Front Springs?

[Rockcrusher]

Here's the deal . . . The front springs on my '69 got a real bad case of the saggies. I've looked for the specs on the OEM springs but nobody seems to have a clue. Can anyone here give me the free length and rate numbers for a stock spring.

The truck is a SWB 4X4 5,600 GVW. It has a 360/NP435/HP 44 front axle/9" rear axle. There is a pic here that shows how bad the front end sags . . .

http://fordification.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=78

[FORDification]

I haven't seen any listings of factory spring rates broken down as you describe. I did some poking around in my Ford stuff and could only find one reference which said to contact the Ford dealer. (not much help, I know). Have you called the local Autozone yet? I'd have to think they'd have access to that info since you have all the specs on your truck (specifically the GVW rating).

If you DO run across this info anywhere else online or in a book, let me know. That info would be a great addition to the site.

[willowbilly3]

I would think some standard F-150 springs would do the trick. Those old F-100 4x4s always did tend to sag. I would stay away from the parts store heavy duty units as they will change the ride height considerable. Any thing that raises it much more than an inch over the stock height will cause it to bump steer. Mainly you want to keep the panhard bar level. If you raise the truck then you will need to lower the frame mount for the panhard bar and if you raise it more than a couple inches you should also get the dropped steering arm.

[Rockcrusher]

I would think some standard F-150 springs would do the trick. Those old F-100 4x4s always did tend to sag. I would stay away from the parts store heavy duty units as they will change the ride height considerable. Any thing that raises it much more than an inch over the stock height will cause it to bump steer. Mainly you want to keep the panhard bar level. If you raise the truck then you will need to lower the frame mount for the panhard bar and if you raise it more than a couple inches you should also get the dropped steering arm.

Thanks but I understand the mechanics of front end geometry . . . The reason I'm looking for the OEM specs is so I can set a baseline to select replacement springs. The front end is down nearly 5" and I need to bring it up to some semblance of level but still keep the stock ride height.

[willowbilly3]

Sorry for the soapbox on bump steer, it's just that I have seen so many seemingly intelligent guys try to push that envelope with raising the F-100-150 and really end up driving a death trap. I had to take the ditch one day when one that was passing me hit a bump and I watched the thing do about halfway to the lock. It was on winter roads and he was sideways right beside me with cars in the oncoming. The guy was a friend of mine too and had a real sharp 78 with a 429. but didn't understand the geometry I guess.

[68F250]

Bumpsides has the brochures with the specifications, here's for a '69:

http://www.bumpsides.com/69lit/12.jpg

Click on the image to expand it.

[DuckRyder]

I'm not sure they will give you the information, I am sure they'll be glad to sell you replacements.

But try Eaton Detroit Spring:

http://www.eatonsprings.com/

and/or

Landrum Spring

http://www.landrumspring.com/

HTH.