Suspension & Ladder Frame System (Part 1: Front · Part 2: Rear)
Divided into two distinct mechanical halves anchored to a 138.8-inch-wheelbase stamped C-channel ladder frame: Part 1 is Ford’s signature Twin-I-Beam independent front suspension (combining forged solid-axle strength with passenger-car coil springs), and Part 2 is the heavy-duty 5-leaf progressive rear Hotchkiss suspension.
- Part 1 — Front Suspension
- Forged Twin-I-Beam Axles (F4TZ-3006/3007) · Coil springs + radius arms
- Part 2 — Rear Suspension
- 2.50" wide 5-leaf progressive springs (4+1 overload) · Rear shackles
- Chassis Foundation
- 138.8" WB SuperCab 36,000 PSI C-Channel Ladder Frame · 7 crossmembers
- Wheels & Tires
- 15×7.5" 5-on-5.5" Chrome Styled Steel · P235/75R15XL All-Season
Part Assemblies in Suspension & Frame
Part 1: Forged Twin-I-Beam Axles, Radius Arms, Coils & Shocks
Ford’s signature front truck suspension: two cross-pivoting forged steel I-beams paired with coil springs and longitudinal radius arms.
Part 2: 5-Leaf Rear Springs, Shackles, U-Bolts & Shocks
Two-stage progressive leaf spring packs with a thick bottom overload leaf and staggered shock absorbers that tame axle hop.
138.8" WB Contoured Ladder Frame, Crossmembers & Bumpers
Full-length 36,000-psi C-channel steel ladder frame with front accordion crumple horns, 7 crossmembers, cab mounts, and bumpers.
15×7.5" Chrome Styled Steel Wheels & P235/75R15XL Tires
5×5.5-inch truck bolt-circle chrome styled steel wheels and extra-load radial tires that form the final road contact patch.