Suspension Questions
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2014
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From: Near PA/MD State line
Suspension Questions
Hey guys. I am trying to learn as much as I can about my new X. So today I was underneath it trying to determine what suspension I have and if any sway bars were on it. I assumed it wouldn't have any sway bars but was pleasantly surprised to see it had both a front and rear bar installed 
Is that normal?
Also, Looks like my front suspension is sagging some. I have just under 3/4" between the spring and bumper stop on the frame. Does that seem to small to you? Its a stock '04 with 85k miles.
Lastly, I read that you can determine what springs you have by the door sticker. Can anyone help me determine that from this door jam label? I am assuming its the stock springs based on the stance.
Also, here is a picture of the X's current stance:
Thanks for your input.
Is that normal?Also, Looks like my front suspension is sagging some. I have just under 3/4" between the spring and bumper stop on the frame. Does that seem to small to you? Its a stock '04 with 85k miles.
Lastly, I read that you can determine what springs you have by the door sticker. Can anyone help me determine that from this door jam label? I am assuming its the stock springs based on the stance.
Also, here is a picture of the X's current stance:
Thanks for your input.
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2014
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From: Near PA/MD State line
So by doing some research I determined that I use the 2nd and 4th digits in the spring code. The 2nd digit is the Front spring and the 4 digit is the Rear Springs. So I guess I have "D" rated front and "G" rated rear. Here is a link to the website that helped to explain it for me.
http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/ford-spring-code-listings
http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/ford-spring-code-listings
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
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From: Mt. Shasta California
Hey guys. I am trying to learn as much as I can about my new X. So today I was underneath it trying to determine what suspension I have and if any sway bars were on it. I assumed it wouldn't have any sway bars but was pleasantly surprised to see it had both a front and rear bar installed Is that normal?
Thanks for your input.
Is that normal?Thanks for your input.
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 145
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From: Near PA/MD State line
Currently I tow a 4500 lb boat a few times a month (3x - 4x) from April through November. Obviously the X handles that without a problem. The rest of the time its a daily driver and family hauler. I am also considering a camper for next year which will be a heavier load. I guess I miss the "truck feel" and think that the X's current suspension is to soft. I have been reading alot about the V and Modded B swing swaps and will probably go that route down the road.
I generally don't reveal actual locations online. As I tried to list in my profile, I live near the PA/MD line. I do most of my boating on the Chesapeake Bay and sometimes on the Susquehanna River.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2014
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You tow about how much I do occasionally when I yank the Chevelle. That 3/4" of clearance definitely sounds like saggy suspension, same issue I had when I got mine. Quickly call to Cary T on here and it was taken care of. Rocking his V/mod-B and 35's, still tows better than stock despite still no rear swaybar.
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2014
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From: Near PA/MD State line
You tow about how much I do occasionally when I yank the Chevelle. That 3/4" of clearance definitely sounds like saggy suspension, same issue I had when I got mine. Quickly call to Cary T on here and it was taken care of. Rocking his V/mod-B and 35's, still tows better than stock despite still no rear swaybar.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2014
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I spent around $2000-2100 IIRC, shipping included. All four brand new springs, 2" level, adjustable panhard bar, four custom valved Bilstein 5100's, all new u-bolts, new centering pins for rear packs.
It went from riding like crap and bottoming out on cockroaches to riding firm but comfortable and a hell of a lot more composed in general. Towed 4300# from Seattle to Houston back in June, zero issues with it and I still have yet to sort out either RAS or swaybar in the rear. You should be perfectly fine and quite xl happy with the ride and overall handling dynamics.
It went from riding like crap and bottoming out on cockroaches to riding firm but comfortable and a hell of a lot more composed in general. Towed 4300# from Seattle to Houston back in June, zero issues with it and I still have yet to sort out either RAS or swaybar in the rear. You should be perfectly fine and quite xl happy with the ride and overall handling dynamics.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 9,266
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From: In the field...
Another option is ATS Springs another sponsor on FTE, IIRC $700 for springs, U-bolts. I bought my shocks somewhere else.
Matt is right about Cary he can talk you through your options, I am a contrarian and called ATS.
Matt is right about Cary he can talk you through your options, I am a contrarian and called ATS.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2014
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Nor is it as quick
I'm just instigating, I completely forgot about ATS. Again. Good lookin out dude. Was that $700 including shipping? That's very impressive if so, those *******s are NOT light.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2013
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From: In the field...
Just checked my build sheet $700 including shipping.
Was not comparing the lift, which is why I asked what he was trying to accomplish earlier.
Here is a handy chart if checking Ford springs.
The following only applies to 4X4 EXs, the 2X4 rigs have coil springs up front. All EXs came from Ford with G code rear springs, the V-8 EXs all came with B (front B code is much different than rear B code, confused yet?) 4100lb, all V-10 EXs came with C code fronts at 4300lb and all PSD EXs had D codes at 4700lbs.
All the other codes discussed come from SuperDuty trucks (they came with springs that don't suck from Ford.)
Spring........Capacity.....Rate lbs/".....Max travel.....V-10 change.....PSD change
B (V-8)......4100lbs.......330 lb/".........5.02"...........-0.25".............-0.66"
C (V-10)....4300lbs.......350 lb/".........5.01".............0.00"............-0.37"
D (PSD).....4700lbs.......380 lb/".........5.14"...........+0.33".............0 .00"
S codes.....4000lbs.......370 lb/".........4.34"...........+1.22"............+0 .88"
T codes.....4400lbs.......390 lb/".........4.63"...........+1.42"............+1 .11"
U codes.....4800lbs.......410 lb/".........4.89"...........+1.60"............+1 .32"
V codes.....5200lbs.......430 lb/".........5.13"...........+1.77'............+1 .50"
W codes....5600lbs.......450 lb/".........5.34"...........+2.77'............+2 .52"
X codes.....6000lbs.......470 lb/".........5.54"...........+2.90"...........+2. 68"
W codes are from F-450s and X codes are from F-550s and other SD trucks with snow plow prep. The above spring info has been gathered from posts here on FTE by "monsta" and "bruce1954".
Make sure your EX has load range E tires on it before towing that large (nice) trailer and be sure to run the trailer tires (if type "ST") at max pressure as listed on their sidewalls.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,072
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From: Dustbowl, NV
No rear sway bar?
I'm surprised at the folks on here still running without a rear sway bar on their X! Putting a OEM 30mm bar off a F350 (less than 25 bucks complete at Pick n Pull) was THE best thing I've done to mine... way less wallow and sway.
'course, some of us drive harder than others too.
'course, some of us drive harder than others too.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,595
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I'm surprised at the folks on here still running without a rear sway bar on their X! Putting a OEM 30mm bar off a F350 (less than 25 bucks complete at Pick n Pull) was THE best thing I've done to mine... way less wallow and sway.
'course, some of us drive harder than others too.
'course, some of us drive harder than others too.