Cincinnati Area Thread (Tri-State, Ohio/Kentucky/Indiana)

It’s fine. When I changed my rear leafs, my right stuck out further. Just drive it, it should even out then tighten U bolts again.

 

Are you sure your centering pins are in the hole?

Did you remove the front/rear leaf spring bolts? If so, are they tight? Also, look at those threads, do they look even from left/right front/back?

 

Thanks Ed, this is exactly what I wanted to hear.

Yep, centering pins are in the hole on both sides. U bolts wouldn’t be long enough if they weren’t.

And I did not loosen any of the bolts holding the leaf springs to the frame when I removed the overloads. Only the U bolts and the centering pin (ended up replacing both on each side too).

 

Well, it took more than 6 months but the truck is finally back on the road! I put the front back together yesterday and backed it out of the garage. Took a quick trip up and down my street to make sure nothing was horribly off or making noise and then took it for a drive.

It was getting dark fast last night but I snapped a driveway picture anyway. The front suspension should “settle” a bit as it looks higher than it did before and it should be a little lower than my previous setup.



First impressions... the Elka suspension is significantly softer and more comfortable than the Bilstein 5100s I took out. I went over railroad tracks and drove down a bumpy street nearby and was very pleased with how the truck reacted. The lack of a sway bar is noticeable but not enough to bother me at all (the stiffer front springs and not having driven the truck for half a year probably helped) so that will not be going back on the truck. And my steering wheel is very slightly off center, but considering I replaced pretty much the entire power steering system (minus the pump) and eye balled the new outer tie rod positions, I’m honestly impressed.

Now I just need to get the truck cleaned up and take it in for an alignment. I also did some research on the forums and apparently the perception of my passenger side rear wheel sticking out further than the driver’s side is due to the bed alignment. I grabbed a tape measure and confirmed, the bed is about 3/8” closer to the cab on the driver’s side. So that’s both annoying and reassuring. I’ll torque the U bolts down and sometime later I’ll loosen all six bed bolts and shift it closer to center.

 

A little before and after I snapped before the snow started falling. Ignore the homemade wood ramps...

 

Looks Fantastic!!! I like the no center caps look too!!!

 

Thanks Ed. Not gonna lie though, it’s a big adjustment for me. Looks sooooo different. The wheels sticking out about 3/4” further totally changes the look. And even though the F5s are still 17” they appear smaller.

 

Hope Everyone Here is aware Christmas is 8 days away and preparing to the level expected by your significant other!!

Merry Christmas All

 

Need some info. Just curious, ballpark range to upgrade my suspension (Christmas gift to myself). I don't plan on doing it myself. Interested in Billsteins or Fox, OME leafpacks and anything else needed. My truck needs an suspension upgrade to pull my camper so it doesn't have that low rider sag. I also like the look of a slight lift when not towing. Thanks in advance

 

I would suggest looking at ToyTecLifts or HeadStrong Off-road at their different complete lift kits and possibly incorporating FireStone or Airlift Rear airbags. Buy the parts yourself then get a quote for install at a shop of your choosing or offer beer food and laughs and ask your locals here to help so you learn how it works and how to maintain it.

budget for parts $2,250 - $5,000
Labor - $?????

install isn’t that hard, just a little scary to the uninitiated.

 

Not, OP but I’ll probably be in the same boat this year as well. Any local shops folks would recommend?

 

I can’t answer that... I’ve done everything myself. Perhaps someone else can.

 

Nut house industries. In Morrow ohio. Absolutely stand up guys.

EDIT: I've stopped by a few times to chat, bought a few odds and ends. Plan on having them install alot of stuff next year. I've see some of their installs, and quiet a few of their fabrications. Fantastic quality.

 

Thanks guys - much appreciated.

 

They do custom racks, trays, and storage too. If you can dream it, they will build it for you.

 

Anyone is the Cincinnati area willing to help me with a body mount chop? I feel pretty confident in doing it just would like someone around that has done it before.

 

Welcome!!! What area of town are you located in?

 

I live in Norwood

 

Cant wait to get it all dialed in and take it down some trails. I've been in a f250 that isn't capable should have never switched to a big rig this is my third taco. itching to get it dirty

 

I am between Mariemont and Milford.

I’m willing to help but I only trimmed the body panel uncovered when removing the mud flap, I didn’t trim the frame by the cab mount, my setup didn’t need it.