Metcalf
Expedition Leader
What is the best overall performing suspension on a full-size truck you have done? What would you do different? How good it be?
I always find a good picture insperational, this one is of a nice clean Excursion equipped with some Carli Suspension getting some use.
I would like to go through the suspension on my new 'Blanco' project. It is a 2007 Ford F350 Regular Cab 4x4. In stock form the suspension rides pretty firm tight when empty. Generally, I think this is to support the 4000lb payload capacity. The suspension is built around that more than the empty ride quality. What I want is a better thought out all around solution. I would like to build the suspension around the truck being basically 'empty' in its day to day role, but still have the ability to deal with increased load using a secondary spring system like an air bag. My general thoughts so far.....
-I would like to have new front coil springs made with the 'proper' spring rate. For me, this seems to typically seems to be the lightest rate possible to hold up the vehicle to the height you want while maintaining some preload at full droop, but not so much preload that you block the coil at full bump. I the front end could come up about 1-1.5" to help level the truck AND give it a bit more compression travel from ride height.
-Great quality shocks. On my LX45 project I was amazed how well the basically stock Toyota 80 series suspension worked with a set of custom valved Fox 2.0 Resi shocks that Accutune did for me. I think the F350 is heavy enough that a 2.0 shock just isn't enough for what I want it to do overall. I'm curious to hear about anyone's experience going beyond a good custom valved 2.5 shock in a full-size. I think the minimum shock I would consider is a 2.5 Fox Resi with the DSC adjuster. I am curious about what kind of overall difference a 3.0 and/or bypass shock would make? I don't really want to deal with the traditional external tube bypass shock 'click' however.
-Replace the rear leaf springs with a good set of custom springs like Deavers, Alcan, or Nationals. Have them built with a much lighter rate, then use a long travel air bag system to support extra weight when needed ( for big trips, towing, hauling stuff, etc ) and eliminate the overload leafs. I think eliminating the factory block would be a great idea. I could also make the leaf springs a bit longer if needed with some new hangers.
-It looks like pushing the front axle forward about 1/2-1" would help with tire clearance and spring angle if it was leveled. There are a few ways to do that...custom radius arms, new frame side mounts, etc.
-Better bumpstops. I noticed a big improvement on my LX45 project with the GM closed cell foam bumpstops ( 2000ish rear 1500 truck ) I added on the front. That really helped make the front suspension much more resistant to bottoming when pushed. You can't really even feel them 'start' either which is great. They give the front suspension a very progressive last 2-2.5" of bump travel. On the F250, I might take it a step beyond that with an air bump type setup, but honestly, I would probably start with the long travel foam units.
-The front panhard is a known weak point. There seems to be a LOT of choices for a replacement, but I haven't really seen one that has all the features that I want yet.
What would you do? I basically want something that is a cross between a Ford Raptor and a Dodge Powerwagon wrapped in a stealthy work truck wrapper.
I always find a good picture insperational, this one is of a nice clean Excursion equipped with some Carli Suspension getting some use.
I would like to go through the suspension on my new 'Blanco' project. It is a 2007 Ford F350 Regular Cab 4x4. In stock form the suspension rides pretty firm tight when empty. Generally, I think this is to support the 4000lb payload capacity. The suspension is built around that more than the empty ride quality. What I want is a better thought out all around solution. I would like to build the suspension around the truck being basically 'empty' in its day to day role, but still have the ability to deal with increased load using a secondary spring system like an air bag. My general thoughts so far.....
-I would like to have new front coil springs made with the 'proper' spring rate. For me, this seems to typically seems to be the lightest rate possible to hold up the vehicle to the height you want while maintaining some preload at full droop, but not so much preload that you block the coil at full bump. I the front end could come up about 1-1.5" to help level the truck AND give it a bit more compression travel from ride height.
-Great quality shocks. On my LX45 project I was amazed how well the basically stock Toyota 80 series suspension worked with a set of custom valved Fox 2.0 Resi shocks that Accutune did for me. I think the F350 is heavy enough that a 2.0 shock just isn't enough for what I want it to do overall. I'm curious to hear about anyone's experience going beyond a good custom valved 2.5 shock in a full-size. I think the minimum shock I would consider is a 2.5 Fox Resi with the DSC adjuster. I am curious about what kind of overall difference a 3.0 and/or bypass shock would make? I don't really want to deal with the traditional external tube bypass shock 'click' however.
-Replace the rear leaf springs with a good set of custom springs like Deavers, Alcan, or Nationals. Have them built with a much lighter rate, then use a long travel air bag system to support extra weight when needed ( for big trips, towing, hauling stuff, etc ) and eliminate the overload leafs. I think eliminating the factory block would be a great idea. I could also make the leaf springs a bit longer if needed with some new hangers.
-It looks like pushing the front axle forward about 1/2-1" would help with tire clearance and spring angle if it was leveled. There are a few ways to do that...custom radius arms, new frame side mounts, etc.
-Better bumpstops. I noticed a big improvement on my LX45 project with the GM closed cell foam bumpstops ( 2000ish rear 1500 truck ) I added on the front. That really helped make the front suspension much more resistant to bottoming when pushed. You can't really even feel them 'start' either which is great. They give the front suspension a very progressive last 2-2.5" of bump travel. On the F250, I might take it a step beyond that with an air bump type setup, but honestly, I would probably start with the long travel foam units.
-The front panhard is a known weak point. There seems to be a LOT of choices for a replacement, but I haven't really seen one that has all the features that I want yet.
What would you do? I basically want something that is a cross between a Ford Raptor and a Dodge Powerwagon wrapped in a stealthy work truck wrapper.
