Issues With Big Blue!?!?!

[ArdWrknTrk]

Yes, I've updated it. Trying to keep each truck's description to one line, but the one for Dad's truck is a bit long. Anyway, I took "soon-to-be" out of Big Blue's description to get it on one line. Struggled with that one, but having purchased the D60 I guess it is going to happen.

Sent a note to Sky last night asking if their FORD-FSROB-003 is the right kit, and if I need an adjustable panhard rod. But I'll throw those questions out here as I'll get better answers.

The bushings in the panhard rod are pretty much gone so will have to be replaced - unless I go with the adjustable one. But bushings are only ~$20, as opposed to the adjustable one at $139 to $174 depending on the whether you go with bushings or heim joint, and whether you have it powder coated.

But, their site says "You will feel increased road vibration with heim joints, but they will last longer." I'm inclined to go with the bushings, but what do y'all think? And, how important is it to go with the adjustable one?

And, are their other brands? I'll search for that, but if you know....

There are certainly other brands of RSK.

I focus on them because their kits seem well thought out and cleanly fabricated, complete-with all the fasteners, and are respected in the community.

You don't hear griping about fit or quality.

As for what length Panhard bar you'll need, I can only say ask them, while making it known that you will be using used SD springs.

Otherwise install and measure.

It wouldn't be hard for you to fabricate or modify one.

I would probably go with bushings.

This truck is going overlanding, not in the Baja 1000.

[ArdWrknTrk]

There are certainly other brands of RSK.

I focus on them because their kits seem well thought out and cleanly fabricated, complete-with all the fasteners, and are respected in the community.

You don't hear griping about fit or quality.

As for what length Panhard bar you'll need, I can only say ask them, while making it known that you will be using used SD springs.

Otherwise install and measure.

It wouldn't be hard for you to fabricate or modify one.

I would probably go with bushings.

This truck is going overlanding, not in the Baja 1000.

Does the -003 kit include the LoPro rear spring mounts?

I never really looked into their SD spring kit.

[Gary Lewis]

There are certainly other brands of RSK.I focus on them because their kits seem well thought out and cleanly fabricated, complete-with all the fasteners, and are respected in the community.You don't hear griping about fit or quality.As for what length Panhard bar you'll need, I can only say ask them, while making it known that you will be using used SD springs.Otherwise install and measure.It wouldn't be hard for you to fabricate or modify one.I would probably go with bushings.This truck is going overlanding, not in the Baja 1000.

My email to them said:

I'm installing a Dana 60 straight axle out of a '95 F350 in my '85 F250 and using '06 Superduty springs. Is your FORD-FSROB-003 kit everything I need?

And why would I need an adjustable track bar.

One of my concerns in this is that the SD springs I got are from an '06. But Sky's site says that their kit "Adapts the much better riding 99-04 Superduty Springs". And in another spot it says "Springs: 56" 99-04 Superduty Front Springs". So I'm concerned that maybe I have the wrong springs.

I'll see what they say about things, inc the springs. But, I'll also measure the springs I got to see how long they are compared to that 56" spec.

As for the track bar, I can easily see the need for a longer one - if the height changes so will the diagonal. And I agree that I want bushings and not heim joints given what I'm doing with the truck.

I could make the one I have adjustable by cutting it and installing a large threaded rod. But I think I'd rather buy in a ready-made one.

And to align it, they suggest using plumb bobs, which I'll do. But I would think that lifting the truck with the lift, w/o the track bar installed, and then setting it down would give a good starting point. Yes?

On the LoPro question, I really don't know and could sure use some help there. In poking around on their site I found the document below, which I haven't been able to get my head around yet. And, their heretofore email responses have been less than helpful, so I'm confused.

[ArdWrknTrk]

My email to them said:

I'm installing a Dana 60 straight axle out of a '95 F350 in my '85 F250 and using '06 Superduty springs. Is your FORD-FSROB-003 kit everything I need?

And why would I need an adjustable track bar.

One of my concerns in this is that the SD springs I got are from an '06. But Sky's site says that their kit "Adapts the much better riding 99-04 Superduty Springs". And in another spot it says "Springs: 56" 99-04 Superduty Front Springs". So I'm concerned that maybe I have the wrong springs.

I'll see what they say about things, inc the springs. But, I'll also measure the springs I got to see how long they are compared to that 56" spec.

As for the track bar, I can easily see the need for a longer one - if the height changes so will the diagonal. And I agree that I want bushings and not heim joints given what I'm doing with the truck.

I could make the one I have adjustable by cutting it and installing a large threaded rod. But I think I'd rather buy in a ready-made one.

And to align it, they suggest using plumb bobs, which I'll do. But I would think that lifting the truck with the lift, w/o the track bar installed, and then setting it down would give a good starting point. Yes?

On the LoPro question, I really don't know and could sure use some help there. In poking around on their site I found the document below, which I haven't been able to get my head around yet. And, their heretofore email responses have been less than helpful, so I'm confused.

The PDF doesn't seem confusing.You have an '85-'97 4wd which will be a stock F-350 once the D60 is installed.For the spring reversal with Superduty springs you will need 10" shocks and a longer panhard bar.MAYBE longer brake hoses since you are going 250->350->SD RSKHopefully Erik will have an intelligent response to your inquiry.

