71 F250 suspension rebuild

[Zorm]

any ideas for the above mentioned. I don't plan on any real wild mods, just would like to replace all the worn out parts and drop the front maybe 2". As for the rear, I have the overload springs since this is a camper special. I would like to lower the rear about 4" or just make it a little higher than the front, a nice rake.
Ideas please, parts to replace and where to get them. I already have disk brakes up front. Oh yea, the steering is kinda sloppy thoughts on that also.

thanks

[Caseys71]

For lowering the front you could get cut a little bit out of the coil-springs if you feel comfortable doing that, as for lowering the rear you could do a full or half hanger flip and lower it a bit. I'm sure someone that has lowered their truck will chime in with more advice. As for the steering it is most likely the Rag-joint/steering coupler and they're not too expensive, they're usually the best place to start when you've got slop in the steering.

[Zorm]

thanks Casey, rag joint, I've seen that mentioned. Does anyone know where I can find an exploded view of the front suspension so I can see what I need to replace as far as bushings and things that wear out.

[69rangerf100]

as far as bushings that need to be replaced go to napa for the pivot bushing all other local parts stores are crap they dont fit at all i just got done going throught this, and the radius arm bushings are the only 2 bushings that i replaced on my 2wd F100. this two replacements should resolve a good bit of your steering issue. if your radius arm bushings look like mine they were completely destroyed

[Zorm]

thanks 96rangerf100, got a Napa close by.
Steering is just part of it. As I drive I hear what sounds like a "heavy rattling" on the drivers side, more so when I go over bumps. Haven't had a chance to get the front end up and man handle things under there yet and see whats shakn'.

[69rangerf100]

If I'm correct that may mean that your king pin bearings are worn out

[Zorm]

69rangerf100, where the heck would I get those? would the generic autoparts stores carry them?

[70_F100]

If you're HEARING it, it's probably the radius arm bushings. You don't even have to get up under the truck to see them. Just look from the side and you can tell.

Could also be the cab mounts failing. Don't ask me how I know that...

I've never heard a bad kingpin, and I've worked on some trucks that were pretty well worn out, even a couple that had worn through the kingpin bushings and into the spindle.