I'm Ready to Upgrade! HELP!!!

[lauraandtom]

I am looking at putting V codes on the front and 350 blocks on the rear. Does anyone know the part numbers for this or what I ask for at the dealership or where else to buy them?

I am also wanting to put Bilstien shocks and am wondering which model to use, 5100? and where to buy?

I also want to put trailer tow mirrors on and want to know the best place to buy these or should I use the dealership?

I am also going to install a sway bar and want to know what you guys would suggest. Hellwig?

Thanks in advance for all of your help. If any of this does not sound good let me know.

Tom [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

[Dentman]

F-350 blocks:

My part #s (Thanks to Northshoreoutfitters)

F81Z-5598-FA Left block, $27.73
F81Z-5598-GA Right block, $27.73
F81Z-5705-EA U-bolts, $6.51 each

V-Codes:

Ther are a number of sources for take-offs including lift shops but this can be difficult to identify the spring code on because the part numbers are very inconsistent. The easiest way, if not the cheapest, is to go to your dealer parts counter and ask for front leaf springs for a 4x4 superduty in "V" code. They'll know what you're talking about.

Can't help on the Bilsteins. They were on national back order when I upgraded mine.

TT mirrors are usually available on eBay and sometimes you can find them in the for sale section of this site.

Hellwig seems to be the consensus choice (except for Bruce1954, do a search). It's what I used and have been VERY happy with it. Do an internet search but I believe the cheapest sources have been Summit Racing and J.C. Whitney.

If I had it to do over again, I would do springs, shocks, blocks and sway bar all at the same time since you have to undo part of each to change out the others. (It made sense before I typed it. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img]) You won't have the chance to feel the change from each up-grade individually but that has already been pretty well documented. ALSO, do yourself a favour and pull the front bumper before you even start. It's pretty simple and the spring bolts won't come out with it on.

Have fun and enjoy the fantastic new ride!

[jward]

[ QUOTE ]
do yourself a favour and pull the front bumper before you even start. It's pretty simple and the spring bolts won't come out with it on.

[/ QUOTE ]

Once you pull the front bumper off be ready for a tuff battle with the spring bolts. Cheater bar and a friend to help works nicely .

[Tailgate]

Can't remember if the '02 models started coming with a factory rear sway bar or not...it may have been the year that some did and some didn't, so check first.

If not, Hellwig is the way to go. Buy it from Summit Racing or JCWhitney, whichever happens to have the lowest cost with shipping at the time (they seem to go back and forth on who has the best deal). Should only run you about $150 total for the Hellwig.

Be prepared for a lot of frustration when installing! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[FamilyRide]

Agreed. If you have no bar, Helwig is the way to go. I think Bruce1954's support for the larger Ford bar is in a case where you already have a factory bar, and you can buy a FOrd bar over the counter for about $50 and do a direct swap. Lot less money than Helwig when you look at the bang for the buck.

[mike650]

May have been the '03 models. Our '02 4x4 X did not come with one, had to go the Hellwig route. Excellent mod!!! Only complaint was the paint job on the parts, especially the smaller hardware.

Have a nice day!!

-Mike

[CHPMustang]

[ QUOTE ]
I am looking at putting V codes on the front and 350 blocks on the rear. Does anyone know the part numbers for this or what I ask for at the dealership or where else to buy them?

[/ QUOTE ]
Ask for front springs for F250,I know V's came stock but you better confirm it with someone from the truck shop at Ford that is savvy.
[ QUOTE ]
I also want to put trailer tow mirrors on and want to know the best place to buy these or should I use the dealership?

[/ QUOTE ]
Ford Parts Online
[ QUOTE ]
I am also going to install a sway bar and want to know what you guys would suggest. Hellwig?

[/ QUOTE ]
Go for the Hellwig,I ordered our's from summitracing.com part # HEL-7643


[/ QUOTE ]
Springs,shocks and swaybar,you're on course Tom [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Bill

[lauraandtom]

Hey Dentman,
Do you remeber the stock number on your ranchos? Bilstien says they do not have anything to fit my truck. Thanks, Tom

[CHPMustang]

For the Rancho 9000X shocks their part numbers are RS99266 & RS99267,I forget which is what [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

Bill

[mike650]

I was told the same thing from Bilstien, that they stoped making them after '01. Many members on this site, with newer X's, use them anyway and from what I hear very good results. The part number for the <font color="blue">Bilstein HD's</font>, yellow with blue booties, are <font color="blue">BE5-6208 for the front, BE5-6209 for the rear</font> . If you have a lift you probabaly want to look at the Bilstein 5100's.

-Mike

[lauraandtom]

I installed "U" code springs in the front today instead of "V". I also installed the rancho shocks. WOW!!! Great ride and looks so different. The Hellwig gets installed in the morning. I can't wait for my trip to Arkansas this next week to try it all out. The next purchase is the MBRP Exhaust, should be in next week. Thanks for all of the advice and input.

Tom

[FamilyRide]

[ QUOTE ]
I installed "U" code springs in the front today instead of "V".

[/ QUOTE ]

Did you install yourself? How much height did it give you and did you drive it with only the springs before changing the shocks too??

I ask because I think U code is the way top go for me unless I want to install bags for when towing. At least that's the impression I'm geting from all the comments including Bruce "the spring guy" who I beleive said if he did it over, he'd do U code instead of V??

[jward]

That just goes to show that some of us are never satisfied with what we have because I was thinking after installing my "U" codes that I probably should have installed "V" codes . [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]

[mike650]

That's funny, I thought the same too after installing the "u" codes and driving the the X for awhile. The ride right now is killer, not sure if the "v" codes would have made it the same or better. Then there's the possible rear rake look when towing or loading heavy gear in the rear of the X if you do not add blocks or airbags. FamilyRide, Bruce told me basicaly the same thing. He felt that 'U" codes gave the X the ride it should have had from the start. Bruce is awesome!!

-Mike

[CHPMustang]

[ QUOTE ]
he'd do U code instead of V??

[/ QUOTE ]
I'm glad I went with the V for the extra capacity of the bumper [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]