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front v code vs x code; and rear b code vs c code

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Old Nov 9, 2011 | 04:11 PM
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front v code vs x code; and rear b code vs c code

I know the receomendation is to go with front v code, rear b code...but:

front x-code are $70.00 cheaper per spring. (109.99 each)

rear c-code are $60.00 cheaper per spring. (129.99 each)

Pretty hard to pass up 260 bucks savings.

According to the spring guys, the fronts are virtually no difference in handling, ride or height. He claims the c codes are more popular in the rear also.

What do you guys think?
 
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Old Nov 9, 2011 | 04:29 PM
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Dunno who you mean when you refer to "the spring guys" but the X codes were the springs Ford put on the snow plow package trucks. They have a much higher spring rate and will lift the front of your Excursion more than the V codes will.

If I ever want to change the front V's on my rig, I'll probably go with W codes or X codes.

Stewart
 
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Old Nov 9, 2011 | 04:34 PM
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these guys:
1999 - 2007 F250 Super Duty leaf springs

And the Ex link just to copmpare:
2000 - 2006 Ford Excursion Leaf Springs
 
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Old Nov 9, 2011 | 06:03 PM
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I installed the X's up front which resulted in:
- front right gained 3”
- front left gained 2 1/4”
- front bump stop clearance was increased from 1/4" to 2 1/2" (not so accurately measured with the fingers on my right hand)

From what I've read, the V's will lift the front about the same, that being 3" or so.

I went with the X's because I thought that would give me better handling when I was using the weight distribution hitch while towing. I don't know if that is true or not, since I never have run with the V's on my truck. I am, however, pleased with how everything turned out.

You can read about my before and after observations here:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...fications.html

You can read about my first long towing experience with the new suspension here:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...excursion.html

Got questions? Keep asking.
 
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Old Nov 9, 2011 | 06:57 PM
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The Ford V code spring has a spring rate of 5200lbs with a estimated lift of just under 2". The Ford X code has a spring rate of 6000lbs with a estimated lift of 3". The X code will ride stiffer. Both will eliminate bottoming out. I have the V's and really like the ride loaded and unloaded - stiffer but not harsh.

Not sure the springs from the springs guys are the same as a V or X code. Have no experience with them. Most spring guys do not understand the Ex and its handling issues.

If towing a large trailer, the weight distribution system normally does not add any additional weight to the front of the Ex. When the trailer is connected the front end is unloaded - tightening the weight distribution just puts the weight previously unloaded back onto the front. With my trailer of 1300lbs tongue weight the front axle unloads around 400lbs with no weight distribution and is just back to where it started with weight distribution.
 
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Old Nov 9, 2011 | 07:03 PM
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Originally Posted by the ponz
From what I've read, the V's will lift the front about the same, that being 3" or so.
I'm sure I haven't read every post here at FTE regarding Excursion spring upgrades, but in all the years I've been here, I have yet to read where anyone has had a 3 inch lift that resulted from a V code spring upgrade.

X codes yes. W codes, almost 3 inches. But never V codes. The most I can remember was a 2" increase with V's.

My Ex sustained very close to 1.75" in height increase. There's no way a 4x4 Excursion with a functioning suspension can get a 3" lift with just V's.

Originally Posted by jeeplj8
You cannot equate aftermarket springs with Ford factory springs, even if the rating is the same or if they happen to use the same Ford in-house designation for the springs, ie. V codes, W codes, X codes, etc.

Stewart
 
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Old Nov 9, 2011 | 08:07 PM
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Originally Posted by Stewart_H
X codes yes. W codes, almost 3 inches. But never V codes. The most I can remember was a 2" increase with V's.

My Ex sustained very close to 1.75" in height increase. There's no way a 4x4 Excursion with a functioning suspension can get a 3" lift with just V's.
Stewart
I stand corrected.

Originally Posted by Red Ex
If towing a large trailer, the weight distribution system normally does not add any additional weight to the front of the Ex. When the trailer is connected the front end is unloaded - tightening the weight distribution just puts the weight previously unloaded back onto the front. With my trailer of 1300lbs tongue weight the front axle unloads around 400lbs with no weight distribution and is just back to where it started with weight distribution.
Ah, knowledge I wish I would have had before I swapped springs.

I'm sure the V's on the front would have been more than satisfactory for my application, however, I tend to over engineer everything; I may have over done it when I installed the X's. The truck certainly rides almost like an empty F250 without the trailer. It does, however, ride really nice with the trailer in tow. I don't use the truck for much more than towing, so the harshness I may have gained with the X's does not bother me. If I had to over again, I probably would go with the V's, but as I said before, I am happy with the way it all turned out.
 
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Old Nov 10, 2011 | 11:09 AM
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Yeah, unless you were missing your bump stops and sitting on the frame, v-codes can't give you a 3" lift. When I dd the V's I got 1.25-1.5" after they settled, but that all depends on how bad your stock springs are.
 
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Old Nov 10, 2011 | 11:44 AM
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I went with V codes and got right at 1.75 in on the front. I still have not done the back but added the RAS which did raise the back end and "soften" it up both towing and unloaded. Very happy with the results so far.

I would think that if you go to X on the front, you'll really have to change out the rears to get the truck in the proper (aesthetically pleasing) stance.

D
 
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