If this isn't the right place for this, I apologize and ask that it be moved accordingly.

I want to beef up my current suspension to at least the level of the old F150HD or F250 "light" level of 7700# GVWR, and additional towing cap, for use in towing a camper trailer.

Have a 2004 F150 Heritage XLT, standard cab, 6.5' bed with the "6050# GVWR Package" and "Trailer Towing Group, Class III" on it.
Currently, it sits at 1965# max Payload, 7200# max tow, NTE 11,500# GCVWR (assuming don't exceed payload cap (toungue wt & bed loading) or GVWR).

VIN: 2FTRFW04CAAxxxxx
120" WB, 4.6L, 4 wheel disc, 8.8" 3.55 limited slip (H9), 4R70W (U) 4-speed auto, et al.
Current front GAWR (2800#); rear GAWR 3500#

Looking to upgrade the suspension with new springs (coils and leaf, shocks, front leveling kit, heavier front sway bar, add/boost rear sway bar, etc.

Questions:
1) Is there an existing thread, site, et al. that already addresses the specific parts to use?
2) I realize that the 4.6L and trans become an issue at some point, but right now, I just need to worry about the suspension.

Thanks in advance for reading!

 

How heavy a trailer are you wanting to tow? No matter what you do, you can't raise the legal limits.

 

Not trying to raise the legal limits... I am just trying to gain some suspension headroom to tow what is already within the specs....

The TT that we have ordered will have an UVW somewhere in the 4728-5200# area and and exactly a 7700# GVWR (2882# max cargo carrying capacity at lower UVW).
We will never load the trailer anywhere near 7100-7200# even with our electric cart (sporting clays buggy) and mountain bikes, equip, tools. (already have weights on those).

My estimate, is that the loaded weight of the trailer will be somewhere around the 6800# range (including the addition of the lithium solar system).

My truck came from the factory with a 7100 or 7200# tow max (depending on which reference you check). and a GCVWR of 11500#
It also came with the factory Class III hitch and trailer/brake wiring.
I will be using an appropriately sized weight dist. hitch (Equalizer, E2, Recurve R6, Blue OX or equivalent).

I will never exceed the legal max ratings in any way (verified by weigh station ticket checks).
My goal is to spring/shock, et al. it to get some suspension headroom and flexibility of loading and to set the truck up to be approximately level WITH the as loaded trailer attached and

The 3L55 8.8" is rated to 3800#, but my sticker has rear at 3500#, so that is a springing issue. 2/1 leaf springs. The 3/1 leafs (43-1231) bring it to 2x1900 and the 4/1 leafs (43-1199HD) bring it to 4400# (headroom over the 3800). The 2200# springs actually are closer to the same arch spec as the OE spring.

Currently have a Leer truck cap on bed, but will be deleting that in favor of a toneau cover to save weight on the truck.

1) I need to learn how to spec an HD shock part# to match the leaf spring I choose (I assume this is based on weight and some sort of measurement from the spring or as installed).
2) I need to figure out which coil spring and shock to use on the front, and potentially a leveling kit to reduce rake to minimum required to achiever level with trailer.
3) Currently have a sway bar in front. Trying to determine if that bar is good to go, or if I might consider putting a bigger/lighter unit in.
4) No sway bar in rear.... trying to decide if it is worth the weight to add a sway bar to rear.
5) Trying to pick a load distro hitch...

At some point, I will add a beefed up 4R70W trans and swap in a new 4.6L w/ turbo engine, and beef up the 8.8", but that's down the road.

Has to be someone who has already done some/all of the suspension upgrades...
I can do the work, no issue.
Just need help to spec the parts... I have a limited amount of time to get this upgrade done before the trailer is built.