Options for B code
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
When you do find your springs, you will either have to modify the spring pack or use the 4" block from an F-350. The Exs come with a 2" block and you won't be happy with the stock B codes on an otherwise stock Ex.
Google "mod B ford springs" and do some reading. Many others have done the mod and are happy with the results, me included.
I was fortunate and found a set of V/B springs on craigslist and paid $170 for the set.
Google "mod B ford springs" and do some reading. Many others have done the mod and are happy with the results, me included.
I was fortunate and found a set of V/B springs on craigslist and paid $170 for the set.
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 12,050
Likes: 1,549
From: Media PA
I have found a set of 2003 X codes and a set of 2005 F codes at a local salvage yard. Both out of F-250's Price would be about $200. From what I'm reading, if I mod these F springs in the same manor as the B springs (Aren't they the same?), I can use the stock spring block.
Now to locate U-bolts and new shocks. This is exciting!
Now to locate U-bolts and new shocks. This is exciting!
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,118
Likes: 4
From: Idaho
The F codes should mod and perform just like B codes, sounds like a good deal too! I made up my new modded spring packs and then took the measurements to a local heavy truck spring shop, they made my new U bolts while I waited, 1/2 hour and $65 later I had all new U bolts!
Super excited about the X code springs. I think they'll work perfectly with a custom bumper and wench. Rear Sway bar looks like it is going to get added to my list too.
I've changed plenty of springs/axles on trailers. Having a torch on hand is almost a requirement.
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 12,050
Likes: 1,549
From: Media PA
You wouldn't happen to remember those measurements off the top of your head would you?
Sorry, No. It's a good day if I remember my name.
Super excited about the X code springs. I think they'll work perfectly with a custom bumper and wench. Rear Sway bar looks like it is going to get added to my list too.
The X codes are for snow plow prepped trucks and F-550s so yes they are the perfect choice for heavier bumpers and whatever sized wench you prefer, they do usually like riding inside the cab though.
The extra spring capacity also allows for the extra weight of a winch on the front bumper. 
Adding a rear sway bar is a very good addition for better handling and any towing chores.
I've changed plenty of springs/axles on trailers. Having a torch on hand is almost a requirement.
Sorry, No. It's a good day if I remember my name.
Super excited about the X code springs. I think they'll work perfectly with a custom bumper and wench. Rear Sway bar looks like it is going to get added to my list too.
The X codes are for snow plow prepped trucks and F-550s so yes they are the perfect choice for heavier bumpers and whatever sized wench you prefer, they do usually like riding inside the cab though.
The extra spring capacity also allows for the extra weight of a winch on the front bumper. Adding a rear sway bar is a very good addition for better handling and any towing chores.
I've changed plenty of springs/axles on trailers. Having a torch on hand is almost a requirement.
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 722
Likes: 13
From: ramsey mn
When you do find your springs, you will either have to modify the spring pack or use the 4" block from an F-350. The Exs come with a 2" block and you won't be happy with the stock B codes on an otherwise stock Ex. Google "mod B ford springs" and do some reading. Many others have done the mod and are happy with the results, me included. I was fortunate and found a set of V/B springs on craigslist and paid $170 for the set.
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,602
Likes: 147
From: SE Georgia
Here is a measurement thread guys. Feel free to post your #'s in there if you haven't already.
Good reading and numbers showcasing several different methods of lifting an X to get some altitude or capacity
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...easurents.html
I got similar results with my F codes that you did with your special version of the Modded B codes
Good reading and numbers showcasing several different methods of lifting an X to get some altitude or capacity
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...easurents.html
I got similar results with my F codes that you did with your special version of the Modded B codes
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
You will also need longer u-bolts but those from an F-350 may work. Don't re-use u-bolts, always buy new. I had mine custom made from a spring shop.
The con is that you're running a 4" block vs. a 2" block. Larger blocks have their drawbacks, such as increased wrap, which isn't a good thing. This is why cheap suspension lifts come with blocks, and quality lifts come with new springs. It's always better to add height via the springs vs. larger blocks.
