Just purchased another '05 PSD Ex (due to the other being totaled).... The steering and suspension in the new to me Ex, is "spongey & and wanders much more than my crashed Ex did.

I've extensively read the Tech Folder on the spring swap...Have no doubt that my springs are the issue, since I just installed new ball joints, steering stabilizer, and adjusted the steering box... I just have a couple clarifying questions before I embark on this.

My Door Sticker says the spring code is DDGG,,,, so that means there are D's in front and G's in rear?? I'm going to install the V-code springs up front for sure... my big question is this,, What do I do to the rear springs to bring them up to spec with the front V-codes???

Thanks...

 

Yes, all EXs with the PSD came with D code front springs and all the EXs with all the motors came with the G code rears.

A set of new V codes should increase your front ride height by 1.5" (and greatly improve the ride and handling feel), for the rear to match that increase you have several choices. I'll limit this conversation to discuss only OEM parts, there are even more aftermarket options if you choose to go that route.
Taller F-350 tapered blocks = About the same amount of rake front/rear as the factory setup but expect more axle wrap and no improvement in the ride and possibly no or little help with the wandering.
B code with F-350 tapered blocks = much better ride (the stock EX G codes are a single rate springs, the SD rears are dual rate units) than stock, the B codes resist axle wrap better so the taller block isn't too much of an issue here except for their cost.
B code with "the Mod" = About the same amount of rake as the factory setup along with the improved ride and feel of the B codes and without the additional cost of the F-350 blocks. the Mod uses the bottom two leaves from the factory EX G codes as well as the slightly thicker in between leave spacers from the EX pack.
C code rear springs = About the same benefits as the above mentioned B codes, can do them either way with the Mod or blocks. Difference is just different spring rates.
Factory G codes are a single rate spring pack rated at 430lbs per inch. B codes are dual rate springs rated at 320 lbs per inch transitioning to 670 lbs/inch at 3300lbs. C codes from a SRW truck are dual rate at 330 lbs/in transitioning to 650 lbs/in at 3562 lbs. C codes from a dual rear wheel truck are rated at 350 lbs/in transitioning to 730 lbs/inch. (These weight rating are from various posts by member Rob Ross who has done some great data mining into the various Ford spring codes. ) As you can see the primary spring rates from the pickups is less than our factory springs, this will deliver a smoother ride when unloaded, then with heavier loads the secondary spring rate picks up to a higher rating than stock to give better load support and handling than the factory springs.

 

I didn't have time to do the front and the rear on the same day. I already had the taller blocks up front so I decided to do the v up front first and get the back when I had more time. The Ex did not like the combo of Vs up front and stock in the back. When I got around to doing the back it ride 100% better.

 

Hit up Junior from ATS on here for X front with modified C for the rear. I just got mine the other day and let me tell you they have the best customer service. They also have plenty of happy customers on here with that setup. I'm installing mine next Friday.

 

This can cause problems & is a VERY touchy adjustment from my reading ..I've been running a V(or some other good letter) up front with the stock rear for close to 1000 miles due to lack of time. No problems what so ever & rides great. The front is fully settled in & so when I can get back on it I'll be able to set the rear EXactly where I want it. As of now it's probably 1/2" high in the front from level.

 

Has anyone tried Atlas Springs?

 

Thanks for the info guys.... Looks like I will be doing the V's up front and the Modified B's in the rear...

Next question.. where are you all finding the springs, if not purchasing new ones from ATS or similar supplier? What should I expect to pay for a set from a salvage yard? (or would you buy them from a salvage yd?)

 

Have you measured from the center of each axle to the fender lip and compared it to the the height when it was new ?

The spongy feeling is caused by worn out shocks, a reduction in ride height is caused by a spring that has lost its arch. Worn out shocks will most definitely contribute vehicle to wander.

A couple of other things to look at that will give you some clues. Are the front bump stops still on and what condition are they in and are the leaf spring bushings and shackle bushings shot ?

 

Shocks are good, bump stops needing replaced, bushings good, springs look like they are loosing their arch... they are definitely sitting different than those in my crashed Ex.

 

I am also very happy with my ATS setup and junior can talk you through all the spring combos and help you get the one for your needs. Take into consideration the newest used front spring is 12 years old now and I had no problem going aftermarket new.

 

I just logged on to bitch about towing with a stock EX.

We decided to head to the coast with the toy trailer (22' V nose Interstate) and towed it with the new 04 we bought.

Damn it sucks....from the support less springs to the crappy tow mirrors.....rant over, sorry.

Now, to be helpful, on my black 05 I did X codes up front and modded B out back with stock blocks. I went with X codes as I had a hunch down the road I'd do a winch setup and felt the additional spring support would be best.

I was right....I bought front and rear bumpers which are still residing in the passenger area of the black ex....hence the reason we're pulling with the red 04.

I bought used springs from a wrecking yard. X codes were from a 550 and were 125/pair. The B codes from a super duty and were 120/ pair. I used the old u bolts.

I can't stand the squat of the stock springs. It's REALLY hard to hold back ordering 2k Worth of upgrades to better this truck. Luckily I am not experiencing much wander / sway.

Hopefully there was something useful in there....

 

Did you mod your c's or use a block in the rear? I'm running 295/70/18's. I'm In the same boat as the Op. Got a quote from Junior who is extremely helpful w figuring out what you have on your X and your plans for it. I will say the rear sway bar made a huge difference in handling and I can't wait to change the springs- I'm just taking one thing at a time as these mods tend to multiply when you have time to think about all that can be done.

 

Junior sent my C springs already modded. Just had to bolt them in.

 

Sniper, give this thread a good read while you think over spring mods.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...easurents.html

 

^^^^What he said