Springs
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,993
Likes: 16
From: Colorado
Call up Junior and bug him about it
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 9,266
Likes: 150
From: In the field...
I may have not included the cost of shipping.No pen or magnet though, doubt that's worth a Benjamin.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,993
Likes: 16
From: Colorado
We just ordered different springs, I bet.
Thread Starter
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
I got really, really lucky and scored a set of V/B springs off craigslist for $170.
First question. Do I install them as-is or modify them? I've read about the mod-B springs and I don't know if I want or need that much lift.
I know I need to use new u-bolts. One of my new rear leaf packs is missing its factory center bolt and it's held together with a temporary bolt. I plan on replacing that. Do I also need to replace the eye-bolts?
First question. Do I install them as-is or modify them? I've read about the mod-B springs and I don't know if I want or need that much lift.
I know I need to use new u-bolts. One of my new rear leaf packs is missing its factory center bolt and it's held together with a temporary bolt. I plan on replacing that. Do I also need to replace the eye-bolts?
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 12,056
Likes: 1,559
From: Media PA
That's a pretty good deal for all 4 springs!
Mod Bs with the stock EX block should provide a similar rake as stock with V codes in front. The mod Bs were developed to save the cost of going with the taller F-350 blocks. As the stock B code is not as thick as the stock EX springs.
I replaced all 4 of my centering bolts (I have modded springs with extra leaves front and rear) with the correct length Grade 8 bolts from the hardware store.
I reused my eye bolts, Ex had approx. 70k miles on it at the time.
Mod Bs with the stock EX block should provide a similar rake as stock with V codes in front. The mod Bs were developed to save the cost of going with the taller F-350 blocks. As the stock B code is not as thick as the stock EX springs.
I replaced all 4 of my centering bolts (I have modded springs with extra leaves front and rear) with the correct length Grade 8 bolts from the hardware store.
I reused my eye bolts, Ex had approx. 70k miles on it at the time.
Thread Starter
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
No, it's a GREAT deal! 
When I confirmed what they were, I dropped what I was doing and drove an hour and a half in traffic to get them.
Just confirming - even with the weight of the 7.3L?
Ok then we've got a mystery to figure out.
Here are the springs that are on my truck:
There's also a 2.5" block under them:
Is this all stock?
The part number on them is:
RPN 3014
5C34 CE
The springs I just purchased look different:
They almost 4" thick and there's an overload leaf, four main leafs, a 1.5" spacer, and another top leaf. I've never seen a leaf spring made like this before.
Maybe they aren't B springs??
When I confirmed what they were, I dropped what I was doing and drove an hour and a half in traffic to get them.Here are the springs that are on my truck:
There's also a 2.5" block under them:
Is this all stock?
The part number on them is:
RPN 3014
5C34 CE
The springs I just purchased look different:
They almost 4" thick and there's an overload leaf, four main leafs, a 1.5" spacer, and another top leaf. I've never seen a leaf spring made like this before.
Maybe they aren't B springs??
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 12,056
Likes: 1,559
From: Media PA
My springs were free, so I got an even better deal! 
I can't comment on the 7.3 weight difference, will need some elso here to help with that sorry.
No mystery!
That top overload on the B codes (single thin leaf on the botton of your pic) must be removed along with it's 1" or so block. The trucks have frame mounted landing pads to catch those overloads and the EXs don't, And those leaves can hit the rear AC lines in an EX. So measure again without the overload and the little block. Remember that the B won't settle as much as the stock EX pack also.
Your new B codes are EXACTLY like the ones I used.
I can't comment on the 7.3 weight difference, will need some elso here to help with that sorry.
No mystery!
That top overload on the B codes (single thin leaf on the botton of your pic) must be removed along with it's 1" or so block. The trucks have frame mounted landing pads to catch those overloads and the EXs don't, And those leaves can hit the rear AC lines in an EX. So measure again without the overload and the little block. Remember that the B won't settle as much as the stock EX pack also.Your new B codes are EXACTLY like the ones I used.
Thread Starter
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
Sure enough, they are about 2 1/4" thick without the overload and block.
I just can't quite believe that this guy happened to have exactly the springs I was looking for. I keep expecting there to be something wrong.
Two remaining questions:
- what is the height difference when using stock V/B springs on an Ex with a 7.3L? Do I still need to mod it to make the rear higher? Especially when towing.
- what size u-bolts am I going to need? The parts places carry 10 1/2" springs and 13 1/2" stock u-bolts for the rear.
I just can't quite believe that this guy happened to have exactly the springs I was looking for. I keep expecting there to be something wrong.
Two remaining questions:
- what is the height difference when using stock V/B springs on an Ex with a 7.3L? Do I still need to mod it to make the rear higher? Especially when towing.
- what size u-bolts am I going to need? The parts places carry 10 1/2" springs and 13 1/2" stock u-bolts for the rear.
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Moderator
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 12,056
Likes: 1,559
From: Media PA
Lucky beats good most times. 
Try browsing through this thread for some ideas on ride height changes with various motors and suspension mods. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...easurents.html
I modded my EX to get it to ride somewhat level while towing, so that meant a bit more than the factory rake. For that I added the taller 1 ton blocks, 2 sections of the factory slapper traction bar as well as the typical B mods. Options for customization of the spring pack is almost unlimited.
I made up my new packs and then took those measurements to my local spring shop and had them make custom length new U-bolts for me. Took about an hour and cost me $65-ish for all 8 U-bolts.
Try browsing through this thread for some ideas on ride height changes with various motors and suspension mods. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...easurents.html
I modded my EX to get it to ride somewhat level while towing, so that meant a bit more than the factory rake. For that I added the taller 1 ton blocks, 2 sections of the factory slapper traction bar as well as the typical B mods. Options for customization of the spring pack is almost unlimited.
I made up my new packs and then took those measurements to my local spring shop and had them make custom length new U-bolts for me. Took about an hour and cost me $65-ish for all 8 U-bolts.
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