The various "code" springs discussed here are all from Ford, it's their inhouse designation for specific spring ratings and rates. It has been discovered here by a few different folks that some aftermarket spring makers use these code designations but heir rates and ratings are different, each time the aftermarket springs were rated for less weight than the coresponding Ford spring of the same "code". I think it was SD Springs that sells an "X code" that has basically the same weight rating as Ford's V codes, not the same as Ford's heavier real X codes.
What is the weight rating on your aftermarket X codes? From Ford they are 6000lbs per set.
Is the spring shop the ones that gave you the +3.5" lift info? If so I would really like to know what their exact specs are for those springs.

 

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I got mine from general spring out of KC, this is the specs they list, is there a way to test the accuracy I would also like to know exactly what the spring weight it.

• Spring Capacity = 2630 lbs
• Width = 3
• # of Leaves = 2
• Measures (A/B) = 27-1/2 x 28-1/8
• Pack Thickness = 1-3/8
• Bushings Included
• Sold Per Side - Order Quantity 2 for a pair

Make / Model: Ford F250 / F350 / F450 / F550 Super Duty
Years: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004

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• Ford X Code OEM Replacement
• 5160 Steel - Heat Treated and Shot Peened
• Corrects Sag, Leaning, Sway
• Restores Original Height
• Tip Inserts to Reduce Friction, Prevent Squeaking and Eliminate Shear Point from Metal on Metal Contact
• Clip to Prevent Leaf Springs from Shifting Sideways
• 1 Year Warranty

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Yeah, More of the same....
They are not X codes, more like V codes. Yours are rated at 5260lbs per pair, Ford's V codes are rated at 5200lbs per pair and real X codes are 6000lbs per pair. Swapping in a set of real Ford V codes will give a V-10 +1.77" of lift and a PSD will see +1.50".

 

This forum is awesome.

Last night I ordered my Bilstein shocks (f250 fronts) and American made rear springs from General Spring in KC. Will order the Ford V's, u-bolts, and 3.5" blocks from Tousley today.

I went with the will-fit springs for the rear since they're less than half the price of the OEM's. Funny since they're American and factory springs are Mexican. The front springs, only about 50% more for OEM so going factory there. I guess I'll have a multi-national spring arrangement.

Rock on people.

 

Well that sucks, I almost went with the next step up they offer but they are 3 leaf packs rated for 3950 pounds I thought that would be way to stiff. I guess they would be considered W code springs. Anyway I have contacted General springs with this information waiting on their response. I'm not fond of false advertisement, I thought I did my homework well enough but guess not.

Thanks for info

 

If you go with non Ford springs, might want to ask if they stress peen like the OEM springs. If they don't, they won't last as long. Also, what do they paint the springs with for corrosion resistance?

 

They say they are peened on the website, but they also say they are X codes I am still waiting for response, I will keep you updated.

 

WOW! Those 3 leaf packs are really high, 7900lbs per pair! They will give a very firm ride I'm sure. W codes are only 5600lbs. Keep us posted on how your conversation with General Spring goes.

 

I have talked to them twice on the phone, they were very helpful. Plenty of email notices about the order so far. Now, the durability of the springs remains to be seen. No doubt they don't have the code descriptions nailed down well. I chose the lightest F250 rears they offer (3k# rating) knowing that I'd rather use my airbags to carry any extra load and have the benefit of the relatively lighter spring 99% of the time.

Their offerings:

1999 - 2007 F250 Super Duty leaf springs

ETA: Tom, notice you have an eighties sea-ray, we're doing a missississippi river trip in an 84 245-srv!

 

Is that what you get when the International Space Station lands in the middle of the Mighty Mississippi River? LOL
I am very envious of you, that sounds like a great vacation. How far are you planning on going and to/from where? We have spent up to 9 days floating around the Chesapeake Bay on our 220CC with a full camper top, the three of us (We 3 Z's) and an additional kid, cozy but lots of fun! + We love our SeaRay, nothing compares to the quality in them.

 

har har har about the miss. Sea-Rays, they are very well made boats.

We (dad and I) did Minneapolis to Rock Island last summer in basically four days. This summer we plan to do Rock Island down to the Ohio. That will probably take a full week. Last year we lucked out, the flooding had the tows all stopped below Rock Island so we breezed thru the locks. Doubt we'll be so lucky this year.

We're not going to do the lower, no dams so no towns on the water to get fuel. Probably do the Tenn/Tom water way down the the gulf. Will take a few more years to do the whole thing.

 

This is the message I received from the spring company.

"This is a copy of the X code spring as far as gauge of steel and arch is concerned. The Spring Research Institute will sometimes rate springs differently than the manufacturers. Another thing which happens will be manufacturers will change their ratings when a competitor comes out with something heavier without changing anything. I can tell you there is not a stronger 2 leaf available designed by Ford. We do also make a 3 leaf system which is heavier than anything Ford ever put out. Hopefully that answers your questions.

General Spring of Kansas City
915 E 56 Hwy
Olathe, KS 66061
888-829-0619"

 

Very good info in this thread.