Front leaf springs

[ttmech]

I've been trying to get some x-code springs ordered for my 04 F-350 and part numbers dont cross over for Ford , parts guy tells me I need a vin number from an 04 that came with factory x-code to order them ,any help ?

[SmokeyWren]

Your parts guy is not the sharpest knife in the drawer. If he would look in the workshop manual under "identifications codes" and then under "vehicle certification label" then under front spring codes, he would see the part number for the code X front leaf springs for a 4x4.

I don't have the 2004 workshop manual loaded right now, but the 2003 version says the part number is
X = 2C34-5310-AFA, and the rating is 6,000 lb

Any code X front spring for a '99 through 2004 will fit, so the 2003 part number should be good enough.

[SmokeyWren]

Okay, I took the 10 minutes required to remove my 2003 workshop manual and install the 2004 version. That one shows:
X = F81A-5310-AFA, 6,000 lb.

[ttmech]

smokey, the parts guy says he can only sell with vin number,something about Ford not wanting to mess with weight ratings ,also said the part number for x-code does not cross reference ?

[SmokeyWren]

There are no PSDs with a snowplow pkg in my part of the world, so I can't get you a VIN. But I'll try to remember to visit my Ford dealer tomorrow and have him tell me how he would order part number F81A-5310-AFA. I know the left and right sides are different, but the only thing the woorkshop manual says is "(L/R)".

[ttmech]

Thanks Smokey, I'll keep checking.

[SmokeyWren]

Okay, my dealer - the dealer himself, not an employee - went to the parts computer and put in 2004 F-250 4x4 and base part number 5310. The screen then showed him all the spring codes available with the current part number. The current part number for code X front leaf springs is 2C32 5310 AF.

List price is $230 each, or $460 for the pair. My dealer will sell them to you for about $200 each, but then the freight would eat you up. He guessed about $60 each, because they are heavy and long. When DHL got out of the package delivery business recently, there is no one else with cheap freight charges, so you have to use UPS or FedEX, and they will charge about $60 for each spring. So if you can find a dealer that will sell them to you for list price, that's probably your best bet.

[ttmech]

Smokey, would that be the same for 04 f-350 ,you wrote that you plugged in a 250 ?

[SmokeyWren]

Originally Posted by ttmech

Smokey, would that be the same for 04 f-350 ,you wrote that you plugged in a 250 ?

Yes. There is no difference in the front suspension of '99-'04 SRWs.

[dlblazer]

I just bought 2 V-codes springs from powerstrokeshop - delivered to my front door - $325. I also got new U-bolts and nuts from them on another order.

Looks like the X-codes are about $25 more each. $166.31 each. My shipping totalled $42.41 (I'm in California, so they shipped from Indiana): Total would have been $375.03 for me (assuming same shipping costs)

[SyN]

Smokey: whether it be fact or fiction? I have read where the front leaf springs over time begin to sag due to the weight of the diesel engine. In general the overall weight of the front end.

If this statement is true... would a F250 benefit from the code x rated springs.
What I'm getting at is, my drivers side is an inch and a half lower then the pass side. I just replaced the ball joints and shoxs. Now it's about one inch lower. But U can for sure see the differance looking at the truck from the front.

If I do change these front springs, I want to do it right the first time, and not have to mess with it again for many yrs. That's the reason for my question.

Thanks
Lonnie

[SmokeyWren]

Originally Posted by SyN

... would a F250 benefit from the code x rated springs.

I have a 4x2 with coil front springs, so I don't have any experience with it. But Dick Cutting has a 2002 F-250 4x4 PSD, and he replaced the lighter-duty front leaf springs with code X. He often drives cross country from New Hampshire to Nevada and back, and he was very happy with his setup the last time he stopped by here on his way home from Nevada. I'll PM him to join this thread.

[dlblazer]

For comparison sake, my old springs were U-codes. Two weeks ago the V-codes went in (they are have a rate about 400lb higher than the U-code IIRC). My driver side sag was nearly eliminated - I had about a 1 inch difference.

I did not change the rear springs as I have Firestone airbags helping in the back, and they should (theoretically) keep the truck level in back.

Guys using the X-code report a 1 - 1.5 inch lift on the truck. I didn't want that (I use the truck for a camper and towing duties), but the higher rate of the V-codes should help them live longer and not sag. In the end, the V-codes did not "lift" my front at all - just leveled it out.

[Dick Cutting]

The X-codes made my truck handle much better than the V-codes that came with it. The truck does not tend to "lean into" corners like it did with the V code's. It feels "glued" to the road. You can feel the road a bit more but the enhanced handling is well worth it. I have not noticed any sag or lower "stance" since I had them put on 5+ years ago now. I haven't pulled out the measuring tape but might have to just out of curiosity.

Because of my '02 cab (SC) & bodystyle (8') & engine (PSD) combo I could not order the snowplow package which would have gotten me the X-code springs.

The price I paid was very similar to those that dlblazer posted above. Mine were actually less a little bit but I put mine on my truck back in December '03.

This thread: X-Code springs?
Part numbers from my slip were:

(2) 2C3Z-5310-AF Springs -- $154.32 ea

(4) F81Z-5705-ZA U-Bolts -- $15.88 ea

(8) N805480-S426 Nut -- $1.86 ea

Smokey gave some info here in this thread: What are X - SPRINGS? Anyone?

[PowaStroka]

Hey Dick,

I just picked up X codes for my rig. It came with U codes from the factory. Did you need anything else besides the springs and a alignment?

Thanks!