How to identify used V-Code front springs - Diesel Forum

**NorCalDiesel** · 10-19-2004, 05:01 PM

Hello, I have been reading this forum for a while, but this is my first post. I am sold on the idea of using v-code springs up front with four inch blocks in back in order to get a decent lift and also level the X front to back. I called my dealer and was initially qouted a price of $165.80 each for v-code springs for an F350. In the process of determining how quickly he could get them in stock the price went up to $180.00 each. I then called a local Ford Truck dismantler and located front springs off a 2002 F350 4X4, but I don't know how to verify the code or rating. Is there a way to tell if these are v-code or for that matter ??-code.

Also in lifting the front 3 - 3.5 inches has anyone not installed a dropped track bar bracket? In all the literature and discussions I have had with local shops they all have recommended installing a track bar relocation braket and a dropped pitman arm.

Thanks in advance for all responses, incidentally this is the most informative forum I have come across. I have gotten a lot of information out of just reading the posts/responses.

caryt · 10-19-2004, 06:09 PM

I don't know what year my V-codes are from, there # C34ADB. I would get a adj. track bar myself. Not sure if you will need a drop pitman arm. If bone yard still has the truck you should be able to find build sticker in glovebox [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img].

Cary

twoodballa · 10-19-2004, 06:53 PM

I don't personally see a reason to do anything to the track bar or pitman arm. The suspension on an X is identical to the Superduties except for what springs they use.

MotionMan · 10-19-2004, 07:41 PM

I have V codes and an add aleaf (2") I got a full 3"s and it has held there in 30K. I have not even changed the shocks yet, which is way overdue. That is pricy for used springs, I got mine free from a take off, There are tons of these out there. New they are about this price. I tower over Tahoes and Suburbans [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

**NorCalDiesel** · 10-19-2004, 10:37 PM

Yeah, I think the prices are high. I have only begun to look around. I am going to make some calls for take offs, but I wanted to get a better uderstanding of how to reliably identify v-codes over other ??-codes.

I have already added longer shackles on the front springs, that gave me about 1.5", and I found 4" blocks for the rear complete with ford shims and u-bolts off a wrecked F-350 for $50.00. I have bolted both of these items on the front and rear and like to hieght, but the front needs that additional 1.5 that I would get with v-codes. That is why I asked about the track bar relocation bracket and the dropped pitman arm. The front will eventually be 3.0" over stock and I would think that it might pull the front geometry out a bit.

Thanks for the input.

twoodballa · 10-20-2004, 08:26 AM

I still don't think you have to mess with the track bar and pitman arm because 3" is what you would get with just X springs alone. At least that is what I got. With X springs, 4" rear blocks and B code rears I am sitting at the same height front and back as a Superduty with the same setup.

caryt · 10-20-2004, 12:39 PM

Its simple IMHO [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img] if the track bar bolts up without haveing to pull it over they ya don't need a ajustible one. If you have to pull it, then get a ajustible track bar.

Cary

MotionMan · 10-20-2004, 07:28 PM

Naw, leave the bar alone, I have 35k on my lift and no problems with tire wear or vibration. Most all 250s and I think all 350s have V codes unless it has a plow package than it has X codes. You could just add a leaf to yours and be done without removing the front springs, just jack it up and slide them in. I have the tuff country easy ride for the 350 and I have a total of 3" now.

**NorCalDiesel** · 10-21-2004, 06:17 PM

Thanks everyone for all the input. I installed TC add-a-leafs last night becuase I had them and had not located v-codes. They went in fairly easy and I am level at about 3.5 inches over stock hieght. The drop links will probably need to be replaced with ones that are about 2 inches longer. As for the track bar, I am sure it is just at it's limit. I had to losen it to get the springs pins lined up with front axle saddles, getting the braket back in place was a &*@(#. However it is all back together and rides better than stock.

Thanks again.