So I'm Installing Front & Rear Saleen Springs / Shocks This Weekend
 

Needed new shocks all the way around. I got Saleen shocks and their springs off ebay for just a little more than the set of Bilsteins. This setup plus front and rear sway bars and I'm hoping to transform the handling a little bit.

I got the rears done yesterday. What a PITA to replace the leaf springs. Shocks couldn't be easier. I've got the 37 gallon fuel tank (standard is probably the same based on the filler neck location) and it is about 2" away from the 6" front leaf spring bolt. And of course, the bolt head is inboard so I had to loosen up the tank and unfasten the filler neck to move it far enough to get the bolt out. Replacing leaf springs definitely not something Ford imagined someone would be doing in their driveway apparently!

For some reason on the passenger side the way the leaf spring was sitting in the axle, the front bolt hole was about 1/2" too far forward to line up. I had to get a long pry bar and pry the crap out of it, while trying to stick the bolt in the hole (no helper yesterday). But it's done. It def sits lower. I'd say 2" or 3".

Just took it around the block, nothing to judge the ride. Was listening for bangs and clanks. Probably won't get a good feel for the ride until I get the fronts done and take it around town a good bit.

Time to go bust my knuckles on the front!

Been there done that! The work is worth it though. I love the way my truck handles now. Did you flip your leaf spring bolt or put it back in the same way? I thought about flipping it, but ended up putting it back in the way it was. I wouldn't want it to puncture the gas tank if I ever got into a wreck. I wouldn't have thought of it that way if Pat wasn't helping me out with mine. Can't wait to see pics of yours finished.

I turned mine around with the nut inboard. Not really worried about puncturing the tank.

It was for the peace of mind for me. I'm the kind of person where that thought would always be in the back of my mind, so we just went ahead and put it back in the way it came out. :)

How do you even drive then? :lol:

IMO it's not really that close. The bolt head can do just as much damage.

:lol: True. Maybe Pat brainwashed me into doing it? Just kidding, Pat.

I didn't let him brainwash me. :lol:

I just decided to put it back the way Ford did it. I don't plan on taking it back out anyway!

Got the fronts done today. That top nut holding the strut in place is a PITA. Probably would have been fine if my impact wrench wasn't a POS. But it is. I spent more time on those two nuts than I did on the rest of the work combined. All in all, very easy, just stubborn fasteners.

I've got a couple pics showing the height I'll post up later. I didn't measure the rear drop but I did measure the fronts. 36" to the top of the fender arch before, 33-3/4" after. It looks good and I'm not really a lowered truck guy.

Can't wait to see pics!

My before measurements were 38.125" in the rear and 35.5" in the front.

My after measurements were 34.25" in the rear and 33" in the front.

87fiveoh*, what other suspension mods did you do? Anything other than the saleen stuff? I'm thinking Hellwig front and rear sway bars are next. And then, if I win the lotto, bigger/wider wheels & tires.

Sorry I should have specified. I have the Ground Force kit on my truck. My next plans are to add a shackle. I have been considering doing the sway bars. If you get them let me know how you like them.

I have the saleen shocks/struts on my truck to (paired with a belltec 2/4) and i cannot believe how much better it rides now than stock.

i thought i was going to sacrifice ride quality for the looks of the drop but i was so far off.

Need pics bro I have been thinking about going this route as well I really want to see what it looks like