Spring Swap! Then what?
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Spring Swap! Then what?
Ok I've got everything I need to do my swap on my 04 V10 Ex. I've got the V code fronts and I got P codes for the rear. Im not real sure about the difference between B and P but they have the same rating and I can't find anything on the forums about P codes. Anyway, after I get the swap done my question is whats next? I'm worried about the track bar and pitman arm. I'm planning on running a 1" hanger on the front so I will have a total of close to 3" front lift. Do I need to worry about the steering and track? If so which is better, adjustable track bar or drop bracket?
Bleed Ford Blue
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Anchorage Alaska
dont need to worry about either. i'm running 2.5" lift shackles on my '02 with stock springs no issues. gave me about 3" of lift.
i also ran X codes on my old '04 which also gave 3" of lift..no need to mess with anything else.
i also ran X codes on my old '04 which also gave 3" of lift..no need to mess with anything else.
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Thanks for that. I have seen several of your postings on your spring swap. You never had any alignment issues? The local yard I'm getting several parts from had a lifted truck with a drop bracket. If I can get one for cheap is it worth it or just wasting my time?
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It's not needed.
Stewart
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From: Joliet Il
Which one gives the best ride?
x's or Shackles?
What brand Shackle kit?
Is it the rear Shackle kit only?
When you did the shackle kit did the front end come up higher then rear?
If so then did you do the 350 tappered blocks to level it out?
Did the 350 tappered blocks level it out.
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I have been told that regardless of what you do that shocks are a must swap for any Excursion. I think you can comfortably lift 2 to 2.5 without needing a longer shock but the factory shocks weren't great to begin with unless it came with the Billsteins.
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The Excursion front springs were kind of a joke to begin with. Ford wanted to be sure that every Ex could fit in a standard Garage Door so they lowered the Ex 2" lower than an F250. They did this by altering the spring ratios and leaf numbers. Therefor the factory springs become weak and sag over time. The factory springs are ok if your ride has 30k. If thats the case than the shackle is great. If not, a spring swap is recommended. After time the handling gets compromised because the springs are worn out. V code or X code springs are the perfect swap not necessarily for lift but for handling too. The spring swap will make your Ex feel like its on rails. If money is tigh, the shackle kit is great. They are affordable and most of the truck guys use those. If you can do the swap then do it. Its worth it. The X code springs are the stoutest springs out there. I would personally only recommend using them if you plan on running a heavy front bumper. If not, V codes and a shackle for desired lift wil give the best ride. And to answer your question the shackle is for the rear of the spring not the front.
Bleed Ford Blue
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From: Anchorage Alaska
stock springs with the shackle kit on the front is prolly the best ride. but the X codes were not that bad IMO. both trucks have/had stock shocks on them. i do need to buy some new shocks lol
handlings between my X code '04 and shackled '02 is exactly the same i'd say. thats w/105k miles on the stock Ex springs. but they were not too worn out either. the Xcodes i installed had 40k on them at the time of install.
i also had to install the f-350 blocks on my '04 to level it out. i have the same issue on my '02 i just have not got around to ordering them yet.
handlings between my X code '04 and shackled '02 is exactly the same i'd say. thats w/105k miles on the stock Ex springs. but they were not too worn out either. the Xcodes i installed had 40k on them at the time of install.
i also had to install the f-350 blocks on my '04 to level it out. i have the same issue on my '02 i just have not got around to ordering them yet.
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Everyone keeps talking about ordering the F350 block and obviously the factory blocks have the bump stop built in but for just regular on road use do you need the bump stop? I was just wondering about getting blocks from someone like Top Gun Kustoms because then I can get exactly what thickness I need. Any thoughts?
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i'm planning to change out my springs soon. i've been reading alot of stuff on the forum..but i think u guys give the most straight answer, but i still need a little help, i have a 05 6.0 ,180,000mi.. i carry a heavy load in the truck for work..with all the seats down.. average about 2000lb of cargo.. still deciding on V or X code for the front.. but what about the back? should i change to B code or something else? just want something more sturdy then stock..How much higher will the truck be after the swaps? Do i need to change anything else after the spring swap? Just want to keep it simple.. someone please help..
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I would definitely start with the B code. I haven't done it to my Ex yet but on my F250 I ran the Air Ride load leveler kit with the automatic leveler. $600 and an afternoon in the garage made a huge difference in my load capacity. 5k pounds of additional capacity out of two air springs is cheap and effective. If you air it up your self I think the kit is only $250. It made all the difference for me.
Bleed Ford Blue
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Anchorage Alaska
the tapered 3.5/4" f-350 rear blocks also have a bump stop. i dont think its really needed but thats me. i've been debating on going with alittle bigger block. but i need to make sure its tapered.