Spring Numbers

[Cappy]

Sometime back a reader posted the full set of numbers to compare springs and order them correctly. I have not been able to search and find it. Would someone point me there.
Thanks
Cappy

[ExcursionPSD]

Cappy, here you go.

I added the information you requested to the end of page 2 of this topic: Help Major Handling Problems

The above topic covers a lot of information and opinions and experience, but it is thorough and respectful (mostly) as we ALWAYS try to be here on the polo field forum of F-D.com where gentlemen come to educate and be educated. Excuse me, the staff informs me they have completed putting the PowerStroke in the Bentley, Ta Ta

[Cappy]

[img]images/icons/laugh.gif[/img] After reading all the testimony about springs for the last six months or so, I finally got around to swapping out the front springs to the 'X' code because the Warn concealed front winch apparently added enough weigh forward to seriously overload the stock springs causing them to hit the bumpers on almost any small bump in the road, much less off road. WOW WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!! I also switched to BFG 255/85 ATs at the same time. My wife (who had just about quit riding with me) could not believe the difference. THANKS A BUNCH FOR ALL THE GREAT ADVICE AND A GREAT SITE.

Cappy [img]images/icons/laugh.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/laugh.gif[/img]

[4x4x444]

Cappy,

Did it lift it at all? Is this the same type of thing I read about swapping out for the F550 springs?

Thanks.

[ptemplin]

Trust me, those F550 "X" springs do lift the truck. I'm happy with the ride (though I do admit to needing new shocks now, to finish the package), but am a little unhappy with the amount of lift. I now specifically choose nose-downhill parking spaces (or parking orientation) so I don't think my X is trying to blast off. I'm also considering putting more priority to getting a winch and new bumper, to get the front end back down again.

The front sits ever so slightly higher than the back, but I just don't like the look of those Toyotas and pretty much anything that sits nose-high. The front end has already settled, since very few people mistake my low beams for high beams (the first night with the new springs was murder).

[4x4x444]

ptemplin,

Are you unhappy with the amount of lift because it is too high?? [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img]

Better ride meaning that it rides stiffer or softer??

I saw your twins, is the power programmer III better that the western diesel chip?

Thanks. [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img]

[Cappy]

I agree with ptemplin in that the front end was raised about an inch and a half in front but little or none in the rear. Before the X springs and the 255/85 tires, my roof clear the garage door head by three fingers; now it only clears by one finger thickness but it at least still clears. I expect some settling. I have not put new shocks on yet but probably will soon. Truck actually rides softer because the springs are not hitting the bumpers anymore. Should have done this mod months ago but it took a while to convince the local dealer that the bumpers were actually hitting the springs several times an hour. After he drove it for a day, he okayed the fix. By the way, the Warn winch keeps the truck looking pretty level... I hope a little more so after a little bit of settling. [img]graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]
Cappy

[ptemplin]

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr> 4x4x444 wrote:

Are you unhappy with the amount of lift because it is too high??

Better ride meaning that it rides stiffer or softer??

I saw your twins, is the power programmer III better that the western diesel chip?
<hr></blockquote>

I'm not unhappy with the lift because of the height, but I am a little unhappy with the lift because of the angle. It's nose high, although ever so slightly. But park it on ground that is uphill towards the nose, and it's a little freaky to see.

The ride is slightly stiffer, but not stiff. It still bounces over highway ripples, but not as much. However, I haven't changed the shocks yet (I'm waiting for the bonus check to arrive next month [img]images/icons/laugh.gif[/img] ), and I'm sure those will make the difference over bumps. I've pretty much decided to go with the Rancho adjustable shocks. I figure I'll add the dash control module some day, but not yet. If you think about the intended functions of each suspension piece, it's easy to imagine what the ride will be like after I change the shocks, and I'm looking forward to it.

As far as the Power Programmer III vs. the WD chip, it's the WD chip hands down. The only thing that's "better" about the PPIII is the way it jumps off the line (the go pedal feels more like a gasser). The WD chip does smoke more, but it feels more powerful (and at lower RPMs, so you don't have to rev it so hard). Once the torque convertor is locked, its ability to GO without having to shift is quite incredible, and far better than the PPIII (it wants to shift so it can spin faster and that's where it develops its power). Also, the trans shifting is much better than stock or PPIII in the WD chip. Not too firm, but not sloppy either.

I think I need to do something to beef up the transmission to keep up with the WD chip. Among other things, I'm considering the BD TorqLoc to be able to force the TC to lock earlier. I almost always travel nearly empty (30 pound EMS bag, electric fridge, some basic spare parts, and jumper cables), so I really think it'll do fine at pulling around town with the TC locked earlier.

Oh, the PPIII really screws up the MPG computer beyond belief. It'll think you're getting 30MPG sometimes, and will often say 999 miles to empty after refilling. WD is high by a more consistent 25% (I track EVERYTHING on my vehicle), which is good enough for a reference.

If anyone's in the San Antonio area and wants the stock vs. X springs comparison, I've got the equipment to demonstrate. [img]images/icons/laugh.gif[/img]

[Pharmer]

Cappy,

How did you get the dealer to warranty the springs? I had mine in for the wiper motor recall and mentioned the front spring issue due to the bottoming out. They almost bought into it, but said it might make it worse. Mine rides pretty good with the mods I've done, but I still get a hard clunk over big bumps. Will have to push the issue with them.

[4x4x444]

Thanks Cappy for all the info. I called Hypertech and they said they will have a new PP III for the 2002s late this month??