02 Superduty diesel 4x4 suspension

Haoleman · 05-29-2008, 05:26 PM

My 2002 Superduty diesel had the shocks replaced soon after I got it as it porposed with the stock shocks when towing our 5th wheel camper. I put Monroe gas magnums on it and the ride is bone jarring without a load. Which shocks give a good ride with control? Bilsteins?

Question #2. I have recently noticed quite a bit of suspension noise like something loose when I go over bumps or rough roads. Ball joints are good (replaced at 20K) and the truck has 50K miles on it now. Could the bushings on the leaf springs be wearing out? How can I check them?

Thanks,
Haoleman

milk123 · 05-30-2008, 04:55 AM

Question #2: Try the swaybar links to the chasis. I just did mine on an 01'. On a rough road or a stiff bump like the front end was falling out. You can check them by just parking on a level spot and see if there is any play where they are bolted together.

jim_doggett · 05-30-2008, 05:31 AM

On your shocks it used ford stock on my 2005 F350 dulley and the ride is good with or without my 34ft fifth wheel

Haoleman · 07-01-2008, 05:43 AM

I just ordered an energy suspension bushing kit for the sway bar and links and will replace them as the links bushings are all cracked and distorted. This might be my noise problem. Next question would involve possible ball joint issues. Mine were replaced by Ford at 18,000. I believe they were fishing for answers on wandering issues which seem to be the norm with these trucks. Ball joints didn't solve any problems. Now that I have 50,000 miles on the truck, I am wondering the best way to determine play in them as I know the old alignment shops would rip people off by showing movement in your ball joints but in the wrong direction to get a ball joint replacement job.
I would like to check mine to see if they need replacement. It looks very involved to replace them for someone that doesn't have a good workshop with proper tools. Any idea what I should expect to pay? Which ball joints are the best and last the longest?

Thanks,
Terry

Haoleman · 08-05-2008, 03:31 PM

I don't know if you were following this thread but I found thet the dealer didn't tighten the nut!!! I could have been killed or worse. And would you believe that they didn't want to pay to fix what they caused?

I finally got them to settle for replacing the lower ball joint and while I was at it, I had the local dealer install MOOG ball joints instead of the Ford crap and paid the difference. The total bill for one side was $705.00 OUCH!

When I have time in the Fall, I will replace the other side myself.