Hi all,
I'm in the process of trying to identify what leaf springs I need so as to replace the current Springs.
The online vendors tell me I need a four and one, four Spring pack/ one bottom overload.
The original factory springs which are on the truck, are a five Spring pack and one bottom overload.
Wanting to replace them with OEM parts plus maybe a little more capacity.
Is there an easy way to identify what it is I need?
The VIN # 2FTJW35G7JCA57736

Thanks in advance

 

Do you know what your vehicle's spring code is? You can find it on the bottom right hand corner of the VIN sticker located in the driver side door jam.

That will basically tell you exactly what is on there now and you can go from there with different options and going with a possibly heavier spring.


-Junior

 

Hi Junior,
The Spring code on the door calls for K F.
Looked it up and it says 4 Leafs and 1 bottom overload.

 

Problem is, from the factory it has a 5 and 1 with a top overload

as well.

 

This is what is stamped on the leafs. Dont know if that matters?
Thanks for the help!

 

If you look at your spring pack, you can see someone added an add-a-leaf(2nd leaf from top in the main pack)

Also No f350 ever came with only 4 leafs, they were all a minimum of 5(not sure where you found that 4 leaf info, but it is wrong)

 

Thanks Brad,
According to this
Ford Spring Codes - Shop Ford Leaf Springs by Code | SD Truck Springs
an F code call for a 1988 F350 calls for this
1980-1997 Ford F350 Pickup 2wd 4wd - Leaf Spring (Rear - 4/1 Leaves) - 43-879 | $159.95
Which is a 4 and one setup.

Just trying to clarify and understand.....if an add a leaf was added to the 2nd top position of the pack, and this is the original leaf pack, then it did come with a 4 and one setup? And someone modified to make it a 5 and 1?
Want to understand, how can you tell it was added? Please educate me.

 

4+1 is 5. The 4 main leafs and the bottom leaf is what 4+1 is

The top leaf is an overload spring not counted in the 4+1

I can tell the second leaf form the top is not stock because it is a different color than the rest

Also the overload leaf onto of the pack may not be stock either. The pads on the frame that the overload spring rests against. Are they riveted on or bolted on?

 

Is that an airbag I see? Somebody has been adding pieces trying to haul big loads. Are you going for ride quality or load capacity?

 

@Brad, there are a total of seven leafs, 1 upper and 1 lower overloads and 5 in the spring pack.
@eakermeld, capacity, looking to "freshen" up the suspension with fresh sets, but, the door sticker and current configuration do not match.

 

The MAIN leaf pack is how you buy springs.

The TOP overlaid leaf is NOT part of the pack and is NOT considered part of the pack and NOT counted.

So. That means you had a 5 leaf pack(like every F350 did) and someone put in an add-a-leaf making 6. And you ALSO have an Overload leaf.

And someone also put rubber bumpers on the overload pads to make them start working without stinging the normal 2"

And like eakermeld said the air bags too

 

So essentially, I will be replacing only the five that are bound together?
The upper overload and e straighter one at the bottom, assuming it's a bottom overload, will remain?
I will want to get a spring capacity rating for a leaf pack that will support the truck camper and tongue weight of the boat, correct?
I like the idea of the suspension(leafs) doing the vast majority of the work for carrying the weight, and airbags solely for leveling or no use at all.
Assuming the camper and tongue weight is 4000 pounds combined, I need to get a spring pack rated for that, correct?
When a single leaf spring is rated at 2000 pounds ( left side as an example), does that mean with two of them (left and right side) it's a total of 4000 pounds?
Thanks,

 

The current setup you have is going to be rough on the truck, not only in ride quality but also on the frame and crossmembers and such. If it were mine the first thing I would do would be to ditch the extended rubber blocks. They are eliminating any hope of suspension flex. From there you might be OK. Realistically the overload spring (top single up there by itself) and the airbag should let you haul anything you can safely haul and still keep it level. If the camper isn't a permanent fixture on the truck and you plan on driving it unloaded much, you might consider going back to a 4/1 main pack. As stated before, the airbag should be capable of taking up the extra load if you do haul something.

 

and my opinion is,don't touch it.if you have any that are broken,of course replace them but other than that,that setup will haul a load nicely.

if you are going to do anything for whatever reason,stop worrying about how it rolled off the assembly line and just do what you need to do.you wont be taking it to a show where it will be judged for originality.

i went with the 6 mains like you have there (added in 1 long leaf,like someone did on your truck) then went with a 4 overload set (where your single is up top.) no air bag.

edit;
also see the one that Brad noticed was a different color? the second one down in the main leaf? not only is that one a different shade,but look close it's a different thickness.
that's exactly what i did lol! i had a late model f450 ('99+) spring pack laying around so i used one of those.you can tell they are a bit thicker.my guess is,this guy had the same leaf on hand,and or replaced it with a extra hd spring for good measure on purpose.
that truck is setup to haul heavy as is.you should be more than good enough to go for 2 ton (and far beyond,but be careful! not recommended.)

imho your $ will be better spent on upgrading your brake system to match the hauling capabilities of the truck.search for the hydroboost brake conversion info.you've got to be able to stop it safely too.what that truck you have there can physically haul,far surpasses the safety limitations of the factory vacuum brake system.

 

If the add-a-leaf, fitted bumpers for the overload spring and air bags are NOT enough, then you need a bigger truck. PERIOD. The springs are only going to be as good a the tires(the real limiting factor)

So.. you have ...

1.the single over load leaf

2.Main leaf with the eyes
3.add-a-leaf(this is an aftermarket piece someone added and is NOT form the original pack)
4.Stock leaf
5.Stock leaf
6.Stock leaf
7.Fat bottom STOCK leaf