy4x4 · Post by **72hiboy4x4** » Sun Dec 31, 2006 12:25 am

I haven't seen that particular type before

the twisty things I meant are made of pot metal, and screwed into the spring coils to force the springs to open/raise up.

72f100 · Post by **72f100** » Sun Dec 31, 2006 12:33 am

Okay. Then would those work for what i want to do? Are there any problems/issues with something like that? Or would I just be better off with new springs?

Post by **FORDification** » Sun Dec 31, 2006 12:36 am

If you're gonna do it, do it right. Get the springs, don't put a Band-aid on a broken arm.

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