Weak Front Coil Spring

[TMcGreal]

Hey There, I have a '69 Ranger F-100 with a front passenger side wheel that's canting inward. I have excelent steering, meaning the alignment is true and it doesn't wander during highway or any driving conditions/speeds. I also checked to see if it had been hit and allis sound. Could I have a weak coil spring? If so, does it make sense to get new pair or go scrap-yardin' for a single. Also is there a difference in sring sizes/tensions between the 100's, 250's and 350's? Any info will be a bonus.

[heep70]

Take it to an alignment shop. Sounds like the chamber needs adjusting. I believe that has to be done by bending the beam? I don't own an f100, so am going off what I have heard. Or maybe the king pin is worn. Hang on for some more replies.

Oh, stop by the "Welcome Mat" and intro yourself. We like to see pics if you have any. to the site, glad you joined.

[Chasbod]

Hey there and Welcome to the site!

I'm not real knowledgeable about front ends but you can do some measurements between the coil spring mounts on both sides to determine if you are sagging. I would always replace springs with new pairs if necessary. Just going to the junk yard won't guarantee you anything. You could end up w/ better or worse. I believe springs are rated for either the 6's or 8's.

I'm sure some more opinions will be coming later. I just saw Heep's post. Yes, the King pin can be checked by jacking up one wheel and try to shift the tire from top to bottom. If kingpin bushings are worn, you will see noticeable movement between the spindle and axle at the kingpin joint.

Oh, and they always recommend that you go through the Welcome Mat to introduce yourself and tell us a little about your truck(s). Pictures are always encouraged!

[71-F-250SC-72-F-250C]

If it does turn out to be the coil springs, we got some new ones for our F-250 for 40 dollars from LMC. I would do that instead of going to the junkyard.

Stephen

[TMcGreal]

Well, I know it's not kingpins, and I did mesure the springs from one to the other and the one that lists like torpedoed ship is approx. 3/4" shorter than the driver's side. So if I need new ones, any recommendations for a good supplier?

p.s. this pic is a '71 I restored and sold to a buddy, the '69 in question is next for a nice once-over...I'll post some more when I can find some time...

[TMcGreal]

Thanks for the tip...sorry about the pic...that's the 69 in question.

[willowbilly3]

Do replace both springs, and while you have them out check the condition of the I-beam end bushings. There is a spring chart in the tech archives somewhere so study a little and resist the temptaion to buy heavier duty springs than you had.

[67F250CS]

Replace em' both.

[FORDification]

Keep in mind that once you have them out on the ground, the passenger-side spring IS a bit taller than the driver's side spring. That's because the engine/transmission assembly is offset to the passenger side by several inches, so that side needs a little help. If your truck has ever been apart, it's possible the previous owner got the two springs mixed up. When assembling the front suspension of my truck, I did just that....and had to disassemble it again to swap them back around to get it to sit right.

[TMcGreal]

Thanks for the tip...I wasn't aware of the height difference. It is possible that they may have been switched. The only way to know is unbolt and measure.

[Chasbod]

When assembling the front suspension of my truck, I did just that....and had to disassemble it again to swap them back around to get it to sit right.

That is great info to know!! Reminds me of the time i replaced the hot water heater and when i fired it up (gas heat) i started getting water leaking down the flue chamber. Was about to rip it back out in a very bad mood til I read the instructions: "Heavy condensation is normal when the heater is first fired up" Hot metal/cold water, lot's of condensation. DOH!

I can just picture myself putting the coil springs in wrong and assuming they shipped the wrong ones. Thanks Keith!

[flyboy2610]

I didn't know that either.
And I'm in the process of taking mine apart.
Thanks, Keith!