"Help me" get X-springs on my new V-10 order - Diesel Forum

nvmyr1 · 09-14-2001, 09:57 PM

First, I'd like to thank everyone on this website, over the past couple of years, on convincing me to get a Ford Super Duty.

Second, I’d like to thank everyone in this Gas Forum on convincing the best engine for my needs a V-10.

Last week I finally order a 2002 F-350 V-10 CrewCab Lariat 4x4 SRW LB at my local dealer. With the help of you all I was able to walk in there with more knowledge then any salesperson or manager in the establishment. My salesperson called me a couple of days and after only a week he informed that Ford excepted my order and the truck was a signed a VIN…”Yes!!!” Now my problem…

…. I’ve been reading about the dreaded F-350 rake problem where the front sits about 1.5” lower than the rear. I see the proper deal to correct this problem is to order the snowplow option. For reassurance…is this correct? Is it correct, if you order the snowplow option that you cannot order the camper package? I really wanted and was told it would be nice to have the camper package. Is there anyway to have the best of both worlds…. can I have the camper package and the X-springs? Should I get rid of the camper package so I can get the front x-springs? “Help” My dealer, said I probably have a couple days to make my final decision.

BTW, I test drove a F-350 (Regular Cab) with the snowplow option and the truck drove great and pretty comfortable. The door jam did state that the truck had the x-springs (code XB). To the naked eye the truck sat very level.

Thanks in advance for all you help.

Mike
[img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img]

bentwookie · 09-16-2001, 12:11 AM

Congrats,

It is my understanding that FORD does not allow configuration of a CC and the snow plow package. Just ask the dealer to order and install the springs prior to you accepting the truck, I believe they charge around $200 for a set. See if you can get the dealer to eat that price, otherwise payup and be happy.

NoMo · 09-17-2001, 09:51 AM

Perhaps I've been lucky, but both of my trucks have been level. One with the camper pkg and this one with the HD suspension pkg. The most common source of the "rake" is the heavy PSD up front. Not too many gassers complaining of this issue.

All of the "packages" are mutually exclusive. Thus, you can not get the snowplow & camper pkg. However, many of the package items overlap. So, you can get a lot of the items you want.

Personally, I'd go with the camper & off-road packages. This will get you everything but the maximum-rated front springs. If your truck is unlevel, you can purchase the X springs by themselves or buy a leveling kit.

Kevin 350 · 09-21-2001, 11:39 PM

You can order camper pkg and snowplow on the same vin. I have it on my 01. The Crappy thing it did not have the X-springs. I think its a crap shoot, some come with them some don't. It's like what ever is laying around, they are not consitant [img]images/icons/crazy.gif[/img]

NoMo · 09-22-2001, 11:29 AM

Kevin 350-
What springs did you get? Were both pkgs listed on the window sticker? I ask because if you didn't get the "X" springs, it sounds like maybe you didn't really get the plow pkg.

Kevin 350 · 09-23-2001, 11:07 AM

Yes, it is a specail ordered truck. When I ordered it back in 11/00 I checked off EVERY OPTION [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] This was the first time I have tried this on a new truck. It worked,and yes the window sticker shows a very long list.
Optional Equipment:
Preferred Equipment PKG.618A 600.
6.8L EFI V-10 Engine 1,095.
Electronic 4sp trans N/C
Cab steps/Chrome tubular 75.
9900# GVWR PKG N/C
Electronic shift on the fly 160.
Camper PKG. 210.
Power Tele TT Mirrors 100.
Off-Road PKG. 125.
Trailer Hitch Receiver 150.
Leather Captian Chair N/C
Heated seats 200.

This is most of the list. The one that got me was the Chrome tube steps, It cost me $75 to put on the cheaper steps. If I remember it's something like $150 for the Black ones that come stock on the Lariat PKG.
The rating on the door sticker shows a 4800# front axle. I think they were a "W" code? It's been a year ago [img]images/icons/crazy.gif[/img]
It does have the X-springs now [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] with 315's and CenterLines on her now [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

After looking at my order sheet,window sticker and his order sheet that was sent off. It DOES SHOW (N/A w/86M Snow Plow) under the Camper PKG.

