Thoughts on the new front end?

Discussion in 'Ford Powerstroke 6.0' started by Shaggy, Mar 1, 2005.

  1. Shaggy

    Shaggy TRC Staff Moderator

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    Any thoughts on the new coil sprung front end compared to the old leaf style? I've heard some complaints that it's not as strong and was only designed to give the soccer moms the cushy ride they like. Any thoughts on it?
     
    Shaggy, Mar 1, 2005
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  2. joez

    joez Well-Known Member

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    From the people i talk to, coil fronts in general wear out faster than leaf sprung, but im talking to people who maintain fleets of plow vehicles. So these are trucks that get abused hard.

    Im sure its just as strong as a leaf springs, but just fatigues a little quicker. The radius arms look like Ford actually did some homework and designed them right this time, but at the same time they hang low, if the truck was going to be wheeled its another point to get hung up hard. But its a tow rig, not your wheeling rig.

    If your not plowing commercially or jumping the truck regularly, i wouldnt be worried about it in the least. When it gets sloppy in 10 years, change the radius arm bushings and throw new coils in it and call it good.

    It wasnt just for the ride, though. The turning radius on the leaf sprung superduty's was terrible, and the leaf sprung front end was harsh when towing on rough roads, seemed to make driving a little more interesting on bad roads, especially with the trailer.
     
    joez, Mar 1, 2005
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  3. Shaggy

    Shaggy TRC Staff Moderator

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    Oh yeah, forgot about the turning radius. A buddy of mine has an '02 and the thing won't even make a U-turn in 3 lanes.:eek:
     
    Shaggy, Mar 1, 2005
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  4. RJF's Red Cummins

    RJF's Red Cummins TRC Staff Moderator

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    I was happy when I heard the '05's were going to be on coils, but I like a coil suspension better than leafs.
     
    RJF's Red Cummins, Mar 1, 2005
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  5. BadDog

    BadDog TRC Staff Staff Member

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    Don't get me started about turning radius, that's one of the only things that really sucks about my 2500HD.

    And I don't think coil sprung is inherently weaker than leafs, it's just implementation. The springs shouldn't really matter, and if anything, coils would last longer (I think). IMO, it's only the more complex link suspension and extra wear points that hurts the longevity. I know Dodge had major wear issues under the Cummins in years past, not sure if they have it fixed or not.
     
    BadDog, Mar 1, 2005
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  6. Burt4x4

    Burt4x4 Well-Known Member

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    Turning radius hahahaha what's that? My 2500hd is almost 23ft long:pimp: so ya I go AROUND, no Uturns in my future:D
     
    Burt4x4, Mar 2, 2005
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  7. RCPILOT

    RCPILOT Member

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    My '89 R3500 Crew Cab does'nt turn worth s*#@.... It's so dang long and the coil susp (2wd) does'nt help either :eek:
     
    RCPILOT, Mar 2, 2005
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