I've been busy studying the various spring swap threads. One thing I haven't come across yet (may have just missed it) is the use of a leveling kit with the new springs for some additional lift past what the springs alone provide. Has anyone done this? What additional parts did it drag you into (pitman arm, etc)?

I know under normal circumstances, the cost of springs plus a leveling kit would put you into the ballpark of an actual suspension kit, but nothing ever goes normal for me. I have a friend with a leveling kit who is willing to trade me for my remaining Chevy parts, but my SD is an early 99 model, so it won't work there. I also have a line on a very good deal for some X-code springs that were purchased new and never installed. I'm just trying to get a handle on what extra parts I'll need for what equates to "two" lifts on the front- 2.5" for the leveling kit and another 2.5-to-3 for the springs.

Also, what would you advise to bring the rear up to match the front? I'll probably do the modified B's, but it probably won't be high enough to match. So, blocks? Hangers? Both?

 

From everything I've seen going up 4" on an EX should not require a pitman arm swap. Of course the EX starts out 2" lower than a Superduty so some of the measurements you are seeing here won't be the same on your F-250. We EX people are just swapping out our stock mushy springs for stock Superduty units, adding only the two shortest EX leaves to the new SD rears. Look at you doorjamb sticker to see what spring codes you currently have. I'm sure those new X codes would give you something, maybe an inch plus however much sag your stockers have from new.

 

So you think the pitman arm will be okay? Are the pitman arms the same as the trucks?

 

I don't know about the pitman arms, but you do realize that your Superduty will not see the lift gains that an Excursion sees with the X code swap, correct? The EX's started out life with wimpy 2" lower springs than their taller Superduty siblings, so an Ex getting 2.75" lift from an X code swap will only be an inch or so at most on a Superduty. As always the extent of old spring sag vs the age and wear of the new springs makes every swap a unique lift and ride improvement.

 

Yeah, I understand that. I just planned on sticking the X-codes under the front with the leveling kit and see where it ends up. Then do whatever I need to do with the rear to match it. I was just hoping for a recommendation to ballpark what may need done in the rear.

As for the front, I mainly wanted to know IF I could use a leveling kit with the X-codes (don't see why not since it's basically the same setup as an SD), and if so, what other parts may need changed due to the height. (I'm worried about the net lift X-codes give me over stock Excursion springs plus the leveling kit- if all that lift will necessitate a pitman change or something done with the track bar).

I mean, springs aside, it's pretty much a Super Duty truck under there, right? So, even though I'd net more lift on an Ex than a truck due to what the Ex uses for stock springs, the end result (height-wise as measured from ground to fender opening) would be comparable to my SD if it had a leveling kit plus whatever X-codes would add over the SD's stock springs. Yeah?

EDIT: After checking out a few threads and doing some Internet searches, it looks like people swapping in X-codes are getting on average 2.5 inches of lift with just the spring swap alone. Zone's leveling kit is 2.5 inches, Maxx-Lift's kit is 3 (I'm assuming the kit my buddy has is one of these two kits because of the long top spring). So we MAY be looking at 5 to 5.5 inches here. What is the "magic number" before I should be looking at a pitman arm?

 

I'm not sure what the "magic number" is for an adjustable track bar or drop pitman arm bracket. I upgraded to V codes last year and I am adding a 1.5" lift shackle on Friday and I did not buy any additional items at this point. I know that I am only looking at about 3.5" of lift over stock which is not as much as X codes with a 2.5" leveling kit but I'll let you know how it turns out.

 

Just to let you know, this is what I run....

I have V code front springs and a 3" leveling kit under them. I have custom rear blocks with traction bars and stock rear leafs. I have skyjacker front shocks, and dual steering stabalizer. I am running 37's. I did not replace the track bar or pitman arm. No issues for me.

 

Thanks, that was exactly what I was looking for.

 

The 1.5" shackles were put on yesterday to go with the V codes and Procomp 22415 leaf springs in the back. I have about 4" of lift in the back and 3.5" up front now. No issues with the stock track bar and pitman arm.

 

Need pics!

D.

 

THIS.

 

Here are some pics of used 'V's plus a level kit. The back end is untouched. Would probably take 3'' to level it back out, 4'' to rake it.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...y-turn-vs.html

 

Here are a couple pictures. The tires are 295/70/17 approximately 33.5".

 

I have a set of v codes with 2" "leveling" full length add a leafs already installed that I'm waiting to put on until I have the budget for the other stuff thats going on with it. I'm planning on buying the skyjacker 4" parts kit to install it, and it does come with a drop trac bar bracket for that lift but does not include a pitman arm. The only reason you would need the pitman is if you notice bump steer once the lift is on. Its always something you could add afterwards if you feel like you need it.

The same disclaimer would apply, that this all applies to excursion since this is the excursion forum.

 

All this spring stuff makes my head spin.

I am thinking I will just take my X to 4wheel parts and have them put a leveling kit on the front and a rear sway bar setup. That way I am not tempted to put 35"s on it, etc.

D.