F350 suspension drop

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F350 suspension drop

Chanecat

Hi, I own a 1986 f350 single cab 2wd truck. I was wanting to lower the front but can only find lowering beams for the 80-86 f150 and 87-96 f250/f350. I guess the 87 and up use ball joints and the 86 and down use kingpins. From the looks of the 1986 ford diagram it shows that the f150 and f350 have the same twin I beam set up. Would the f150 lowering beams work with my f350? Any info would help, thanks!
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Re: F350 suspension drop

Gary Lewis
Administrator
Chance - Welcome to the forum!

As said on FB, I don't know the answer to your question, so I'll use this post to suggest some things.  First, make sure you go to the New Members Start Here folder, as requested in the email I sent you, and at least read the guidelines if not post in there to introduce yourself.

Second, over time we'll forget what truck you have unless you put the details in a signature.  So either we won't answer your questions 'cause we don't want to go back and try to find out, or we will give you a bad answer because we assumed it was another truck.  So a signature is highly recommended.

Last, we have a member's map (Bullnose Forum/Member's Map in the menu), and I'd be happy to add you if you'll give me the town in which you live.  Who knows, you may be in the same town as one of us and we can help each other.

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
Blue: 2015 F150 Platinum 4x4 SuperCrew wearing Blue Jeans & sporting a 3.5L EB & Max Tow
Big Blue: 1985 F250HD 4x4: 460/ZF5/3.55's, D60 w/Ox locker & 10.25 Sterling/Trutrac, Blue Top & Borgeson, & EEC-V MAF/SEFI

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Re: F350 suspension drop

salans7
In reply to this post by Chanecat
I've had both a kingpin F100, and a kingpin F250 and although the mounting points are the same, I remember the section where the steering knuckle mounts being much beefier on the F250 than the F100.
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Re: F350 suspension drop

85lebaront2
Administrator
In reply to this post by Chanecat
Short answer NO, the F150 in 1986 had ball joints, yours should be king pins just like mine is. Problems with lowering these trucks, the twin I-beam system changes camber and to a lesser degree caster as the suspension works, lowering it by shortening the coil springs and possibly shaving the stop blocks will put your front wheels in a negative camber (you'll look like the ricers in their honduhs that have been "stanced"). Unfortunately in order to adjust camber on these trucks, requires bending the axles. There were very few shops that had the equipment and knowledge when these trucks were new, probably very few of them are still around and in business.

The F350 axles are pretty damn hefty due to the weight potential. If you go to the newer axles, be sure you get F250 HD or F350 ones, and you will need the matching spindles and probably front brakes too. These heavier pickups from Ford sit higher than brands C, D and G, in fact mine is about the same height as a 4WD Chevy.
Bill AKA "LOBO" Profile

"Getting old is inevitable, growing up is optional" Darth Vader 1986 F350 460 converted to MAF/SEFI, E4OD 12X3 1/2 rear brakes, traction loc 3:55 gear, 160 amp 3G alternator Wife's 2011 Flex Limited Daily Driver 2009 Flex Limited with factory tow package Project car 1986 Chrysler LeBaron convertible 2.2L Turbo II, modified A413

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Re: F350 suspension drop

Chanecat
Yeah I don’t want to use shorter coils. So the easiest way to lower the front would be to pull a front end out of an 87 or up 350?
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Re: F350 suspension drop

85lebaront2
Administrator
The stock front end is not going to sit any lower with a newer system.
Bill AKA "LOBO" Profile

"Getting old is inevitable, growing up is optional" Darth Vader 1986 F350 460 converted to MAF/SEFI, E4OD 12X3 1/2 rear brakes, traction loc 3:55 gear, 160 amp 3G alternator Wife's 2011 Flex Limited Daily Driver 2009 Flex Limited with factory tow package Project car 1986 Chrysler LeBaron convertible 2.2L Turbo II, modified A413