Hello Ladies and Gents

I'm looking into redoing the suspension of my 03 f150 XLT.
Its gone through a solid 10 years of towing horse trailers on and off road
I'd say simple enough as by going by the VIN I do not have a 7700 package
(5 lug tires, 4.6l V8, 3.55 rear diff, etc. Other note it's a supercab with 8ft box)

I'm essential looking into new bushing and new Rancho struts/shocks(call them what you will) possibly either heavy duty or load assist (gooseneck trailer with horses can get a little bouncy)

My actual questions end up being are
I'm confused a bit because it has a 5 thick pack of leaf spring in back(2 1/4 in thickness total, which does seem like the HD 2200lbs springs) and when we had to place 1 ton of screening in the box, it barely dropped to half its max travel.

With that being said, I do not know which struts that were put on it
or are the 7700 package struts and the normal range struts the same bolt size/pattern
with that info running around, its a bit confusing since it does seam to load weight wise like a 250

So any help in trying to find parts would be a great help
thanks

 

Its just a standard truck that may have a towing package. When you replace the shocks the easy way is to use a rip saw with a long metal cutting blade. Jack the truck up but support the axle so the shocks are compressed and cut the bolt off at the upper bushing. That makes it so much easier.. Go over to rock auto they have a great selection.

 

Thanks

Rancho 9000xl it is
should ride little less bouncy with the goose neck horse trailer

 

While you are at it, check the tie rod ends for looseness as well as the idler arm, pitman arm and ball joints. If they have never been replaced, they probably need to be.

 

I don't think they are, I haven't checked myself.

But I don't seem to have any slack in the steering
and last year I had a front bearing/hub replaced at a garage and the guy didn't say anything, so I'm assuming they're old, but not worn enough yet
it's an 03 with 163000 ish KM (102000ish Miles?)

Next on the the list to do once I've finished with the rear

 

My 02 has 134k miles on it. I just checked it and it needs tie rod ends, idler arm, and lower ball joints. It's a southern 4x4 and hasn't seen much snow.

 

Ranchos are meh at best. Get some Bilstein montubes on there.

 

I have the Bilstein and they are great off road shocks. Problem is I rarely go 4 wheeling anymore, Maybe a couple of times a year. Bilsteins are pretty rough on the freeway where I spend most of my time in my truck. If I were or when I am doing it over I'll get something more road friendly.

 

I checked my tie rod ends by jacking up one front wheel and trying to turn it by hand. I could see play in the inner tie rod ends. Getting under the truck, I was able to move the joint at the idler arm a little. It has two grease fittings that I forgot were there so they didn't get any grease since I've owned the truck.

while the wheel is jacked up off the driveway put a pry bar under the wheel and try to raise the wheel and you will see if there is any play in the lower ball joint. My upper ball joints were tight. The lower ball joints carry the weight of the truck and the uppers just hold the wheel.