From what I've read it seems like B-codes have a firmer 2nd leaf? Then if you moddify the spring pack with the bottom two springs from the stock Ex pack you end up with a slightly firmer spring. Is all that right so far? Do the B-codes have a slightly higher capcity than stock?

I probably won't change the blocks unless I have to. I don't want a huge lift in back. If the B-codes improve the ride a little I'll be happy and I just need 1/4"-1/2" to level after the V-code install. So, will I need air bags also to keep the rear up? Pretty regularly I have between 500-750 lbs tounge weight. Once in a while I'll be closer to 1000lbs, but that isn't very often. I just don't want to look like a 'burb going down the highway with my rear sagging.

 

The B codes will handle a little more weight. When you modify them in addition to adding the bottom two leafs from the Ex pack you can also change out the spacers. The Ex uses much thicker spacers with will give some additional lift. I think the B mod springs give about 1" over the stock springs (depending upon condition/sag).

You shouldn't need the airbags. At 1000lb tongue weight you will need to use weight distribution which should be able to keep it fairly level.

I have the B code rear springs and tow a travel trailer with 1300lbs tongue. Once I tighten up the WD I am down 1.25" in the rear and the front does not change. It looks level with the trailer.

 

I don't have B codes but do have a heavy add a leaf for my 4" lift and air bags. When I hook up my 8K lb TT, load the rear of the X with gear and add 4 people, the truck stays level, doesn't drop an inch. I love my air bags.

 

Thanks for the info guys, is my wife going to notice a difference in the ride with the B-codes? I'm guessing not, about the only thing she noticed with the v's was it sat higher and cornered better.

I'll probably end up with airbags. If the rear will only be a little above level, by the time we load up kids, gear and then the trailer I'm sure it will be sagging some.

Airbag question - Do air bags limit your axle travel downward? I don't really go off-roading much, but I do end up in the woods towing trailers and logs with no road. I don't want to have the bags limiting motion when I'm doing that, or rip the bags up when one tire drops into a hole.

 

Since they do connect your frame and axle they will limit droop. Not sure how much more than a factory shock would though if any. I've taken mine off road (some light trail, ditches and ruts, nothing like my old 4Runner could do) and had zero issues or damages to the bags. It is a valid concern. Just depends what kind of off roading you do.

 

The b mod ride will feel like the factory ride. It will ride stiffer if you add airbags (even with just 5-10 lbs of pressure). I had them on my previous pickup to carry a slide-in camper and my dad has them on his 3/4 ton pickup that toes a large fifth wheel. Both trucks were stiffer with the bags. I would recommend you first try without and then just add later if you do not like how it sits. Installing now vs later would probably only save you 15 minutes of gathering tools. I have already towed 1300 tongue and 9500 lb trailer 3000 miles this year. It rides great empty or fully loaded. Airing the bags is also a additional task unless you get the on board air which I would highly recommend if you go that route. When you unhooked you would want to drop the air pressure or they will ride very rough.

 

I've got factory stock B codes on mine. When I also added the F-350 3.5" tapered block, I did not like the look of the rear end so much higher than the front. I also had some "wandering" issues. At this point, I went back to original flat 2" block and added RAS springs. The rear is a little lower than with 3.5", and the "wandering" issue improved substantially.

Our trailer is putting out about a 1500 - 1600 lb tongue weight. The Ex rides a little low in the rear when it is hitched up. But...it handles well and drives fine.

In my shop, I have a set of Landyot's Radius Rods. I may yet install them and then install air bags instead of RAS.

 

Thanks for all the info guys. I've got the radius rods waiting to install. I don't want to make it ride too rough back there. But from what I'm hearing the modded B-codes won't really change it much. So, I'm thinking I'll just go with the B-codes and mod them to the height I want. I really like the idea of airbags, but it's good to know it will stiffen stuff up even at 5psi.