I got a '98 Ext Cab Lariat 4x4. We worked the hell out of it when we first got it, my question is, how can you tell when your shocks and leaf springs are worn out? I think they are because I notice that other trucks similar to mine sit higher or seem to. Also when I get into the bed, I hear squeeking (spelling) in the rear suspension.

 

The shocks don't hold the vehicle up, so that won't cause the rear to be lower. The springs may sag a little, and have lost some payload capability, but, nobody's hurt their Ford like I hurt mine, (a skid of bricks , over 2400 pounds in the back is nuthin'..just shove it wayyyy up near the cab.*S*)
Mine seems to sit higher than my buddy's shortbox SC. A lot higher.

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'97 S/C XLS black/silver 157" WB, 4.6/auto, 3:08, home made custom tube grille, terminator muffler, phantom sweep wiper switch(factory installed), a few billet aluminum goodies (the list grows), airbox mods, TPS tuned
email: bazils@hotmail.com

 

2400lbs is alot, but how about 40 bags of 80lb Quikrete, and 50 2x4's?

 

I put around 1800lbs. in the bed, now something is squeeking every time I turn left, and when it's below 10 mph I also hear it. It is very annoying. I looked at the leaf springs and the bottom leaf is out of alignment with the others.(Driver's side) Maybe it's because of the 2" drop shackles, but I wouldn't think so. Any ideas?

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98 Triton XLT Extended, Captains, CD, bug shield,billet grille, bumper grille, PIAA ultra white bulbs,Clear front corners,K&N,Flowmaster,dualed w/3.5 stainless turndowns at rear bumper. Black nurf bars, ClassIII hitch, Viper alarm w/ auto window roll up, 3% tint, 2" drop w/17X8 MB Motoring wheels on 275/55 Dunlop rubber,Smoothed tailgate. Black/Gray

 

It probably came new that way. Mine did.
driver's side, lower (shortie guy) leaf is twisted, almost enuf to get near the tire.

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'97 S/C XLS black/silver 157" WB, 4.6/auto, 3:08, home made custom tube grille, terminator muffler, phantom sweep wiper switch(factory installed), a few billet aluminum goodies (the list grows), airbox mods, TPS tuned
email: bazils@hotmail.com

 

The best way to fix that is to put progressive-rate helper springs or full time
helper springs. The progressive is probably
the best seeing that it support is 3,000+ loads yet you won't know springs are installed when vehicle is not loaded. Just a
idea. A lot of people like the air suspension kits but I would be afraid they would bust under to much pressure.

Thanks Scott

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98 F-150 STX V8 black,tonneau cover
tinted windows

working on the rest

 

Both of my shortie springs are out of alignment, dealer said nothing was wrong, wont hurt anything. His word is about as good as a pile of dog crap's word, * really crappy dealer around here*. Might try spraying a little silcone lube or WD-40. Who knows, might help.

 

Mike H:

FYI, mine also squeaks when turning at slow speed. Turns out it is the tie rod end with the pitman arm not far behind. Both do not have grease fittings so only solution is to replace them. They do not have any play and function fine but not quietly. This came from my front end shop when they did an alignment recently.

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97 XLT Ext Cab
K&N, Classic Design Exhaust,******* cover,Eagle Alloy Wheels,4X2" lowered,front spoiler

 

Those short bottom leaves esp. the left need to be in alignment. The left one can break and hit your tire or gas tank. I think a TSB was issued on this for the 97s.