New to EX: Sanity Check on Suspension V/B upgrades
#46
04-26-2017, 07:57 AM
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Yes I have 3.73 gears and 285 tires. Like I said, not fast with 11K behind it, but the overall towing experience wasn't bad. I towed all over the hills of Arkansas with it and the only time I was not satisfied with speed was when towing a very loaded high roof 18 foot enclosed trailer against a 40mph headwind going up some hills. I don't think .18 difference in gear ratio would have solved that. 
. There is a difference in the gears we all WANT vs the gears we need to do the job. Someday I will have 4.30 or lower gears, but don't absolutely need them. I just like Tom's locomotive description and want some of that.
. There is a difference in the gears we all WANT vs the gears we need to do the job. Someday I will have 4.30 or lower gears, but don't absolutely need them. I just like Tom's locomotive description and want some of that.Reading this, I think I will be OK, at least for a bit.
But then I read other threads like this one and once again start worrying that if I change tire size I need to change gear size:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post17136271
Going with what I got for awhile I guess and just see how it does. Our camper ain't all that big at the moment so I should be OK.
#47
04-26-2017, 08:01 AM
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Planning on upgrading the suspension and need some help verifying a few things.
V/B spring upgrades are a must. Not sure about shocks and sway bars yet but trying to collect the right info just in case they are indeed needed. Will start with the spring upgrades and go from there.
V/B springs:
Front V spring part number:
either 2C3Z-5310-HA (OEM) or 43-814 (aftermarket)
Rear B spring part numbers:
either 3C3Z-5560-CB (OEM) or 43-1261 (aftermarket)
Question: is there any real difference between going with the OEM spring or an aftermarket one?
Seems there is a pretty big difference in price between a OEM SKU and the equivalent aftermarket SKU?
I'm pretty sure that I read that V/B codes are specific to Ford (OEM) only and that aftermarket uses different part numbers but essentially the springs are the same. Is that right?
V/B spring upgrades are a must. Not sure about shocks and sway bars yet but trying to collect the right info just in case they are indeed needed. Will start with the spring upgrades and go from there.
V/B springs:
Front V spring part number:
either 2C3Z-5310-HA (OEM) or 43-814 (aftermarket)
Rear B spring part numbers:
either 3C3Z-5560-CB (OEM) or 43-1261 (aftermarket)
Question: is there any real difference between going with the OEM spring or an aftermarket one?
Seems there is a pretty big difference in price between a OEM SKU and the equivalent aftermarket SKU?
I'm pretty sure that I read that V/B codes are specific to Ford (OEM) only and that aftermarket uses different part numbers but essentially the springs are the same. Is that right?
Are the aftermarket 43-xxx SKUs from ATS or SD Truck Springs the same as the Ford OEM SKUs?
#49
04-26-2017, 09:06 AM
Cargo Master
#50
04-26-2017, 09:10 AM
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#51
04-26-2017, 03:07 PM
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I just talked with Jr at ATS - awesome guy.
I haven't ordered yet but probably will in the next 48 hours.
After speaking with Jr, I am leaning towards going with V/C instead of V/Bs and having to rely on my local guy to understand what a 'modified B' is and do it right.
That will drive my tire decision. Leaning towards the Cooper ‑ Discoverer S/T Maxx ‑ LT255/85R16 E.
I haven't ordered yet but probably will in the next 48 hours.
After speaking with Jr, I am leaning towards going with V/C instead of V/Bs and having to rely on my local guy to understand what a 'modified B' is and do it right.
That will drive my tire decision. Leaning towards the Cooper ‑ Discoverer S/T Maxx ‑ LT255/85R16 E.
#52
04-26-2017, 03:14 PM
#53
04-26-2017, 03:18 PM
Cargo Master
#55
04-26-2017, 05:34 PM
seijirou, your set-up is exactly what I have been contemplating doing to mine. I was concerned with all the negative opinions of how the truck would look with stock tires/rims and the X/Mod-C's. I also plan on adding a ranch hand replacement front bumper. I do plan on upgrading tires/wheels down the road, but at least I know it will look good during the time until I can find a good set of the 18-inch Harley wheels.
Thanks for the picture!
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