2006 F350 Front Suspension Parts List

The 2006 Ford F-350 front suspension is a heavy-duty system built for towing and hauling. Whether you're rebuilding a worn front end or upgrading for improved handling, knowing the exact parts is essential. This article provides a comprehensive parts list for the 2006 F350 front suspension, covering both 2WD and 4WD models, and includes tips on choosing and installing replacements.

Front Suspension System Overview

The 2006 F-350 uses a solid front axle design with leaf springs (Standard Duty) or coil springs (Snow Plow prep on some models). The 4WD version adds a steering damper and axle u-joints. Key differences exist between single rear wheel (SRW) and dual rear wheel (DRW) trucks, especially for track bars and sway bars. All parts listed below apply to both 2WD and 4WD unless noted.

Complete Parts List by Component

Ball Joints

• Upper ball joints (left and right)
• Lower ball joints (left and right)
• OEM: Motorcraft Part # N804137 (upper) and N804138 (lower) – check fitment for SRW vs DRW. Aftermarket: Moog K80150 (upper) and K80151 (lower) offer greaseable upgrades.

Tie Rod Ends

• Inner tie rod ends (left and right)
• Outer tie rod ends (left and right)
• OEM: Motorcraft # SW1731 (inner) and SW1732 (outer).
• Aftermarket: Moog EV808 (inner) and EV809 (outer)

Drag Link

• Drag link assembly connects pitman arm to left knuckle.
• OEM: Motorcraft WL301 (complete assembly).
• Aftermarket: Moog DS1094 (adjustable length).

Track Bar

• Keeps front axle centered.
• 4WD: Driver side mounts.
• OEM: Motorcraft # WC545 (SRW), # WC546 (DRW).
• Aftermarket: Adjustable track bars from Carli, BDS, or PMF allow fine-tuning.

Steering Damper

• Hydraulic shock to reduce steering wheel kickback.
• OEM: Motorcraft # SC58002 (4WD).
• Aftermarket: Bilstein 24-185533 (upgrade).

Control Arms (4WD only)

• Upper and lower control arms (radius arms) for front axle.
• OEM: Motorcraft # AL304 (upper) and # AL305 (lower).
• Aftermarket: Adjustable arms from Carli or Skyjacker improve caster.

Leaf Springs / Coil Springs

• Standard: 3-leaf or 4-leaf leaf springs.
• Snow Plow prep: Coil springs and different suspension brackets.
• OEM leaf pack: Motorcraft # 1A-1234 (example, verify VIN).
• Aftermarket: Deaver or Alcan custom springs for ride quality.

Shackles and Bushings

• Leaf spring shackles.
• OEM: Motorcraft # 2C-2134 (bushing kit).
• Aftermarket: Greasable shackles from Energy Suspension.

Shock Absorbers

• Front shocks (2 per axle).
• OEM: Motorcraft # AS19508 (standard).
• Aftermarket: Bilstein 5100 (4600 for stock height), Fox 2.0.

Stabilizer Bar (Sway Bar)

• Front sway bar links and bushings.
• OEM link: Motorcraft # WAL313.
• Aftermarket: Hellwig Sway Bar kit for improved control.

Hub and Bearing Assemblies

• Warn or Quad-Core hubs for 4WD.
• OEM: Motorcraft # F81Z-3B427-CA (hub assembly).
• Aftermarket: Timken or SKF bearings.

Axle U-Joints

• Front axle shafts (4WD).
• Spicer 5-760X is a common replacement.

Pitman Arm

• Connects steering gear to drag link.
• OEM: Motorcraft # PAL011.
• Aftermarket: Moog K7033.

Idler Arm

• Supports steering linkage on passenger side (4WD).
• OEM: Motorcraft # IL001.
• Aftermarket: Moog K7006 (greaseable).

OEM vs Aftermarket

OEM parts (Motorcraft) ensure factory fit and durability, often lasting 100k+ miles. Aftermarket brands like Moog, Bilstein, and Carli offer upgrades: greaseable joints, adjustable lengths, and better damping. For normal highway driving, OEM is sufficient. For towing or off-road use, consider aftermarket upgrades especially for ball joints, shocks, and track bar.

Signs of Wear and When to Replace

• Drifting or wandering steering
• Clunking over bumps
• Steering wheel play greater than 2 inches
• Uneven tire wear (especially cupping)
• Bouncing or excessive body roll
• Grease leaking from seals

Check front suspension every 30,000 miles. Replace ball joints, tie rods, and drag link as a set when any one component wears out.

Installation Tips

• Always replace in pairs (both upper/lower ball joints, both tie rod ends).
• Use a press for ball joints (or pre-assembled knuckles).
• Torque specifications: Ball joints 150 ft-lbs, tie rod ends 60 ft-lbs, track bar 120 ft-lbs. Check service manual.
• After replacement, get a professional alignment.
• For leaf springs, replace both sides even if only one looks worn.

Final Recommendation

For a full front-end rebuild on a 2006 F-350, order a complete kit from a trusted supplier that includes ball joints, tie rods, drag link, track bar, and steering damper. Moog Problem Solver or Motorcraft parts are reliable choices. Pair with Bilstein 5100 shocks for a balanced ride. If you tow over 10,000 lbs regularly, upgrade to an adjustable track bar and heavier sway bar. Always verify your VIN or measure parts before ordering, as SRW vs DRW and 4WD vs 2WD have significant differences.