V/Modified B codes, step-by-step

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Jul 10, 2012 | 09:40 AM

#76

f150crewcab

Mountain Pass

Joined: Apr 2012

Posts: 215

Likes: 1

From: Charlotte, NC

Bump.
Just did my V/mod B swap this past weekend. This thread was invaluable. Thanks!! Reps sent.

Jul 10, 2012 | 10:26 AM

#77

robert_l_ross

Thread Starter

Cargo Master

Joined: Jun 2008

Posts: 2,923

Likes: 33

From: Sacramento Area

Quote:

Originally Posted by f150crewcab

Bump.
Just did my V/mod B swap this past weekend. This thread was invaluable. Thanks!! Reps sent.

Pics, Pics PICS!!

Jul 16, 2012 | 08:10 AM

#78

f150crewcab

Mountain Pass

Joined: Apr 2012

Posts: 215

Likes: 1

From: Charlotte, NC

Here are some of my pics from my V/B spring swap. The rear "B" donor springs came from a 2004 F250 with 5x,000 miles on them. The front "Vs" came from a 2003 F350 with 8x,000 miles on them. I also replaced the shocks with Rancho 9000s (still waiting for my rebate

).

Before:

After - gained 2" all the way around:

Donor B springs about to be disassembled to add stock leaves and create the Modified B spring:

Modified B spring - used bottom 2 leaves from stock spring; added stock spacers; new center spring bolt:

Right Rear with stock springs:

Right rear with Modified B spring - new U bolts:

Right front with stock leaf spring:

Left front partially disassembled:

View from front - must remove A/C condenser brackets to get front spring bolt out (you can see the bolt partially out):

Old stock front spring (bottom) and new V spring (top):

Left front ALL DONE:

Old springs anyone?

Other tips:

For 4wd versions, it would have been easier to remove the front drive shaft to get the left front spring bolt (rear) out; but Ford recommends new bolts to replace the ones you remove from the U-joint (i.e. don't re-use the old ones).
If you have access to a lift, use it. But always be safe.
Have a buddy help you. Too many heavy parts to maneuver by yourself.
You'll need long breaker bars.
Have a bottle jack and a 5# hammer ready. We had to lift, beat, twist, pry some of the springs into place.

I love the look and the ride. I still need to hook up my camper to see how she sits with the new springs (and update my avatar and sig pics), but so far so good.

Jul 16, 2012 | 08:38 AM

#79

robert_l_ross

Thread Starter

Cargo Master

Joined: Jun 2008

Posts: 2,923

Likes: 33

From: Sacramento Area

Nice work!

Jul 17, 2012 | 03:33 AM

#80

GOTUBCH

Junior User

Joined: Nov 2011

Posts: 97

Likes: 0

From: Kuwait currently

OK So I see everyone using the V code springs. Do they ride better than say a 4" Superduty lift on an X?? Also I am looking to get some V codes but all the yards around me want a like 400.... Looking around I can buy some brand new replacements for that price. I guess I am just looking for the specs on V codes. I plan to lift my X about 6 inches but want to retain a good ride quality.

Jul 17, 2012 | 03:43 AM

#81

Stewart_H

Super Moderator

Joined: May 2004

Posts: 29,380

Likes: 118

From: Central Coast of CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by GOTUBCH

You want a 6" lift, but you ask for a ride comparison of V's versus a 4" lift?

Actually, you don't need to even explain that because if you want a 6" lift, you won't be going with V codes, you'll be going with the springs in the lift.

Stewart

Jul 17, 2012 | 08:09 AM

#82

GOTUBCH

Junior User

Joined: Nov 2011

Posts: 97

Likes: 0

From: Kuwait currently

Thats correct cause I can purchase these shackles and obtain the desired lift and hopefully maintain the stock ride... And from what I have read a 4" lift for a Superduty would be a 6 inch lift for my X...... Here is a link to the shackles I am referring to...
Ford Superduty 4.5 Inch Front Spring Hanger Kit - Sky's Off-road Design

Jul 17, 2012 | 08:37 AM

#83

f150crewcab

Mountain Pass

Joined: Apr 2012

Posts: 215

Likes: 1

From: Charlotte, NC

Quote:

Originally Posted by GOTUBCH

My "V" springs were $65 a piece for a salvage yard about 1 hour away. The "B" springs were $75 a piece plus $125 for freight shipping. Still better than new prices. Search for parts on this website: Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market

FWIW, V code springs have a 2,600# rating each. B codes have a 3,420# rating each. Not sure what the modified B rating is.

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Jul 17, 2012 | 08:49 AM

#84

GOTUBCH

Junior User

Joined: Nov 2011

Posts: 97

Likes: 0

From: Kuwait currently

X Code Leaf Spring 1999-2004 Ford F250SD, F350SD 4wd - Leaf Spring (Front) [43-818] | $109.95

Would there be a disadvantage to going with these?

Jul 17, 2012 | 10:32 AM

#85

f150crewcab

Mountain Pass

Joined: Apr 2012

Posts: 215

Likes: 1

From: Charlotte, NC

I looked at these springs as well before I went to the salvage yard. I think others have bought/installed springs from SDSprings.com with good results. The freight will be expensive.

I think X code springs have a higher rating, like 3,000# and are mainly used for snowplow applications. I followed the link you provided and it lists those springs at 2,630#, which makes me think they're really V code springs. But I'm not the expert.

Jul 17, 2012 | 10:45 AM

#86

GOTUBCH

Junior User

Joined: Nov 2011

Posts: 97

Likes: 0

From: Kuwait currently

70 dollars for shipping... Not trying to be difficult just make an informed purchase really.. plus looks like an additional 20% off during July....

Jul 17, 2012 | 01:03 PM

#87

Stewart_H

Super Moderator

Joined: May 2004

Posts: 29,380

Likes: 118

From: Central Coast of CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by f150crewcab

I think X code springs have a higher rating, like 3,000# and are mainly used for snowplow applications. I followed the link you provided and it lists those springs at 2,630#, which makes me think they're really V code springs. But I'm not the expert.

You nailed it.

V's - 2,600 per
X's - 3,000 per

Stewart

Jul 17, 2012 | 01:32 PM

#88

GOTUBCH

Junior User

Joined: Nov 2011

Posts: 97

Likes: 0

From: Kuwait currently

So am I crazy for piecing this together to try and maintain the ride quality or should I just but a lift? I have a Superduty with a Superlift 8" and it pretty much rides like crap I think unless I have a load on her.

Jul 17, 2012 | 01:52 PM

#89

jwronski

Senior User

Joined: Dec 2011

Posts: 138

Likes: 0

From: Michigan

Hi Scott,
I have been looking at your pictures as I am getting things around to swap the springs on my ride. I noticed the picture of you old front springs and then the new V codes and your V Codes have 4 parts to them. Is this normal or because you got them off a 350? I thought the V and even X codes are still only 2 pieces? Or were they modified? I supposedly picked up a pair of V codes off a truck and they are only 2 pieces. Just curious. Thanks

Jul 17, 2012 | 04:49 PM

#90

f150crewcab

Mountain Pass

Joined: Apr 2012

Posts: 215

Likes: 1

From: Charlotte, NC

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwronski

Not sure about that. I did not modify the V code springs. I noticed the extra/shorter leaves too but just thought that's how V codes are (rightly or wrongly). Your assumption about being from a F350 might be right, but again, I don't know for sure. Mine came from a salvage yard and they were already pulled from the donor truck when I picked them up.