Stock suspension questions - 97 F150
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Joined: Jan 2011
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Stock suspension questions - 97 F150
OK, I know everyone wants to lift their truck. I don't, please do not suggest it.
OK, its a new to me 97 F150 XLT 5.4 with 3.55 rear and 235K miles (4x2, not 4x4).
Everything creaks and it looks like at least one of the rear spring leaf's are off center.
Goal - have a smoother riding truck with minimal squeaks (yes I know truks make noise). This truck will be a daily driver and occasionaly tow my race car on an open trailer.
I rebuilt the suspension in my race car so I can find my way around. I found an energy suspensions master bushing set - looks OK price wise. Any other suggestions? Are rubber bushings even available for these trucks?
Looks like the LCA ball joint is a press out then new one in. UCA is a full replacement?
Tie rod ends - any suggestions besides Moog?
Shocks - help! too many options, I just want a stockish ride. Do NOT suggest any Monroe shocks. I'll never put another set on a vehicle.
Rear springs - help! Rockauto has options, one looks like a 3 leaf like the stock ones then there is a 4 leaf that has a significant increase in the carry weight. I'm leaning towards the heavy duty spring - any thoughts? Other places to look?
OK now drum brakes in the rear - really? What was Ford thinking?
Is there an easy way to replace with disk brakes? Maybe from a passenger car?
Thanks in advance.
OK, its a new to me 97 F150 XLT 5.4 with 3.55 rear and 235K miles (4x2, not 4x4).
Everything creaks and it looks like at least one of the rear spring leaf's are off center.
Goal - have a smoother riding truck with minimal squeaks (yes I know truks make noise). This truck will be a daily driver and occasionaly tow my race car on an open trailer.
I rebuilt the suspension in my race car so I can find my way around. I found an energy suspensions master bushing set - looks OK price wise. Any other suggestions? Are rubber bushings even available for these trucks?
Looks like the LCA ball joint is a press out then new one in. UCA is a full replacement?
Tie rod ends - any suggestions besides Moog?
Shocks - help! too many options, I just want a stockish ride. Do NOT suggest any Monroe shocks. I'll never put another set on a vehicle.
Rear springs - help! Rockauto has options, one looks like a 3 leaf like the stock ones then there is a 4 leaf that has a significant increase in the carry weight. I'm leaning towards the heavy duty spring - any thoughts? Other places to look?
OK now drum brakes in the rear - really? What was Ford thinking?
Is there an easy way to replace with disk brakes? Maybe from a passenger car?
Thanks in advance.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,266
Likes: 1
From: Sumter County, FL
I would say replace every thing in your front end: UCA's, Lower ball joints, tie rods, Idler and Pitman, Sway bar bushings and end links. I would go with all moog parts, they are the best quality wise. For shocks I would go with some ranchos or bilsteins. As for the rear brakes your drums are fine, most of these trucks stopping power comes from the front end anyways. Since you plan on doing some towing you might as well go with the 4 leaf pack spring.