I could have just used the 4" blocks - but I went with the mod B so I didn't have to.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 722
Likes: 13
From: ramsey mn
Correct. If you take the block from the F-350 (which is 4") then you can mostly leave the springs alone. You still have to remove the block and single short leaf from the top of the pack (forgot what they call that spring) because it will hit the rear A/C lines in the Ex. You will also need longer u-bolts but those from an F-350 may work. Don't re-use u-bolts, always buy new. I had mine custom made from a spring shop. The con is that you're running a 4" block vs. a 2" block. Larger blocks have their drawbacks, such as increased wrap, which isn't a good thing. This is why cheap suspension lifts come with blocks, and quality lifts come with new springs. It's always better to add height via the springs vs. larger blocks. I could have just used the 4" blocks - but I went with the mod B so I didn't have to.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,595
Likes: 17
Original Post:
Don't forget that one of the reasons to go to B or C codes is to get rid of the stock springs all together. They're soft and spongy, and on the stock 2" for that matter. Imagine the leverage with a 4" block. Bleh. Even higher CoG on those mushy stock springs? Nooooo thank you.
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 12,050
Likes: 1,549
From: Media PA
Correct. If you take the block from the F-350 (which is 4") then you can mostly leave the springs alone. You still have to remove the block and single short leaf from the top of the pack (forgot what they call that spring) because it will hit the rear A/C lines in the Ex.
You will also need longer u-bolts but those from an F-350 may work. Don't re-use u-bolts, always buy new. I had mine custom made from a spring shop.
The con is that you're running a 4" block vs. a 2" block. Larger blocks have their drawbacks, such as increased wrap, which isn't a good thing. This is why cheap suspension lifts come with blocks, and quality lifts come with new springs. It's always better to add height via the springs vs. larger blocks.
I could have just used the 4" blocks - but I went with the mod B so I didn't have to.
You will also need longer u-bolts but those from an F-350 may work. Don't re-use u-bolts, always buy new. I had mine custom made from a spring shop.
The con is that you're running a 4" block vs. a 2" block. Larger blocks have their drawbacks, such as increased wrap, which isn't a good thing. This is why cheap suspension lifts come with blocks, and quality lifts come with new springs. It's always better to add height via the springs vs. larger blocks.
I could have just used the 4" blocks - but I went with the mod B so I didn't have to.
Not disputing anything already said here, just offering up my observations from my swap/mods.
I had some world class scary rear steer and spring wrap on my stock springs while towing our old toyhauler at 9,500 lbs with 1460 lbs of tongue weight. I took my X/B swap up a notch or two as I wanted to run 35"s. I did the typical B mod and then added 2 sections of the cutdown traction bar to each side and went with the taller F-350 tapered blocks. Since the swap I haven't felt a any rear steer or any noticeable spring wrap. During this time I towed the old toyhauler thousands of miles and have upgrade to a new travel trailer that scales at 12k lbs and 1450 lbs of tongue weight, still no misbehaving springs even with the taller blocks. The B are less likely to wrap up it seems, I'm sure they do move some but it's so much less than the stockers with the 2" blocks.
Plenty of leverage here but no bad manners even when pulling heavy.
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 722
Likes: 13
From: ramsey mn
Not disputing anything already said here, just offering up my observations from my swap/mods. I had some world class scary rear steer and spring wrap on my stock springs while towing our old toyhauler at 9,500 lbs with 1460 lbs of tongue weight. I took my X/B swap up a notch or two as I wanted to run 35"s. I did the typical B mod and then added 2 sections of the cutdown traction bar to each side and went with the taller F-350 tapered blocks. Since the swap I haven't felt a any rear steer or any noticeable spring wrap. During this time I towed the old toyhauler thousands of miles and have upgrade to a new travel trailer that scales at 12k lbs and 1450 lbs of tongue weight, still no misbehaving springs even with the taller blocks. The B are less likely to wrap up it seems, I'm sure they do move some but it's so much less than the stockers with the 2" blocks. Plenty of leverage here but no bad manners even when pulling heavy.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,595
Likes: 17
I just towed a friend's crewcab Duramax on a 20' flatty and had zero symptoms of axle wrap on stock blocks and B-mods.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Jakerichards1
Excursion - King of SUVs
25
Sep 14, 2018 10:36 PM