08 Spring Conversion in progress

Pictures coming soon, got it all tore down today.

What a #@%@#$@#.

Several broken drill bits, smashed fingers, bruised arms and metal imbedded in skin.

Other than that it went smooth.

I only found one thread on PSN doing it the way I am without buying the PMF brackets. If you want to do it quick and easy, get the brackets plain and simple

This method is moving the existing bracket forward.

You do need to lower the fuel tank to remount the drivers bracket, I don't think you have to remove but you need to be able to see what you are drilling and be able to tighten down the bolts and nuts.

Tools needed for teardown part only(other than basic handtools)

22mm shallow socket
24mm deep and shallow socket
Socket to fit the bigger 20mm front bolt.
New U-bolts, they recommend replacing all bolts, but I'm just replacing the u-bolts.

I also recommend a:

Lots of drill bits, I used 1/8, 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 bits
Centering punch to mark holes
1/2 drill
4.5" angle grinder
air chisel


Supplies needed for reinstall.

20mm bolt and nuts for the front springs 140mm long.
1/2" grade 8 bolts, nuts and washers, I think the bolts are 1.5" should work fine.
I am also replacing my rear shackle bushing while it is apart.

More to come tomorrow when I get it back up..

I am interested to see what your first impressions are after driving it. Keep us updated sounds like a cool project.

I am hoping it rides nice and doesn't lower/raise the rear end too much. I'm thinking it will be really close to same, although I forget to measure before I ripped everything apart.

Didnt even think about that... Well I guess at least you have coils in the front so it would be easy to level, or throw blocks in the rear lol

what are the benefits of doing an 08 spring conversion? better ride quality or your springs were worn?

Just a FYI..just as many complain about the '08 rear ride quality as the '05-07...IMO get a 99-04 B code..

OBSWIZ said:

Just a FYI..just as many complain about the '08 rear ride quality as the '05-07...IMO get a 99-04 B code..

Click to expand...

Having had both, I can tell you first hand, the 08 springs ride MUCH better. I know Cary and I disagree on this, but my 08's are way better. Not to mention the increased load capacity of the 08 springs.

Also, for those that don't know the differences, the 08 springs are 8" longer and the axle is centered on the leaf spring instead of offset to the front like the 99-07 leaf springs.

I don't think it could ride worse, I guess I could always move the brackets back if it did, but I doubt it.

I haven't done the '08 spring mod but I do know the B codes ride better than the F codes in the '05-07's .
I also know guys that hate the rear ride quality of the '08 up trucks..just saying its lots of $$ and time for a unknown result..It may be that its the spring code on some '08's that ride better or worce..thats something that needed to be cleared up before jumping in..

What spring codes are available for the '08's and has anyone swaped from one to another and results?

Took some pics tonite, should be able to post tomorrow. I only have about $200 in the springs so not much loss if its bad. Have to finish the final drill on the drivers sides, passenger side bracket set in place. Waiting on new spring shackles from Ford as mine were slightly worn on the rubber side, figured while it was apart.

Reason I replaced was that I had some serious lean from one side to the other, probably almost 2" or more. Looks like one side spring may of been replaced at one time, as it looks newer, still has a label on it and wasn't really rusty, and holds the curve better off the truck.

I've also been looking at the '11 springs as well, they are a three leaf design, I think txfireman has been looking for those too. They would be a direct swap if these springs are horrible.

Done.. Rides much better, and smooths out large potholes and bumps. Can't wait too see how it pull the trailer now.

I working on uploading pictures right now...

08 springs versus my stock 06 springs:





Passenger side bracket installed:



Drivers side uninstalled and new hole locations:



Upclose of hanger:



Passenger side installed:



Drivers side installed:




New U-bolts:



The aftermath in the garage:

Drivers side was that hardest to do, if I have to do it over I would remove the bed. I did have to drop the fuel tank part way down to get the bolts in the drivers side. I also have to install the bolt from the inside, otherwise the nut and threads would rub on the brake and fuel lines.

I also had to get one of these to ream out the front hanger to get the bigger 20 mm bolts in:



Fairly easy project, took a couple nights for me to do, other than breaking bits, its very straight forward.

The change is handling is excellent for me, although some may not like the stiffer ride.

So it rides stiffer, huh? Good to know! Glad it did make a positive change for you, tho. Good write up

Very cool

Stiffer = less bounce for me, Its a different ride, but not in a negative way. I also have kyb monomax shocks which I think really help the ride. I also run a rear sway bar, which some guys don't like as they say it makes the truck ride stiffer, so without it there would be a different ride. The sway bar changed the ride before on my factory springs, making it stiffer and more stable as well.

Same ride height btw.

Cool.... glad it worked out for ya!

worldwide73 said:

08 springs versus my stock 06 springs:

Passenger side bracket installed:

Drivers side uninstalled and new hole locations:

Upclose of hanger:

Passenger side installed:

Drivers side installed:

New U-bolts:

The aftermath in the garage:

Click to expand...

Could you repost these picture, it won't let me see them and I'm wanting to do this swap