Which Springs? - Diesel Forum

SSPony · 07-15-2002, 07:04 PM

Which code front springs comes with our X from the factory [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/confused.gif[/img] I'm going to be getting installed a Maverick or RanchHand replacement front end for the wife's X [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/cool.gif[/img] and am curious to which code springs to upgrade to for the additional 400 or so extra pounds up front.
Our X is a PSD 4x4 if that's of any help [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

BILL [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

Bruce1954 · 07-15-2002, 11:47 PM

Use at least a V code Minimum!
I have written a ton of posts on this subject look them up, and then send me your email and I will give you an excel spread sheet that if used correctly will dynamically (for your truck weight) tell you your truck height, relative to now for a given front axle weight and spring change. So far my estimates have been fairly close.

To compensate for the extra weight you will be adding we would have to do a little more calculating but we can get it within a 1/8 or 1/4 of an inch easy. How much height are you looking to gain?

BTW you have D code front springs that have little resemblance to the S through X used on the super duty.

Also for every 400# you add to the front bumper of an X you add 500 pounds to the front axle and the D codes will go down 5/8" that may put you on the stops or close to it if you have a few miles on it.

Now these are ESTIMATES since the input data is an estimate.

If we assume you have 3/4" of bump stop clearance now and you change to V codes you should have about 2 1/4" of clearance now lets assume you add your new front end that weighs 400#s more than the current bumper ass'y at a distance of 35" in front of the front axle. this gives you the 1.25 factor. (137+35)/137=1.255

V codes have a rate of 430# each or 860 for the pair so take the (1.25*400=500)/860=0.58 or about 9/16 inch of drop.
This would give about 1 5/8" of travel, this is on the slim side in my opinion.

THIS ARE ALL ESTIMATES WE HAVE TO HAVE THE REAL DATA ON YOUR TRUCK TO FIGURE IT OUT!

I think for my truck I would be looking at W codes but they have an inch more arch and you would have to do something to raise the rear I would think. could take V codes to the spring shop and have them add 1/2" of arch, or???

There are many options and it depends on your starting point and where you want to end up.

Also Ford is to come out with revised bump stops that may make the V code work well but no one has seen it yet.

Bruce

SSPony · 07-16-2002, 12:20 AM

Bruce,
I've got a few replies in other forums as to the availability of take-off V codes,a couple of the locals have them in their garages.
We'd like to keep the X at the same suspension angle a little down in the front and the ride comfort close as possible.
I'm not looking for height really just want to make sure the front end suspension will be able to handle the extra 400 lbs without much of a stock appearance change. [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/smile.gif[/img]
Maybe a stout lift kit without sacrificing ride quality a possibility would be an option? [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/smile.gif[/img] BILL

Bruce1954 · 07-16-2002, 02:19 PM

I am confused, you are happy with the ride of your X???????
How much clearance do you have between the top of the axle and the bump stop?
I also have 2002 PSD 4x4 and the ride was very unacceptable due to the bottoming out problems.
I would think that if you were going to make a change you would want to correct deficiencies at the same time not just not make it worse. Anyway answer the clearance question and we can go from there.
Also what are your plans for a rear stabilizer and front shocks?

Bruce

SSPony · 07-16-2002, 04:11 PM

Bruce,
Actually we're very happy with the ride of the new X,our old 99 SD we just turned in had a pretty bouncy bouncy ride which is to be expected in a F250 pickup.
I'll measure the distance and even take a couple pics of the distance after the wife gets in from the office at 5pm.
I've read up on the front shock change out [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/cool.gif[/img] and can see those being pulled for a better set and the rear stablizer bar is a big yes for upgrading.
Anything we do to the X has to be an upgrade,why drive backwards [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/laugh.gif[/img]
We'll have the info you need later today [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/smile.gif[/img] BILL

TXANGLER · 07-16-2002, 06:22 PM

SSPony,
Depending on your mileage and tire pressure you can be happy on the stock X suspension FOR A WHILE. I am in Richardson almost once a week if you want a ride in a W spring/Rancho shock X. Send me a PM.

