Got Springs? Here is how to tell

[Conga10]

I knew there had to be a way to tell what rate springs you had without knowing anything about part numbers or what vehicle they came from. For 04 models, go here:

https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas...essd_04abb.pdf Page 60

This is the 04 spec guide for the F-Series trucks, F-250 thru F-550. On page 60, you'll notice spring thickness measured at the pad versus spring rate. Make this measurement on your spring, and you can read off of this chart what rate the spring is.

For my X, referring to page 50, spring rate for the F-250 with the 6.0 is in the range of 4800-5200lbs (depending upon ordered options). Going back to page 60 reveals there are two spring choices in this range. This weekend I'm going to measure to find out exactly what is on my X. Also notice there is only one higher rate spring available without going to 450/550 spring rates.

Hope this is helpful for anyone researching front springs and trying to make a decision on what to do.

[JADFPE]

Watch out - The factory springs on an Excursion are not the same as the F Series. The Excursion has its own codes. I believe the spring rates are different. See Bruce's spreadsheet. He list all the possible codes for the Excursion and the F Series.

Hope this helps,
John [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[Conga10]

John,
I have no doubt the codes are different (mine are "D" per the tag), but I don't think the rates are. That's why I didn't mention anything about spring codes in the original message.

[FamilyRide]

I've searched every which way and can't find the infamous spreadsheet by "Bruce". Does anyone remember anything that would be a more definitave search parameter or have a copy?

[edunn69]

Here is the link to a post with the famous chart.


http://forums.thedieselstop.com/ubbthrea...true#Post617635

[edunn69]

I have gotten several requests for more info on front spring changes and I just recieved some basic data on an X with the V-10 and W springs from rogera (thanks Roger)that confirmed that there is more arch in the W and X codes than in the S thru V code springs. The information below can be used as a guide it based on calculations and estimates using Ford public data and experience from a few vehicles that I have data on. Also I have received a few questions that require an explanation type answer so I will post those separatley under this thread as well. Please use the information below as an estimate only. I do not want anyone angry with me because they did not get the expected results. Again the Excel spread sheet that produces this data and that you can put your real truck weights and spring rates into is available for the asking. If anyone knows were I could post it let me know and I will do it. Also if anyone has done one of the below upgrades and got different results please let me know ASAP.

Again these are estimates and for Excursions only if you want them more accurate then weigh your truck get my Excel file and the work with real data.

So with that said here it is:

Front axle weights used are 4080, & D code springs for the PSD and 3680, & C code springs for the V-10


Application---Code---Capacity-----Rate----Travel --------- V-10 ----- PSD
--------------------------------- /spring---to Max Cap ----height ----height
--------------------------------------------------------- change --- change
Exc V8 ------- B ----- 4100 ----- 330 ----- 5.02 ---------- -0.25 --- -0.66
Exc V10 ------ C ----- 4300 ----- 350 ----- 5.01 ----------- 0.00 --- -0.37
Exc PSD ------ D ----- 4700 ----- 380 ----- 5.14 ---------- +0.33 ---- 0.00


F250/350 All springs are computer selected
Also the use of a rear sway bar and what size it is package dependant

Application---Code---Capacity-----Rate----Travel --------- V-10 ----- PSD
--------------------------------- /spring---to Max Cap ----height ----height
--------------------------------------------------------- change --- change
SD-250/350--- S -----4000 ----- 370 ------ 4.34 --------- +1.22 --- +0.88
-------------- T ----- 4400 ----- 390 ------ 4.63 --------- +1.42 --- +1.11
-------------- U ----- 4800 ----- 410 ------ 4.89 --------- +1.60 --- +1.32
-------------- V ----- 5200 ----- 430 ------ 5.13 --------- +1.77 --- +1.50

F450 -------- W ----- 5600 ----- 450 ------ 5.34 ---------- +2.77 --- +2.52
F550 &350/ DRW with Snow Plow prep Package
-------------- X----- 6000 ----- 470 ------ 5.54 ----------- +2.90 --- +2.68


Again if any one has real data on the above please share it with us.

[Bruce1954]

Thanks for the Reference Edunn

This is a link to all the older original data and posts I used to originally select the V codes some of this is old from prior to my X purchase in October of 2001. By the way I have over 60K on the V codes and would still look at Us or Ts.

ALL THE OLD LINKS This repost is over a year old

http://forums.thedieselstop.com/ubbthrea...rue#Post1010776


Bruce

[FamilyRide]

Bruce,

What makes you say you'd think about going U or T over the V's? Is it ride or height?

Thanks for the post by the way!!

[Bruce1954]

First let me say that this is "My Opinion"

Normally even if the front and rear of a vehicle are the same weight and the X fits this, you would have a higher rate spring in the rear. The U code has the same rate as the rear OE X Springs So the T being slightly softer makes sense. If I did use Ts I would install a 3/8" spacer under the front mount if possible

Also I do not tow often with mine if I did with a WD hitch then V codes and bags would be the answer.

My 2 year old X has over 67K on it so a lot of highway miles running from empty to over 10,000# but mostly in the 8500 to 9,000 range so I want the softest ride possible

Also when you load an X for travel (no trailer) you put 80% to 100% of the weight on the rear axle
So the unless you are using a WD hitch the front weight does not change much.

If you want to see how you add 2000# to just the rear axle and no trailer look at my pictures under "a loaded X" Family of 6 and 48 + 25 = 73 cubic feet of bagage and Stuff!

Bruce

[ExcursionPSD]

In the range likely to be used on a PSD 4x4 Excursion, the four front leaf spring rates in the center of the chart, all have 1.18 inch thickness. I don't see how this chart will help us tell them apart.

[jteverett]

I read your posts. I just installed some new f350 springs on the front and some factory blocks in the back that were about 1.5 inches higher. The springs had an X stamped on the end so I assumed they were X codes but I don't really know what they are. I got the springs free from a friend that took them off his new f350. The truck rides sooo much nicer. I smile whenever I go over a bridge at highway speeds. New shocks are next.

[Conga10]

ExPSD,
That is true, but at least you know that you don't have a R or an X-code spring. What you can tell is that you have found an X-code spring, of which does have some value in identifying.

[Bruce1954]

Why don't you ask your freind for the spring codes off the drivers door post?
I would bet lunch you have V codes.

Bruce

[JasonRandolph]

Bruce 1954

Is there any other way to tell what letter the springs are without the door sticker? The shop near me has a set from a F350 that had a V10 in it . Thats all the info I can get. Is there any part #s on the springs themselves.

Thanks Jason

[Bruce1954]

There is but I do not think any of us have found a way to "decode" these

If from a 350 with a v-10 I would guess V or could be Us was it an extended cab? crew short bed long bed? Dual or single RW? if Long bed crew cab they would likely be Vs

If they remember it was a 350 they must remember something.

Can you get the owners name??


I don't think any one has ever found S or Ts but it must be possible.

Bruce