[ArdWrknTrk]

My email to them said:

I'm installing a Dana 60 straight axle out of a '95 F350 in my '85 F250 and using '06 Superduty springs. Is your FORD-FSROB-003 kit everything I need?

And why would I need an adjustable track bar.

One of my concerns in this is that the SD springs I got are from an '06. But Sky's site says that their kit "Adapts the much better riding 99-04 Superduty Springs". And in another spot it says "Springs: 56" 99-04 Superduty Front Springs". So I'm concerned that maybe I have the wrong springs.

I'll see what they say about things, inc the springs. But, I'll also measure the springs I got to see how long they are compared to that 56" spec.

As for the track bar, I can easily see the need for a longer one - if the height changes so will the diagonal. And I agree that I want bushings and not heim joints given what I'm doing with the truck.

I could make the one I have adjustable by cutting it and installing a large threaded rod. But I think I'd rather buy in a ready-made one.

And to align it, they suggest using plumb bobs, which I'll do. But I would think that lifting the truck with the lift, w/o the track bar installed, and then setting it down would give a good starting point. Yes?

On the LoPro question, I really don't know and could sure use some help there. In poking around on their site I found the document below, which I haven't been able to get my head around yet. And, their heretofore email responses have been less than helpful, so I'm confused.

I just went to the ATS website to see what they showed.Their '99-'04 V code spring #43-814 is described as being 3 leaf, 3" wide and totals 56 5/8" long with a 18mm bolt in the front and 16 mm in the rear.2230# capacityDoes that match the springs you have?I don't see any data for later front Superduty springs.

[salans7]

I just went to the ATS website to see what they showed.

Their '99-'04 V code spring #43-814 is described as being 3 leaf, 3" wide and totals 56 5/8" long with a 18mm bolt in the front and 16 mm in the rear.

2230# capacity

Does that match the springs you have?

I don't see any data for later front Superduty springs.

It was always my understanding that SD trucks went to coil spring in 2005, so how you ended up with '06 leaf springs is beyond me.

[Gary Lewis]

I just went to the ATS website to see what they showed.

Their '99-'04 V code spring #43-814 is described as being 3 leaf, 3" wide and totals 56 5/8" long with a 18mm bolt in the front and 16 mm in the rear.

2230# capacity

Does that match the springs you have?

I don't see any data for later front Superduty springs.

I called Brent and he checked - these springs came off of a 2003 F250 w/a V8, which he says would be the same as for an F350. But, if they won't work he's happy to exhange.

These measure:

• 54 1/2" c/c on the eyes

• 57" to the outside of the main spring, as shown below

• ID of the inner sleeves is .64" on one end and .68" on the other. Since 16mm = .63" and 18mm = .71" that seems about right for the bolts.

• 3" wide

• 2-leaf pack

 

[ArdWrknTrk]

I called Brent and he checked - these springs came off of a 2003 F250 w/a V8, which he says would be the same as for an F350. But, if they won't work he's happy to exhange.

These measure:

• 54 1/2" c/c on the eyes

• 57" to the outside of the main spring, as shown below

• ID of the inner sleeves is .64" on one end and .68" on the other. Since 16mm = .63" and 18mm = .71" that seems about right for the bolts.

• 3" wide

• 2-leaf pack

2 leaf pack is code U with a 2030# capacity.

Given the winch bumper, 2nd battery, etc.. you may want something stiffer.

JMHO

Edit: there's also code-X @ 2630# capacity

and a HD spring @ 3950#

[Gary Lewis]

2 leaf pack is code U with a 2030# capacity.

Given the winch bumper, 2nd battery, etc.. you may want something stiffer.

JMHO

Edit: there's also code-X @ 2630# capacity

and a HD spring @ 3950#

Yes, I'd come to the same conclusion - the ones I have are 2030 capacity. And Big Blue's springs are code 7, which are 2755's.

Here's the ATS table, and it gives the info on thickness. It looks like to get comparable springs I need either the 43-812HD's (2780#'s) or the Code X springs (2630#'s).

At least I have something to look for now. I'll get with Brent at the salvage and have him look for those springs. But, what are the thoughts about which ones to look for?

 

[Nothing Special]

Yes, I'd come to the same conclusion - the ones I have are 2030 capacity. And Big Blue's springs are code 7, which are 2755's.

Here's the ATS table, and it gives the info on thickness. It looks like to get comparable springs I need either the 43-812HD's (2780#'s) or the Code X springs (2630#'s).

At least I have something to look for now. I'll get with Brent at the salvage and have him look for those springs. But, what are the thoughts about which ones to look for?

All of the recommendations I've read about improving the ride of 4WD '80 - '97 F-250s and F-350s have said reverse shackle and U code SuperDuty springs. So you already have what people recommend.

Yes, with your heavier front bumper and winch you might need a little more spring capacity than a stock truck would. But keep in mind that the SuperDuties seem to be significantly heavier than the older trucks (caution: I don't have data on that, just hear-say). I think I'd go with the U code springs, especially since you already have them.