First off, let me start by saying any help with my questions is greatly appreciated. I am not trying to beat a dead horse but I think I have read so many different threads on the topic that I have confused myself.

The excursion is a 2004 6.0 with about 167k on it. Like countless others, the stock suspension is sagging, I have less than an inch of travel before hitting the bump stops. The rig is only used to tow maybe a few times a year and nothing crazy even then. Mostly used for highway trips with the family, hauling people on the beach and trips to lowes, etc. Goal is to gain a little height (currently have LT285/75R16 tires and they are a little tight) and to improve overall ride quality, reduce/eliminate body sway.

Spoke with SDtrucksprings and they quoted me for a X/B swap (their site says they do not have V codes)

Spoke with Junior at ATS and he suggested not going with X/B because it looks funny unless you go with 35s. So he is working on a quote with V/C codes.

Third option is there is a local guy that is selling used 1999 F350 springs with about 115k on them. The rears are F81A-5560-BE which I believe are B code and the fronts have F81AAED RPN0788 stamped on them, which I cannot find what the "code" is or what they are rated at. I am also wondering if getting springs with this mileage is a good idea or not but the price seems good!

Once again, any input is much appreciated!

 

I have seen more positive reviews on ATS stuff than I have SDTruckSprings. Not sure the X/B would look all that funny, on a diesel the X's should give a hair over 2.5". I have 4" (V and 2" drop hangers up front, B-mod rear) and fit 35's nicely, at times a little snug pending steering angle and uneven terrain. V's will give you around 1.5" and should clear 33's nicely without too much fender gap...

Main question is what size tires do you want to run end game? Stick with the 285/75's or go bigger? Pretty much dictates where you need to go with springs. Springs alone will not eliminate the body roll, you'll want a rear swaybar for addressing that. It improved noticeably on the B-mods, but is still very much present.

 

If I recall correctly, SDTruckSprings doesn't follow Ford's spring codes at all. Their claimed X codes are only a couple hundred pounds higher rated than real V codes.
We have lots of members that have bought from Junior at ATS and are very happy with what he has supplied to them. I would go that route to get new springs vs semi-unknown 100K+ used leaves.

 

Personally I wouldn't buy used springs. Who knows what those 115K miles have been like.

I've been through 2 sets of OEM front springs and earlier this year went with ATS for replacements. Great customer service and a good price (got everything for both sides for not much more than Ford wanted for just one side). The kit came with everything I needed. Perfect fit and they look better than the OEM ones I bought last time. The only difference is that the springs are painted grey instead of black.

Had them on for most of the year and am very happy with them. As good as OEM if not better IMO. When my wallet can handle replacing the rear springs Junior at ATS is getting another call...

 

I ordered X/C from ATS on stock tires and it looks fine. Would look better with bigger tires but it's still not bad without. The factory rake is still there though so I'm thinking about a leveling kit.

 

As much as I like the look of 35's I don't think I want to go that route. I just traded a jeep with 35's and practicality wise 285/75 or 33s should be good. That being said, will the X/B set up from ATS leave too much gap? Is anybody running those springs with similar sized tire and have pictures they could post?

As far as the rear sway bar, I have a stock one back there. Not sure if it came with it or if the previous owner added it. Haven't ruled out beefing it up to with a hellwig...

 

I don't know for sure if there are pictures of that tire/spring combo there or not but this thread makes for very good reading for anyone contemplating a spring swap or some other lift option.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...easurents.html

 

I just finished installing X/C from ATS literally about 115 miles ago. Right now I am running 285/75/18 (approx 33s). Take a look at my pic and judge for yourself on ride height.

 

I forgot to add.... I removed an aging front spring/rear block lift (approx 4"). While the old springs were sagging, these new springs did drop the Ex maybe an inch or 2 (I still need to get my after spring install measurements). The only thing that I am trying to get used to is the slight "stock" rake. Doesn't bother the wife but I am more for the level look.....but I will let her win that battle if it gets me other goodies for the Ex. . Overall, I am pleased with the ride height. I can't fully remark on the ride since I still need to do other work (PS ball joint and sway bar bushings) but I will say that those things aside, ride has been improved tremendously.

 

MK I think it looks great. That being said, my current wheel/tire set up is going to be about .8" smaller. Not sure that would be too terrible...

On a side note - what wheels are those?

 

2004 OEM Harley wheels. 18". WE3ZS did a write up on them......that is how I found out about them (I believe that there is a link in the Tech folder). Quick summary of the thread......'04 was the only year that Ford came out with an 18" wheel with the correct back spacing to fit our leaf sprung front end. There are other years with 18" wheels but they do not have the correct back spacing. There are 3 different styles offered (ok actually 4) that year with what I think are minor/subtle differences. Same basic style wheel with 5 spokes just different inset/relief style.

 

My 285/75-16 BFGs are effectively a 33" tire. If you are running 285/75-18 tires then you're actually about 35" in diameter.

Not trying to be rude, just letting Duke86 know what size they are.

 

MK has it right! Thanks for spreading the good word on these 18" wheels, rep sent.
Here's the thread that covers the various styles of these '04 18"s.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post16064812

 

MK, I noticed in the write up you did while you were installing your springs you mentioned your tire size as 275/75/18. Just wanted to clarify what size they are. Also, are your rear the regular C codes or are they the modded ATS C codes?

 

Thanks Duke for the size clarification.......it was late at night and had a few cold ones in me by then. 285/75/16 was what I had on there before I put the 18s on (275/70/18).

Just checked the receipt and Jr set me up with X front and modified C for the rear. Like I said earlier, I am happy with the height and stance. As far as ride is concerned, it is now a very plush ride that allows the family to actually enjoy the ride. To me, if you wanted a "lifted" Ex that isn't "lifted" and rides extremely well, this is the way to go.

I know that some say that X/C is a bit of a harsh ride but that depends on your perspective. I have attached a pic of the front lift springs that I took off and if you want to talk about the Ex riding like a logging truck well those springs will give it to you!

The ride was stiff up front with them on (the weak rear springs were another story especially considering I don't have an anti-sway out back....need to get my pic of the new/old comparison from my phone). I honestly sometimes feel that the front is now a bit mushy but again I think that is only because of what I am coming from.

Better view of the new front springs compared to the old lift springs.