Floodj

Sorry, this is a little off topic, but this seems like the towing and tow vehicle spot on the forum. Sure would be nice if they start a new section for this topic.

I have a 2004 F350 6.0 4x4/FX4 with about 167,000 miles. When I drive over rough roads the front end feels floppy. I also wish the steering was tighter. I fully realize it will not be tight like my Porsche.

Has anyone modified their Superduty's front end? If so what did you do?

Thanks,
--Joe

Sean F

Ball joints go bad on these trucks

993GT

solid front axle correct? fresh set of shocks would most likely helping any 'crashing' of the suspension, the steering box is probably still adjustable(likely a big nut with set screw, on top) as well too reduce the steering slack

pmason

between ball joints and tie rod ends, this winter I replaced my tie rod ends and drag link.

Floodj

Thanks. It dawned me a few months ago that if my 993 Monroe shocks only lasted 50,000 miles why would I think the Ford shocks would last any longer. I was thinking next spring I would have the front end of the truck rebuilt.

So far it is looking like shocks, ball joints, drag links, and tie rods need to be on my list.

Any other ideas out there? What brand of or sources of parts are recommended?
--Joe

winders

Put Bilstein shocks on the truck. I love the Bilstein shocks on my F-350.

Scott

pmason

I should also look at shocks, just turned over 100k two weeks ago.

MUSSBERGER

That amount of miles the whole front suspension needs freshening. The back end could use a look too.

Check your u joints while your at it.

KNK123

You can find the answer to most questions about these trucks by googling the forums at ford-trucks.com.

Circuit Motorsports

a guy who works for Koni who knows more about shocks than all of us combined says get the Rancho shocks. And I agree with him. drove a truck with Ranchos back to back with my Bilstein equipped truck. Immediately regretted the decision to get the Bilsteins. The valving sucks on the Bilsteins.

Also, the steering box on these trucks are crappy. They wear out and exacerbate the issues as well. RedHead Steering box was one of the better upgrades on my Ford. Combine that with Moog ball Joints, and ends and you'll get the best possible front end for a Ford Superduty.

Floodj

I do read the forums for trucks too. However, I find them more focused on building drag racers or off roaders, neither of which interest me. I want my truck to drive and pull well, and I'd wager so do most guys on this forum.
--Joe

Deadeye

I just put new shocks on my 105K F-350. Big difference, especially towing over those nasty bridge joints on the highway.

Sean F

+1 on shocks. made a big difference.

Professor Helmüt Tester

Now...if somebody could figure out how to replace a rusty oil pan on a 4x4 F350 without pulling the motor.....

Ford oil pans suck.

(Damien Diesel fibreglass repair kit, while a clever fix, won't help if the rust is all the way into the horizontal parts of the pan)

(did I mention that Ford oil pans suck ?)

Floodj

Herr Mussenberger,
What ship is that in your aviatar?
thanks,
--Joe