Txangler

Bruce1954 · 07-16-2002, 10:03 PM

TXAngler, Good Idea, I thought of you when I read his post but Texas is a big State and I did not know if you could get with him to show him what An X "CAN" ride like! My guess is SSPony should be looking at V or Ws if he can find Vs used and possibly add a an inch longer shackle that would be just about right in my mind. Though I know if you were doing it would be W or Xs. Really have to know how much weight he is ADDING and how far the center of gravity is in front of the front Axle. SSPony I do not know how much you are ADDING even if you know the weight of the unit you also need to know the weight you are removing. or just change the front bumper then use my excel file to give the new heights for various springs.

Bruce

SSPony · 07-17-2002, 01:45 AM

Bruce I was able to check out the bump stop to spring clearance and it's closer than I first thought,I couldn't even get my finger in between the two!!! [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/mad.gif[/img]
For as far as adding weight on the frame,I'll be pulling the chrome stock bumper and replacing it with a 400 pound monster replacement front end give er take a couple pounds maybe.
Getting to check out some X's that have the necessary upgrades is a must! [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/smile.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/smile.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/smile.gif[/img]
Sorry a little late getting back to you,the wifey had me get the kids ready for a shopping Excursion Tuesday night and didn't get to check out the stops till 9PM [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/grin.gif[/img] BILL

Richie_Rich · 07-18-2002, 08:49 PM

check out my space now, granted this is only with U codes and rs 9000's But the ride is great now. http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/users/bfadf...CUvX9AlYu4BGXO

SSPony · 07-18-2002, 10:59 PM

Geez! With U codes to boot,lotta travel there for normal driving conditions [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/smile.gif[/img]Thanks for the detailed shot [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/smile.gif[/img] We'll be in Gilbert for Christmas vacation this year,maybe we'll have to swing by to say Hi [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/cool.gif[/img] BILL

IMartin · 07-19-2002, 05:45 PM

R. Rich: I take it you are a firm supporter of the U codes? Buy them new or take offs? I have a 2002 X 4x4 PSD with 1600mi on it. Rides fine for now. I have the 9000's in the box. Thought i would install after getting a little use out of the stock shocks.

clifsmith · 07-19-2002, 08:44 PM

I have a 150# ranch hand grill guard and have replaced with the U codes. For me the U code selection was perfect. Front end about 3/4" lower than back. Beautiful Ride. If you are going to put 400# on the front. I would probably go "V" codes. The weight should give you a little rake in the front, but your ride will be a little firmer. I am not sure how much lower the front will be than the rear if you went U codes. Look in the ford diesel forum classifieds for some low mileage takeoffs you can get for $100 for both. I went new and paid $260 including shipping from online discount parts.

Richie_Rich · 07-19-2002, 10:18 PM

Imartin, they were take-offs, and I got them for $40 per side. I would only make this suggestion is DITCH the stockers and put hoses 9s on. This is my 5th pair (on different) rides, I just got my brother to put them on his cheeevvvy and he loves them and can't belive the difference..DAHHHHH is what I told him!! I also talked him into getting the in cab adjuster, He has a Prostectic leg and it will be alot easyier for him. I have a few other shots of the swap if you want I'll post them or just got back to that link and look at the whole album.
Rich
Ps: yes give a note if ever over in this neck of the woods, Gilbert is just down the road from me.

CHPMustang · 07-20-2002, 06:33 PM

Rich,I went to check out the actual model replacement front end this morning and it's going to weigh 200-225 pounds and not the previously stated 400 pounds. [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/wink.gif[/img]
The same fella I'm going to get the unit from has a set of V codes he'll throw in on the deal [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/cool.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/cool.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/cool.gif[/img]
Almost sounds like the combination of V codes plus 200 lbs on the front will make the truck level maybe? unless I install the complete set of four F350 springs all the way around which might retain the X's factory front to rear suspension angle,or just add a leaf to the rear to compensate.
BILL

Richie_Rich · 07-21-2002, 06:16 PM

Hey sspony, your X looks just like mine take a look.
http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/users/bfadf...7hsY9A315.uSdW