Spring has sprung.
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Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 18,849
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From: Puget Sound
Spring has sprung.
What better time to think about... uh... er... springs?
I had a phone call from a good friend with access to many of our trucks and springs were discussed. He had a 2002 with newer springs in place and the truck looked level. The others had original springs with over 200K miles, and they were all with different variations of "blood-hounding" (nose-down).
Our findings: The level truck with newer springs and a nice ride (for a Superduty) had 4.5" of clearance from the top of the spring to the bump stop. All the other trucks with 200K to 300K miles were 2-3 inches.
Stinky "lands" at 2 3/4" to the bump stop, his bushings are cracked, and the plastic spacers are not... well... spacing. Yes, I have bump clunk. My friend's aftermarket springs are Stanley Springs 43-818 out of El Paso, TX. I did a search that included the part number and found this: [LINK]
This is a written invitation for more info on spring wear and ride - not lifting above stock height. I have newish shocks and they helped, but I suspect Stinky's bouncier than he should be on wrecked road.
I had a phone call from a good friend with access to many of our trucks and springs were discussed. He had a 2002 with newer springs in place and the truck looked level. The others had original springs with over 200K miles, and they were all with different variations of "blood-hounding" (nose-down).
Our findings: The level truck with newer springs and a nice ride (for a Superduty) had 4.5" of clearance from the top of the spring to the bump stop. All the other trucks with 200K to 300K miles were 2-3 inches.
Stinky "lands" at 2 3/4" to the bump stop, his bushings are cracked, and the plastic spacers are not... well... spacing. Yes, I have bump clunk. My friend's aftermarket springs are Stanley Springs 43-818 out of El Paso, TX. I did a search that included the part number and found this: [LINK]
This is a written invitation for more info on spring wear and ride - not lifting above stock height. I have newish shocks and they helped, but I suspect Stinky's bouncier than he should be on wrecked road.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 202
Likes: 1
For what it's worth, I have an 02 F350 7.3 as well. 193k miles, and the front leaf springs are indeed inverted.
The front of the truck bottoms out over speed bumps at 15mph, the front springs (2-leaf thick) are bent into an upside down U-shape. If I look along the horizontal axis edge of the springs, I can see a slight wavy line from where they used to be bent near the axle, but along the whole spring itself they are [more than anything else] bent in a slightly upside down U-shape.
I've heard a rumor that these 7.3 engines are 972lb, without a trans or transfer case. That's a lot of weight on the front springs, and at 193k miles, I would be smart to change mine.
The front of the truck bottoms out over speed bumps at 15mph, the front springs (2-leaf thick) are bent into an upside down U-shape. If I look along the horizontal axis edge of the springs, I can see a slight wavy line from where they used to be bent near the axle, but along the whole spring itself they are [more than anything else] bent in a slightly upside down U-shape.
I've heard a rumor that these 7.3 engines are 972lb, without a trans or transfer case. That's a lot of weight on the front springs, and at 193k miles, I would be smart to change mine.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 10,750
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From: Douglassville, PA
I have the 43-818's and they render a 4 1/2" block to stop clearance. I'm happy with the ride but then I went from an 11 spring lift stack to that so I should be happy. Some of those are made in Mejico and others made in USA if it matters to you. ATS springs is a site sponsor and I was thrilled with their service but shipping to WA might kill ya.
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Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Puget Sound
Everything the tires lift in our noses exceeds 4500 pounds, so we just take the weight of the front axle and associated hardware off of that weight to get the front spring load.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2010
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i pondered on the idea that mine needs new bouncy, and at 225k, think my father will get a phone call..(in with deaver spring 
)
)
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Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 18,849
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From: Puget Sound
This is just a sideline research project for now, because of a phone call. I'll fire off a couple of rounds after I get my injector issue put to bed.
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From: South Shore, MA
I had a leaf break this winter (while humping nearly 800#'s of plow around). I was able to source a new pair of 43-818's locally and couldn't be happier. The truck originally had V code fronts and they'd sagged considerably over the years.
I was afraid the (marketed as, though slightly different than Ford's spec) "X-codes" would make the front end sit too high. But I'm very pleased with the stance. The truck sits near perfectly level with the factory F250 rear blocks.
The ride is almost the same as my worn out V's - though I need new shocks.
Sorry, no pics of the truck with it's new bouncers.
I was afraid the (marketed as, though slightly different than Ford's spec) "X-codes" would make the front end sit too high. But I'm very pleased with the stance. The truck sits near perfectly level with the factory F250 rear blocks.
The ride is almost the same as my worn out V's - though I need new shocks.
Sorry, no pics of the truck with it's new bouncers.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 258
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From: NorCal
I too suffer from inverted arches on my front leaf springs. I just ordered a new set of the 818's from Junior at ATS today.
I am looking forward to a little more spring in front end soon. I have a hair over 2" between the leaves and bump stops.
Plus I have a squeaky rattle that has been driving me crazy. I think it's coming from the leaf eye bushings.
I am looking forward to a little more spring in front end soon. I have a hair over 2" between the leaves and bump stops.
Plus I have a squeaky rattle that has been driving me crazy. I think it's coming from the leaf eye bushings.
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Joined: Jul 2014
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I'm seeing what appears to be OEM replacement 818's rated for 2,630lb load. 2 leaves per pack.
Also seeing "HD" 818's rated for 3,950lb. 3 leaves.
Wondering which of the two would be more ideal for replacing sacked out OEM springs. The truck has 2-leaf spring packs on it now.
Also seeing "HD" 818's rated for 3,950lb. 3 leaves.
Wondering which of the two would be more ideal for replacing sacked out OEM springs. The truck has 2-leaf spring packs on it now.
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Joined: Jul 2014
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It is my understanding that the "HD" 818's are designed for use with a heavy snow plow.
Can anyone comment on the ride quality of either 818 or 818HD? Preferably on a truck with the 7.3l diesel behemoth under the hood.
Can anyone comment on the ride quality of either 818 or 818HD? Preferably on a truck with the 7.3l diesel behemoth under the hood.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 10,750
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From: Douglassville, PA
I have the 43-818's and am good with the ride.
stinson 108-1
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,015
Likes: 8
From: south jersey
I put the X codes on last summer to get rid of the add-a-leaf bounce, and I'm happy with the ride. It has the above mentioned 4.5 in space. The driver side still has that slightly lower look to it. Maybe its the 60 gal of fuel. 
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Joined: Apr 2010
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From: South Shore, MA
I imagine the HD's might be a tad stiff.
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