X codes and B codes are in
Junior User
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: Matthews, NC
I have an 01 EXC 7.3L 4WD and hope to replace springs in near future. Read a little about them but need more info on the options out there. When I got it, it had lots of sway in turns and bottomed out way to easily. Replaced the shocks first day I got it and not much improvement. Added Timbren Suspension enhancement, but that was basically larger bump stops, so it helps on tows and softens bottom outs, but doesn't do much for unloaded ride. What are the spring options out there and what is best for me? I don't need a cadillac ride, and don't mind a "truck" ride. I do tow at times, a 5000lb boat and a 10000lb camper. Need some beef in the springs to give me stability when towing that heavy camper. Thanks
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
Now I know it's a lot of reading, but you really need to do the research yourself (again, just my opinion) so you can see how the different combinations have worked for others and you can make an informed decision on what will work best for you.
So, all that "reading" has been compiled here in a link in this post: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post11373753
Click the link for the compilation thread in that above post. It's lots of reading, but you'll be able to figure out what you want for your rig.
Stewart
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
Do a search in here and read everything that looks like it might apply to your mod. When I had/have my radiator problem I read all I could about it and I am getting closer to resolving the problem. I never just through money and time at something hoping it will turn out right. 
You might run across one sentence that says " I wish I used the V's instead of the X's because now it's way too high and the wife hates the way it rides" 
read, read.
You might run across one sentence that says " I wish I used the V's instead of the X's because now it's way too high and the wife hates the way it rides" read, read.
Thread Starter
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More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 727
Likes: 2
From: Seaside NJ
Im a newbie to the Excursion world, but from what I have read the V codes up front and modified B codes in rear are the most popular choice for spring replacement, I went with the X codes up front because I dont mind a truck ride and wanted to get about 2 1/2' of lift with just springs. X codes are the heaviest spring available before getting into the F450 and F550 arena, and even with the X codes it is still the smoothest riding diesel truck I've owned not harsh at all. Springs have been in for a week and havent had a chance to load it up with a trailer so not sure how it will do yet, many guys are quite happy with towing ability after spring swaps, wont be towing my boat until probably December for winter haul out so that report will have to wait, boat weighs in at around 7500 lbs. Air bags are always an option for you with the camper if the springs dont seem like enough for your set up.
part #'s I used
X codes 2C3Z-5310-AF
B codes 3C3Z-5560-CA
Like these guys say, read read read....I spent about 2 months reading and re-reading before deciding what I wanted to do
part #'s I used
X codes 2C3Z-5310-AF
B codes 3C3Z-5560-CA
Like these guys say, read read read....I spent about 2 months reading and re-reading before deciding what I wanted to do
I have an 01 EXC 7.3L 4WD and hope to replace springs in near future. Read a little about them but need more info on the options out there. When I got it, it had lots of sway in turns and bottomed out way to easily. Replaced the shocks first day I got it and not much improvement. Added Timbren Suspension enhancement, but that was basically larger bump stops, so it helps on tows and softens bottom outs, but doesn't do much for unloaded ride. What are the spring options out there and what is best for me? I don't need a cadillac ride, and don't mind a "truck" ride. I do tow at times, a 5000lb boat and a 10000lb camper. Need some beef in the springs to give me stability when towing that heavy camper. Thanks
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
Trailer=400 pounds, Snowmobile=600 pounds
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 852
Likes: 12
From: Billings, MT
I have a question for those who have replaced their springs. Does the vehicle handle better on washboard and rough gravel roads? Right now our Excursion is not a pleasure to drive on washboard roads, about 20-25 mph max. It is really bad, like I'm afraid of the nuts and bolts coming loose. My shocks are failry new, so I don't think that's the issue.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,180
Likes: 83
From: Georgia
On washboard roads I don't know as I haven't traveled any. What I can tell you is that on roadways that have been patched repeatedly, there is just a dull thump! Much better than the dash rattling jarring I used to get.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
Anything is better than bottoming out.
Thread Starter
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More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 727
Likes: 2
From: Seaside NJ
Only had the new springs in for a week and it was commute to work and back, which there was a vast difference in the way she handles, nice and solid with just a small thump absorbed by spring instead of bumpstop going over expansion joints. Heading out on the beach tonight to fish in the surf, so this will be first time off road, cant wait.......
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,180
Likes: 83
From: Georgia
Only had the new springs in for a week and it was commute to work and back, which there was a vast difference in the way she handles, nice and solid with just a small thump absorbed by spring instead of bumpstop going over expansion joints. Heading out on the beach tonight to fish in the surf, so this will be first time off road, cant wait.......
Thread Starter
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More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 727
Likes: 2
From: Seaside NJ
Update on the spring swap on my EX, after about 5000 miles the EX rides awesome still had a bit of the factory rake to it, unfortunately I dont have the measurements from before and after the initial swap, lost the paperwork with the #'s on it.
Today I used an idea from WE3ZS and modified my X codes as well
The overload spring from the B code that was removed and not used found a new home as the bottom spring in my X codes, drilled holes in the ends of the spring for the plastic discs to help prevent squeaks and swapped them in. Truck sits exactly level, measuring 41" from the ground on all 4 fenders. I gained an additional 7/8" lift using the overload springs up front. Best part, the ride hasnt changed at all, nice firm feel over bumps and in corners but not at all harsh or bone jarring. post some pics when weather clears.
Today I used an idea from WE3ZS and modified my X codes as well
The overload spring from the B code that was removed and not used found a new home as the bottom spring in my X codes, drilled holes in the ends of the spring for the plastic discs to help prevent squeaks and swapped them in. Truck sits exactly level, measuring 41" from the ground on all 4 fenders. I gained an additional 7/8" lift using the overload springs up front. Best part, the ride hasnt changed at all, nice firm feel over bumps and in corners but not at all harsh or bone jarring. post some pics when weather clears.