Looking at the Truck under the front air-dam there is a boxed piece of iron for a snow plow/or attachment.

Maybe all that yelling at ford because my truck didnt have X-springs, was not thier falt [img]images/icons/crazy.gif[/img] I dont know maybe if you only order Snow Plow you might get X-spring [img]images/icons/crazy.gif[/img]

NoMo · 09-23-2001, 01:08 PM

Sounds like you got the Camper pkg instead of the plow pkg. Which, unless you're going to plow, is probably a better thing to have. I think the box piece that you are seeing is the new crash "blocker beam" that came out on the '01 trucks. It's there so small cars don't get entangled in the steering linkage when you run over them. [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

My '01 came with the factory chrome steps. Told the dealership to swap them for the black ones. But, because they had no idea that Ford offered black steps, I got a set of GoRhino bars that look, fit and perform the way I like.

The "W" springs are what my '00 F250 SC SB w/camper pkg had. I bought my '01 F350 CC LB off the lot with the HD suspension pkg. It has "V" springs rated for 5200#. Seems these are the same ones that come with the "Max Front GAWR" package. If you order the Snow plow pkg (exclusively), you do get the "X" springs rated at 6000#.

robsd · 09-25-2001, 11:31 AM

Personally I wouldn't go with the X spring swap unless you get it for free. Especially since you ordering a CC LB. The LB's like mine got maybe 1". No where the 1.75-2" some claim. I would go with an aftermarket lift if you need it. The Fabtech 3.5" is the best one I've seen. It replaces the spring mounts in the front plus has a 2" blocks for the back. I guess installing the rear block is optional depending on how level you need to go. The kit last year was around $350. Not much more than purchasing the x springs from the dealer (around $200 plus tax depending on your local price). Plus sonce I've done an x spring change by myself I would bet the Fabtech kit would be easier to install (took me 3 hours for the x spring). The Fabtech kit came out a couple months after I made my swap. I would have gotten the Fabtech instead, I was mostly looking for a cheap 2-3" lift. My truck has always been level.

As NoMo mentioned, you may not even need it. Besides I like a little rear up look. Because I really hate a rear down look when I have a little load in the back.

Good Luck,
Rob

nvmyr1 · 09-25-2001, 04:31 PM

Everyone, Thanks for the info. I'll stay with the Camper Package and see what the rig looks like when it's delivered. Thnaks, again.

jay107 · 10-02-2001, 07:48 PM

nvmyr1, I picked up my 2002 F350 V10 SC a couple of weeks ago. I ordered it with the snow plow prep package and in my door jamb it shows that I do have the X springs. If you get the snow plow package you can not get the camper package, the heavy service package, or the max front susp package, but you will not need any of those beacause the plow package comes with all the heaviest rated suspension equipment included.

nvmyr1 · 10-05-2001, 09:59 PM

jay107, Thanks for the info. When your truck arrived how did it sit? Was it leveled? In your opinion how is the ride with the X-springs. Any pics of your truck would be greatly appreciated. My truck is coming with the snowplow package. Ford must be cranking these trucks out, because I'm suppose to get mine within 6 weeks from my order date.

escape442 · 10-08-2001, 06:24 AM

I have been studying the heights of these trucks, to see how they sit with different options. These dimensions are taken from the ground to the wheel arch at the wheel centerline. The F-350 rear is 43", which is 2" higher than the F-250. The front will range from 38.5" for a PSD F-350, to 41.5" for a 5.4 F-250. I saw perfection on a used F-350 V-10, the front and rear were both 43". The owner must have lifted the front, but he was not available to ask and of course dealers Don't Know S***. I would order the Off Road PKG & Camper PKG, that way I will get the skid plates, steering damper, rear stabilizer bar and heavier front springs. If the front needs to be lifted, it would only be about 2" max.

Thanks to this board, I got the add a leaf TSB on my '97. It lifted the front 2", so it sits level and looks good. The only time the rear came down noticeably was when I had 4,300 LBS of concrete block in it. I think that is the way to go. I don't like the "rake" look.