Courtesy: wikipedia
Key Components in the Diagram
1. Front Solid Axle (Dana 50 or Dana 60)
Used on 4×4 first-gen Super Duties, replaced independent Twin I‑Beam setups used on 2WD versions
2. Leaf Springs & U-Bolts
Heavy‑duty 3-inch leaf springs (single-leaf on pickups, dual on DRW), secured to axle via U-bolts. In 2005+, many models shifted to coil springs on front for reduced unsprung weight
3. Shock Absorbers
Dual shock setup, staggered on each side. Specific part numbers vary: e.g. F81Z‑18124‑BB (4WD)
4. Stabilizer (Sway) Bar & Linkage
Standard on DRW; optional on SRW through 2004. Links such as YC3Z‑5K483‑AA connect bar to axle/suspension
5. Track Bar / Radius Arm
Controls lateral movement of axle. Brackets like F81Z‑3A093‑AA secure to frame on 4WD models
6. Steering Knuckles & Ball Joints
Knuckles bolt to axle spindles. Upper and lower ball joints (e.g. BL5Z‑3050‑A) connect control arms to knuckles
7. Tie Rods, Drag Link & Pitman Arm
Steering linkage transfers motion from steering box:
Pitman arm to drag link,
Drag link to center link,
Tie rods connect center link to knuckles.
OEM parts include 45‑2150/2151 tie rod ends, 45‑2224 pitman arm (for 2WD/99–04), 45‑2157 drag link
Gen 1 Refresh / Updates
1999–2004: 4×4 trucks used leaf springs with the Dana 50 solid axle. Steering stabilizer optional on single‑wheel versions, standard on dual‑wheel trucks
2005–2007: Transition to front coil springs on 4×4 models to reduce unsprung mass. Sway bar mounting shifted from axle to frame for improved balance
Quick Reference
Front Axle
Gen 1 (1999–2004) Dana 50 solid axle
Gen 1 Refresh (2005–2007) Dana 60 solid axle introduced mid‑2004 onward
Springs
Gen 1 (1999–2004) Leaf springs (heavy-duty 3-inch)
Gen 1 Refresh (2005–2007) Coil springs on 4×4 (dual‑leaf or coil)
Steering Setup
Gen 1 (1999–2004) Pitman → Drag link → Center link → Tie rods
Gen 1 Refresh (2005–2007) Same basic steering geometry
Shock Absorbers
Gen 1 (1999–2004) Staggered leaf‑spring shocks
Gen 1 Refresh (2005–2007) Staggered coil spring setup with frame‑mounted swaybar linkage
Stabilizer Bar
Gen 1 (1999–2004) Standard on DRW; optional on SRW
Gen 1 Refresh (2005–2007) Mounted to frame, redesigned linkage