Hey everybody, quick and kind assistance needed from anyone that can help. I have a 2005 FX4 Supercrew that currently has a Groundforce 9966 kit installed (this is an advertised 4X4 2/3 drop). Currently, the front coils are mounted in my OEM 4X4 struts and would like to swap them out for a set of 4X2 OEM struts in order to gain the appearance of a 4X2 drop with 2 inch coils. This is a measure I would like to go with for right now as I can get the struts at a very reasonable price. With that said, here is my question, the OEM 2WD strut has a couple of different part numbers, i.e. ASH257 and ASH724. The common thread between them is "Base Payload and 138 inch Wheelbase" What's different is ASH257 is prior 11/2004 while ASH724 is post 11/2004. From a price perspective, ASH724 is almost 20 bucks more (per TASCA Parts). It appears ASH724 maybe just be a P/N update with a price increase and/or a slight design change. I'd rather save the 20 bucks and get the ASH257's, however want to ensure I get the right piece before I tear into my Truck this weekend. If anyone knows of a fundamental difference between the two, please advise and would be greatly appreciated! FYI, these P/N's are specific to the 2005MY. 2006MY forward have different P/N's. Looking at 2004MY, ASH257 is listed while ASH724 is not, for obvious reasons. Again, thanks for your help and apologize for the long winded questions! Oh, and forgot to mention, I plan on removing the overload leafs in the rear and was wondering if I'll be able to reuse the same hardware.

 

you can reuse the U bolts with the overload out, but you will need to put shorter centering pin bolts, that go through the middle of the leaf pack

 

Fantastic Patman, thanks! From your experience is this a special dealer item, or something I could procure from the Hardware Store, obviously same spec's just shorter as mentioned.

 

just shorter, doesn't need to be something too high of grade, but not cheap zinc either. Just standard hardware is fine. The Ubolts does the main work, these bolts just help hold the leafs together, and centered on the axle front to back.

 

Great! Thanks again for the kind assistance

 

I can tell you that 2wd bilstiens ride MUCH better with 2" drop coils than OEM 4x4 parts