Front end
SuperMotors and Diesel Hub both describe the first Super Duty as a separate heavy-duty platform from the F-150, with a solid front axle on 4x4 trucks. Through 2004 that axle was leaf-sprung. SuperMotors says it was a Dana 50 on many early trucks with the Dana 60 later; check your axle tag.
Lift approaches
On a leaf-sprung front, lifts come from replacement front leaf packs (BDS, for example, sells springs for these trucks and the Excursion) or from shackle and hanger kits (PMF lists these). Rear lift usually comes from springs or blocks. See lifts and tradeoffs.
Engine
The 7.3L Power Stroke ran until early in the 2003 model year, then the 6.0L replaced it (Wikipedia, Diesel Hub). More in Power Stroke pointers.
The coil conversion
Diesel World and owner forums describe converting older trucks to the 2005-and-later coil and radius-arm front end. It means fabricating or drilling brackets, plus steering, brake-line and track-bar changes. It is a major project, not a bolt-on.
Where this comes from
- SuperMotors: 1999-2007 Ford F-250 specs and history
- Diesel Hub: Power Stroke diesel timeline and buyer's guide
- Wikipedia: Ford Power Stroke engine
- BDS Suspension: 1999-2004 Super Duty and 2000-2005 Excursion front leaf spring
- PMF Suspension: HD shackle and hanger lifts
- Diesel World: 05+ Super Duty axle swap guide
Last reviewed 2026-10-19. General information only: Ford and your kit maker's instructions come first.