V/Modified B codes, step-by-step
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Sacramento Area
I didn't...my donor springs only had about 52k on the and they looked fine.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Michigan
Very nice write up!!
I did this exact same thing to my '03 about 3 years ago. At the same time I did Bilstein shocks and a Helwig rear sway bar. I pull a 30' Travel Trailer with 900lbs. tongue weight. Two years ago I added the Firestone airbags because I was still getting more sag than I liked (even with the WD bars). I run 30psi in the bags and it pulls like a dream. Adding the bags made the truck feel like the trailer was less than half the weigh it actually is. To me the ride is on the stiff side when empty, but with the trailer hooked up, it's perfect. I couldn't ba happier with the V's, Modded B's, Bilsteins, rear sway bar, and bags. My .02.
I did this exact same thing to my '03 about 3 years ago. At the same time I did Bilstein shocks and a Helwig rear sway bar. I pull a 30' Travel Trailer with 900lbs. tongue weight. Two years ago I added the Firestone airbags because I was still getting more sag than I liked (even with the WD bars). I run 30psi in the bags and it pulls like a dream. Adding the bags made the truck feel like the trailer was less than half the weigh it actually is. To me the ride is on the stiff side when empty, but with the trailer hooked up, it's perfect. I couldn't ba happier with the V's, Modded B's, Bilsteins, rear sway bar, and bags. My .02.
Senior User
Joined: May 2007
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From: Central Florida
Great write up robert! and Thank You to all that have gone thru this already to help the rest of us! I just got a set of "V" codes from a buddy; haven't located a set of "B" codes yet. But I'm hoping to tackle the front end Saturday.....this is LOOONNNGGGG over due! I do have firestone bags on the rear so I'm not in a hurry to find the springs for the rear as I only tow a heavy load maybe once a month and it's a short haul. Again....Thank you!
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The torque numbers according to the 2005 Ford Excursion service manual are as follows:
Front springs:
Stabilizer bar end link - 80lb-ft
U-bolts (tightened in a criss cross sequence) - 99lb-ft
Leaf spring rear retaining bolt - 185lb-ft
Leaf spring front retaining bolt - 203lb-ft
Rear springs:
Stabilizer bar end link - 52lb-ft
U-bolts - 148lb-ft
Leaf spring front retaining bolt - 277lb-ft
Leaf spring to rear shackle - 185lb-ft
Rear shackle to frame - 185lb-ft
Let me know if you want me to look up any of the other torque values.
Front springs:
Stabilizer bar end link - 80lb-ft
U-bolts (tightened in a criss cross sequence) - 99lb-ft
Leaf spring rear retaining bolt - 185lb-ft
Leaf spring front retaining bolt - 203lb-ft
Rear springs:
Stabilizer bar end link - 52lb-ft
U-bolts - 148lb-ft
Leaf spring front retaining bolt - 277lb-ft
Leaf spring to rear shackle - 185lb-ft
Rear shackle to frame - 185lb-ft
Let me know if you want me to look up any of the other torque values.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Sacramento Area
...and THAT is why I have to replace my front U bolts this week...someone posted the wrong specs on one of the threads and I tightened mine to around 160+.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Sacramento Area
Ok, hold on...
To be clear...
The stock springs have the anti-wrap bar - a half of a leaf with a rubber bumper on the end.
The B's SHOULD have a lower "flat" leaf that extends to both sides of the axle. You WANT that leaf...
To be clear...
The stock springs have the anti-wrap bar - a half of a leaf with a rubber bumper on the end.
The B's SHOULD have a lower "flat" leaf that extends to both sides of the axle. You WANT that leaf...
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From: Central Coast of CA
Speaking of which Robert, do you remember which thread that was in? I don't remember if I corrected the bad info.
Stewart
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From: Gary, IN
OK then. I'll have to source that then. Thanks
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Sacramento Area
Some pics.
Photo is of the factory spring that you take apart to make a Modded B.
The arrow on the bottom left is the anti-wrap bar - discard that.
The green arrows are the bottom two spring leaves that you will keep and add to the B codes.
The other yellow arrows are the upper stock leaves that you toss.
This pic shows the completed B code. The green arrow is the bottom (overload?) leaf from the B codes. The two red arrows are the two bottom leaves from your stock springs that you added. The yellow arrows are the leaves from your B codes.
Are you sure you are getting all of the parts you need?
Photo is of the factory spring that you take apart to make a Modded B.
The arrow on the bottom left is the anti-wrap bar - discard that.
The green arrows are the bottom two spring leaves that you will keep and add to the B codes.
The other yellow arrows are the upper stock leaves that you toss.
This pic shows the completed B code. The green arrow is the bottom (overload?) leaf from the B codes. The two red arrows are the two bottom leaves from your stock springs that you added. The yellow arrows are the leaves from your B codes.
Are you sure you are getting all of the parts you need?