springs .......again

[orangefstbk66]

I have a 2000 psd X with 220,000 miles. It needs new springs all around. after hours of reading.... I'm thinking Ws(450) infront and F in the rear. I tow a 24' enclosed with race car and gear (8000 lbs) about 10,000 miles a year. Its been real fun with the stock setup.I run 305/70/16 e load range tires on stock rims.I also use 750lbs lift bars on trailer. Do these springs sound like a good setup or do I need to reconsider before I order?

[Snowman269]

W's may be too high in front.

I did V's & would have done U's instead.

Do the F's with adding a leaf from the stock G's & install a 4" block from a F350.

[yanvaryjt]

When I installed W and modified B codes my X sat higher in the back by about 2 inches. I've since added a full leaf (from the stock X rear spring pack) and 2 short leaves (mini spring pack) to the W code spring pack to bring the X up in the front - the rear now sits about 1/2 inch higher than the front.

[Pharmer]

Since were on the subject, I have a question about mofication of the F's. After 6k miles the F's have settled on the front of the 2nd stage(bottom leaf). I saved only the last two leafs and overload from the G codes. I was thinking about adding the last two leafs to try and create some space between spring pack and bottom leaf. On the pickups there is a space which allows for a better ride unloaded.

[Bruce1954]

RE modified F

It was well written up a while back;
adding one leaf of the G pack to the bottom of the F pack but above the overload.

Was it the shortest regular leaf from the X G pack or the second one up?


And I think most have removed the Anti-Wrap 4x4 only half leaf.

One thing is for sure after sticking my neck out on the fronts I am letting the rest of you figure it out with the Fs [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Bruce (AKA Front springs only guru)

[towrig]

Here is what some of us have done...Click here
Follow the link in my sig to see some pics of the mods.

[Pharmer]

Thanks, I've checked that out. You took 3rd from bottom and trimmed back. That looks good, but I only kept the last two and worthless overload. Like Bruce said, he's sitting back on this mod. Bruce did you see the pics I sent?

[towrig]

I know at least one person has used the 2 bottom leaves, but I personally don't like that idea. It was briefly discussed in this thread.

I like to see the variable rate leaf make contact with the spring pack along its entire length.

[Bruce1954]

The picts I was looking for were these

F codes modified

As several have said this mod is becomming about as standard as Us or Vs up front [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Bruce

[yanvaryjt]

I added the two shortest Excursion spring pack leaves to the B code spring packs when I swapped to W and B Codes. I've since put several thousand miles on the X to include a recent 1000 mile move pulling a 8000 lb enclosed car hauler. Overall, the X handles great however, after loading it recently I'm thinking of pulling out the shortest X leaf from the rear packs like Bruce suggests in order to allow the springs to load better onto the flat second stage spring leaf. Will likely swap to F350 rear blocks and a front 2" hanger kit at the same time to replace the add-a-leaf I've got in the front W Codes.

[Bruce1954]

Need a little confirmation from boertje as to what I am seeing.

To confirm; you added the next to the bottom leaf from the G code to the bottom of the F code right?

Your picture labeled "F code with added leaf" is the front of the spring with an un-loaded X showing just some clearance is this right?

The amount of clearance looks good to prevent spring wrap, I was thinking it could be a bit more but not much.

I am assuming you have a good amount of clearance in the rear un-loaded.

Now that you have had it a while how does it do loaded?

I plan on doing exactly as you did but I was wondering if I should add just enough arch to the second leaf from the G code to match the F code.

Since I will add bags someday possibly just re-arch the front only to match to help with spring wrap, can’t over due this as it would pitch the pinion down.

Thoughts? Comments?

I am sure glad all you guys are helping me get this right the first time!

I am going to say again also there is no right or wrong way to do this but there is a perfect way to do it for each of our situations and get the best results for our needs.

[towrig]

Bruce,

I wound up doing the same mod to the F's that boertje first performed. We both added the 3rd leaf from the bottom, and trimmed a little bit off to clear the clamp. I have some before and after pics here. There are a few shots that show the front spring engagement (or lack there of) of the variable rate leaf.

Like you said, there are lots of ways to mods these things. I am happy with this latest set-up for my use and I'm probably done messing with it.

[Bruce1954]

Thanks for the info, that clears it right up

[boertje]

Bruce,

The pics that towrig has shows the same clearance I have. There is plenty of clearance on the rear part of the spring. Seems that the added 3rd leaf helps where I wanted it most and that is the front part of the spring. It has the proper arch to match the F code yet the rear part of the leaf does not contact the other leafs when not under the weight of the X. So when the weight of the X is applied, the rear of the spring is only helped a little but the front is helped quite a bit more since it was fully engaged with the leafs above it before the weight of the X was applied. When the X is loaded with full tank of fuel, kids, and the back loaded with gear to the max then the variable leaf is mostly fully engaged.
We just did a trip into the mountains with the family on some winding roads and it handled like a dream. With the load that the X was carrying it was perfectly stable and a dream to drive. My wife loves driving this thing now.
What towrig states "I am happy with this latest set-up for my use and I'm probably done messing with it" is my feeling exactly.

[Dunbar]

I did the mod exactly the same and like it. I do not plan on any changes.

David