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I picked up a 2001 F250 in December, and am trying to figure out what springs are on the front. The spring code in the door says UA, but the front sits higher than stock. I'm at 42" in the front, and the spring pack has 5 leafs (2-5/8" thick at pin) and I cannot find a part number anywhere (see pictures). Did a previous owner add leafs or swap to F450/550 springs? Any suggestions? They are getting a W shape and rusting so I'm thinking of replacing them I just don't know what to get. I had to put a 6" block in the back for it to sit level.
Yeah, you have some extra leafs in there over stock, that's why it rides higher, and probably rougher too. Your options are wide open for what you can put in there and depend on what you want to do with the truck. Many of us here have used ATS Springs with a high level of satisfaction. Based on what you want they will dial you in on springs that fit those needs. I have yet to hear of better customer service. Give them a call, they'll ship them to you too.
The best way to support the weight at your chosen height is to change the springs.
These are a number of factors that go into choosing springs, and I won't pretend to know them all, but I'll bet you can find a truck spring company near you that can make a custom pack, for less than you think.
First you need to know how much weight will be on the axle, both loaded and unloaded. Then you need to look at what height you want it at, and how much change you will accept between loaded and unloaded.
The good news here is that typically a service body gets loaded with tools and equipment, and that weight does not fluctuate significantly. You can get a set of springs, or add a band-aid (Timbrens, lift block, etc) that will put you right where you want, and basically it will stay right there.
It is possible that you may find the stock springs to be the correct rate, and all you need to do is re-arch them for more height. Adding Timbrens in that situation will make it ride rougher. Shimming Timbrens to adjust the ride height will eventually limit suspension travel, leading to premature bottoming.
On the other hand, it is possible you needs a heigher spring rate. A heavier pack (such as the camper springs) may be what you need.
Ford does not know how much weight will be on the axle, so they try to make the truck ride as well as possible from empty to fully loaded. This means squat as it gets loaded.
Once you know the typical axle weight, it makes it much easier to get the desired height.
Not to beat on a 6-year-old post...but I did post here when it was new.
The OEM front springs sit level to slightly concave in reference to the axle...hence the "W" comment. Those that do not know this think the springs are damaged or tired by seeing that.
Looking at the picture you can't tell if someone added leafs to the OEM pack (2 leafs) or if it is an aftermarket setup.
I broke a front leaf (twice) and gave up on OEM and went aftermarket. I didn't want a stiffer ride that would chip my teeth on bumps or put me into renal failure. I'm not sure what everybody is using these days (I've been out of the game for 5+ years now) but ATS (https://www.autoandtrucksprings.com/) was a popular option "back in the day" as Walleye Hunter mentioned. I was very happy with the suspension setup I purchased from them.
ATS was very knowledgeable on this generation of truck. I'm sure the OP has resolved or moved from the concern but I'm sure they could look at some pictures and tell you what's going on.
Looking at the picture you can't tell if someone added leafs to the OEM pack (2 leafs) or if it is an aftermarket setup.
Gimme that stick... lemme give this 2018 thread a whack too.
One CAN indeed tell if someone added leaves to the OEM pack, because the OEM leaves are parabolic, and NONE of the leaves in the spring pack shown in the photo above in Post #1 are parabolic.
Therefore, the entire spring pack, and every leaf within it, appear to be aftermarket.
Looks like a nice kit though, under a fastidiously maintained chassis.
I know this post is in the 1999-2003 truck category, but my 1996 F250 4x4 with the dana 50 has two (2) leaves for each leaf spring at the moment with a bit of reverse curvature.
