Tag suspension systems

Bullnose Bill Answer
by Ed

What are the best shocks for a 1985 Ford F150 300 4.9 single cab?

Bullnose Bill explaining features of the 1985 Ford F150 300 4.9 single cab.

This Q&A session is powered by Bullnose Bill, Bullnose Garage’s advanced AI mechanic.
Have your own question? Ask Bill!

Bill says:

Great, sounds like you’ve got an ’85 F-150 with the venerable 300 inline-six. A solid workhorse for sure. What kind of info or help are you looking for? Whether it’s maintenance, upgrades, or a specific issue, I’m here to guide you through it.

User avatar
User:

Which shocks are ideal for a 1985 Ford F150 300 4.9 single cab?

Bill avatar
Bill:

Choosing the right shocks for your 1985 F-150 with the 300 inline-six depends on how you use your truck and what kind of ride quality you’re looking for. Here are some options and considerations:

Stock Replacement

If you’re looking to maintain the original ride feel, go for OEM-style shocks. Brands like Monroe or KYB offer replacement shocks that are designed to match factory specifications.

Upgraded Performance

For improved handling and ride comfort, especially if you do a mix of highway driving and light off-roading, the Bilstein 4600 Series is a popular choice. They offer better damping and control without being too stiff for daily use.

Heavy-Duty and Off-Road

If you’re hauling heavy loads or hitting rougher trails, consider the Rancho RS5000X or Bilstein 5100 Series. These shocks provide increased durability and improved performance in demanding conditions.

Installation Tips

  • Make sure your truck is safely supported before removing any components.
  • Check for any signs of suspension wear, like bushings or mounts, and replace those as needed.
  • Always tighten all fasteners to the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure safety and performance.

Pro Tips

  • Consider pairing your new shocks with upgraded bushings or sway bars if you’re looking to further enhance stability.
  • It’s often a good idea to replace all four shocks at the same time to maintain balanced handling.

By considering these factors, you’ll get the best performance and comfort for your specific needs. If you want to see more about suspension upgrades, there might be a related video on the Bullnose Garage YouTube channel worth checking out. Let me know if you need more details!

This answer was written by Bullnose Bill, our AI shophand trained on hundreds of Bullnose-era Ford topics. He knows his way around old Ford Trucks.

As with all of Bill’s answers, it has been reviewed and approved by Ed Zenisek, the man behind Bullnose Garage and a real human being.

While we do our best to keep things accurate, always double-check any repair advice and use proper safety procedures. For real-world walkthroughs and more hands-on content, check out Bullnose Garage on YouTube or visit the BullnoseFord SubReddit.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you see an Amazon link on my site, purchasing the item from Amazon using that link helps out the Channel.
Bullnose Bill Answer
by Ed

What are the advantages of converting a 1984 F250 from 2WD to 4WD using a Dana 44 straight axle?

Bullnose Bill explaining the 1984 F250 2WD to 4WD conversion process.

This Q&A session is powered by Bullnose Bill, Bullnose Garage’s advanced AI mechanic.
Have your own question? Ask Bill!

Bill says:

Converting a 1984 F250 from 2WD to 4WD is a big project, but definitely doable. Going with a Dana 44 straight axle is a solid choice — especially if you want a more straightforward and durable setup compared to the Twin-Traction Beam (TTB) alternative. Let’s break it down.

Why Choose a Dana 44 Solid Axle?

  1. Simplicity: The solid axle with radius arms and coil springs is less complex than a TTB setup. That means fewer moving parts to maintain and replace.

  2. Durability: Solid axles are generally more robust, which is a plus if you plan on doing any heavy-duty work or off-roading.

  3. Aftermarket Support: A solid axle swap has a lot of community support and available parts, including lift kits and custom fabrication parts.

Steps for the Conversion

  1. Front Axle Swap:

    • Remove the existing 2WD suspension and components.
    • Install the Dana 44 axle. You’ll need to ensure you have the proper brackets for mounting the radius arms and coil springs to your frame.
    • Make sure the axle is correctly aligned and centered.

  2. Transfer Case Installation:

    • Swap out the 2WD transmission or modify it to accept a transfer case. A transmission with a removable tailshaft is ideal.
    • Install a transfer case compatible with your transmission. The NP205 or NP208 are common choices.

  3. Driveline Modifications:

    • Fabricate or source new drive shafts for both the front and rear. Length and yoke compatibility will be crucial.
    • Ensure the U-joints are properly aligned to avoid vibrations.

  4. Steering Adjustments:

    • Modify or replace the steering linkage to accommodate the new axle.
    • Consider a crossover steering setup if you’re looking to improve handling and reduce bump steer.

  5. Brake System:

    • Adapt the brake lines for the new axle setup.
    • You may need a proportioning valve to balance the brake force between the front and rear.

Pros and Cons

  • Pros: Improved off-road capability, increased durability, and a straightforward setup compared to TTB.
  • Cons: Requires cutting and welding, driveline modifications, and potential challenges with legalities or inspections.

Potential Pitfalls

  • Alignment: Proper alignment of the axle and radius arms is crucial. Improper setup can lead to handling issues.
  • Parts Compatibility: Ensure all parts like the transfer case, drive shafts, and steering components are compatible with your setup.
  • Budget: This swap isn’t cheap. Consider all costs, including unforeseen ones, before diving in.

If you’re looking for more detailed guidance, check out some resources on the Bullnose Ford subreddit or see if the Bullnose Garage channel has related videos. Good luck with the swap, and keep asking questions if you need more info!

This conversation had no additional replies.

This answer was written by Bullnose Bill, our AI shophand trained on hundreds of Bullnose-era Ford topics. He knows his way around old Ford Trucks.

As with all of Bill’s answers, it has been reviewed and approved by Ed Zenisek, the man behind Bullnose Garage and a real human being.

While we do our best to keep things accurate, always double-check any repair advice and use proper safety procedures. For real-world walkthroughs and more hands-on content, check out Bullnose Garage on YouTube or visit the BullnoseFord SubReddit.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you see an Amazon link on my site, purchasing the item from Amazon using that link helps out the Channel.