My "custom" front suspension lift (lots of pics)

[n_bannerman]

How are the f150 coils holding up for you? Did you have any alignment issues after? I am thinking of the same setup in my ranger. Low and flexy is the way to go!

 

[sbsrlewis]

The F150 Coils are GREAT!! They provide a great ride and I like the extra height I got out of them too.

As for alignment issues...yes I had some issues getting the camber in spec. I put the coils on and didn't mess with the alignment because I was about a month from putting the Dana 44 outers on...so I don't know if the outers and beams I bought caused the issue or if the coils did. Really doesn't matter now that it's in spec.

We (alignment shop and I) used the adjustable bushings for the upper balljoints along with shims behind the spindle. Now everything is good to go.

As for the shims behind the spindle if you SEARCH "Dana 35 Spindle Studs". There was discussion there as to my use of the shims. There is a picture of them on the 1st page of that discussion. Lots of members not a fan of them but it is how they use to (and still do) align the Ford TTB and TIB before the adjustable shims for upper ball joints came along. Also using these types of shims for alignment is the way they align cars that require a 4 wheel alignments today so it is a safe and viable way.

I am 46 years old and have never heard of them until now. I have used the same alignmet shop for years and just recently found out that they dont even put in the ball joint shims! I about had a come apart on them when they told me they couldn't even align a Ford with TTB! Been going there for years but thats another story. About a day after this a guy came into O'Reillys where I work part time to pay on his account and he has an alignment shop and I got to talking to him about my BII. He said that most alignment shops today don't know how to do a proper alignment. They hire young guys and have a high turn over so not much experience. So I took it to him and after installing the largest ball joint shim he recommended the shims behind the spindle. At 1st I was hesitant but after talking to some other friends and doing some reading on Google I felt comfortable with using them. Your choice on whether you believe in them or not. Google Shim A Line or Shims for Dana 44 spindles and do some reading.

Good luck with your decision.


Steve