Hello All,
Seeking some advice from the forums.
We've got a 2013 Ford F350 CCSB SRW. Lots of aftermarket goodies including winch bumper, Icon 2.5" kit, 37's, 4.88 gears etc. I purchased the truck with the current suspension setup and am looking to make some changes to:
1-Address minor nose high rake when unloaded
2-Handle the weight of our 2010 Hallmark Guanella
3-possibly recenter rear axle inside of wheel well to better clear the 37's during articulation (minor issue and not a driving consideration)
I've weighed the truck as follows:
Unloaded: ~7900lbs 4520F/3380R
Fully loaded: ~10640 5020F/5620R (this may get another 400ish lbs on the hitch from some storage boxes I'm rigging up)
I've also taken measurements: to fender wheel on center with the hubs and find that the truck is just slightly higher in the front (~0.5") when unloaded. When the camper is loaded the rear of the truck drops roughly 2".
I did have some Timbren SAS's on, but have since removed. This did prevent about an inch of drop and likely helped with stability, but wasn't getting much suspension travel-translating to a harsh ride offroad. Driving the fully loaded truck without the timbrens the ride seems better. Truck does contact overloads at times-no harsh bumps but its a bit noisy as they engage and disengage.
Truck will likely be loaded with the camper roughly 90-95% of the time. We live in CO and are out in the mountains every weekend regardless of the season.
Options I'm considering:
Option 1: Add a 6-7" block in the rear (replacing factory 4" block) and accounting for drop of rear suspension when loaded-should net a level rig when loaded and a 2-3" rake when unloaded ~$300
Option 2: Add a 5" block in the rear (replacing factory 4" block) should level the rig when unloaded, and add Air Springs (leaning towards Hellwig Big Wigs from what I've read) ~$1000
Option 3: Go with an aftermarket progressive leaf pack providing significantly better unloaded ride at unloaded level height and add Air Springs ~$1800
Option 4: Go with an aftermarket progressive leaf pack built for the fully loaded truck ~$1300
Option 1 is a set it and forget it option-never worry about the air springs, etc. Cheapest option. Unloaded ride comfort not the best
Option 2 adds complication of air bags, but could be a better route for being able to level on off center load, and leveling the truck at campsites
Option 3 is the most expensive route but would likely make for the perfect ride condition
Option 4 might ride pretty rough when unloaded, but I'm not sure if it would still ride better than the factory non progressive springs
Help is greatly appreciated on making sense of these options. I only want to do this once. Thanks!
Seeking some advice from the forums.
We've got a 2013 Ford F350 CCSB SRW. Lots of aftermarket goodies including winch bumper, Icon 2.5" kit, 37's, 4.88 gears etc. I purchased the truck with the current suspension setup and am looking to make some changes to:
1-Address minor nose high rake when unloaded
2-Handle the weight of our 2010 Hallmark Guanella
3-possibly recenter rear axle inside of wheel well to better clear the 37's during articulation (minor issue and not a driving consideration)
I've weighed the truck as follows:
Unloaded: ~7900lbs 4520F/3380R
Fully loaded: ~10640 5020F/5620R (this may get another 400ish lbs on the hitch from some storage boxes I'm rigging up)
I've also taken measurements: to fender wheel on center with the hubs and find that the truck is just slightly higher in the front (~0.5") when unloaded. When the camper is loaded the rear of the truck drops roughly 2".
I did have some Timbren SAS's on, but have since removed. This did prevent about an inch of drop and likely helped with stability, but wasn't getting much suspension travel-translating to a harsh ride offroad. Driving the fully loaded truck without the timbrens the ride seems better. Truck does contact overloads at times-no harsh bumps but its a bit noisy as they engage and disengage.
Truck will likely be loaded with the camper roughly 90-95% of the time. We live in CO and are out in the mountains every weekend regardless of the season.
Options I'm considering:
Option 1: Add a 6-7" block in the rear (replacing factory 4" block) and accounting for drop of rear suspension when loaded-should net a level rig when loaded and a 2-3" rake when unloaded ~$300
Option 2: Add a 5" block in the rear (replacing factory 4" block) should level the rig when unloaded, and add Air Springs (leaning towards Hellwig Big Wigs from what I've read) ~$1000
Option 3: Go with an aftermarket progressive leaf pack providing significantly better unloaded ride at unloaded level height and add Air Springs ~$1800
Option 4: Go with an aftermarket progressive leaf pack built for the fully loaded truck ~$1300
Option 1 is a set it and forget it option-never worry about the air springs, etc. Cheapest option. Unloaded ride comfort not the best
Option 2 adds complication of air bags, but could be a better route for being able to level on off center load, and leveling the truck at campsites
Option 3 is the most expensive route but would likely make for the perfect ride condition
Option 4 might ride pretty rough when unloaded, but I'm not sure if it would still ride better than the factory non progressive springs
Help is greatly appreciated on making sense of these options. I only want to do this once. Thanks!