Excursion spring swap VS thoughts
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New User
Joined: Sep 2018
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From: Pocono Lake,Pa
Excursion spring swap VS thoughts
So I’m searching for a set of springs to swap into my 2004 excursion everything I read about it says the VB swap is the way to go. Having trouble turning up a set of the springs in my area. This morning I stumbled upon a set of springs out of an 03 F350. However they are marked on the door jam VS. would these work? I cannot find any reference to using that rear springs code on an excursion
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 1,115
Likes: 264
From: KY
I was confused on the springs as well. I called Junior at ATS. He was very helpful in determining what I should get. Here is what I ordered
https://www.autoandtrucksprings.com/
Replacement V code Leaf Spring Kit - FRONT
Kit Includes:
-Leaf Springs
-Spring Eye Bolts
-Replacement U-bolts
-Replacement Shackles
Replacement C code Leaf Spring Kit - REAR
-Leaf Springs
-Spring Eye Bolts
-Replacement U-bolts
-Replacement Shackles
Bilstein 4600 Series Front Shock (Blue and Yellow)
https://www.autoandtrucksprings.com/
Replacement V code Leaf Spring Kit - FRONT
Kit Includes:
-Leaf Springs
-Spring Eye Bolts
-Replacement U-bolts
-Replacement Shackles
Replacement C code Leaf Spring Kit - REAR
-Leaf Springs
-Spring Eye Bolts
-Replacement U-bolts
-Replacement Shackles
Bilstein 4600 Series Front Shock (Blue and Yellow)
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 222
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From: Dalton, Ga
"The S code is almost identical to a B code with a helper on top. The B code has a 7/8" higher free arch than the S code. I don't think aftermarket even makes these springs because they are so close to the B codes.
-Junior"
Found this here: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ar-spring.html
-Junior"
Found this here: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ar-spring.html
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 30,595
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From: N. IL
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New User
Joined: Sep 2018
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From: Pocono Lake,Pa
So I guess my question is should I try to pick up this VS set of springs? Will the s go in the back without having to make it a modified pack like the b? Should I grab the rear blocks to?
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 30,595
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From: N. IL
I’d go for it if the price is right. Either way, modded S route or with the F350 blocks. Maybe get everything, takes some measurements of the 2 scenarios, order your u-bolts and sell off the blocks if you don’t use them.
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From: Media PA
What exactly is your goal? Looking for a little lift for looks? To mount taller tire's? Improved towing and hauling?
Where in PA are you? You can go to your "User CP" and add your location so it shows on each post like mine does.
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Freshman User
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I've read a few people talking about VS spring swaps but even in searches I can seem to find what the benefit of it is. I see the come from the regular truck line but does that give a lift, better capacity, both or some other aspect I don't know about?
Veteran/Sheepdog
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,047
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From: Western AR
RCB, the main benefit is the added spring capacity/handling. The X was designed for soccer moms. The ride, however, is too soft...handling issues (steering wander), rear spring sag (single rate springs in the back).
When you go to V codes, you raise the front 2 inches. It also stiffens the ride considerably, and helps with wander on the highway.
When you go to a B,C or S code rear, you are going from a single rate spring to a dual rate spring...just like a pickup. You increase your load carrying capacity, and that eliminates some sag when towing a trailer. It also raises the rear 2 inches or so if you modify the spring per the instructions in the tech folder. You cannot use the helper spring on top, as it will interfere with the A/C lines running under the passenger side along the frame.
When you go to V codes, you raise the front 2 inches. It also stiffens the ride considerably, and helps with wander on the highway.
When you go to a B,C or S code rear, you are going from a single rate spring to a dual rate spring...just like a pickup. You increase your load carrying capacity, and that eliminates some sag when towing a trailer. It also raises the rear 2 inches or so if you modify the spring per the instructions in the tech folder. You cannot use the helper spring on top, as it will interfere with the A/C lines running under the passenger side along the frame.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
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From: Northern California
the factory ride being soft was a function of the shock package they used and not the springs. The factory spring rates are the correct spring rate and putting a higher rate doesn’t really increase the GVWR much because the limiting factor is the GAWR. The real reason people do the whole Ford Spring code swap is because in the beginning people were pulling them out of junk yards and it was a way to identify what springs to get. The whole basis of the swap is the f250 spring has a taller Arch and gives 8” of travel and the Ex spring has 5.5”
when people switch to a taller arched spring like the V up front the reason they think it is stiff is because they usually switch to a shock with more compression dampening at the same time. If they choose a shock with less compression dampening they would still have a softer ride.
As for wander, replacing a sagged front spring back to factory height or higher will restore the axles correct orientation which will put the caster back to around 3* which is the point at which the Ex begins to track straight with no wander
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New User
Joined: Sep 2018
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From: Pocono Lake,Pa
The original idea behind the "mod" to the B springs was to maintain the same amount of rake as factory, so with the taller front V codes the two shortest EX leaves were added to the Bs to make up that added height. They do also add a little to the modded springs rating.
What exactly is your goal? Looking for a little lift for looks? To mount taller tire's? Improved towing and hauling?
Where in PA are you? You can go to your "User CP" and add your location so it shows on each post like mine does.
btw in Pocono lake pa
Moderator
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From: Media PA
Back when my knees allowed for skiing we used to stay in Pocono Lake at a rental for long weekends with a group. 
Just as point of reference, the Super Duty pickups with the snow plow prep package got the heavier duty X code front leaf springs, something you may want to consider if mounting a plow on the EX.
Just as point of reference, the Super Duty pickups with the snow plow prep package got the heavier duty X code front leaf springs, something you may want to consider if mounting a plow on the EX.
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New User
Joined: Sep 2018
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From: Pocono Lake,Pa
Tom correct me if I’m wrong but the x springs bring even more lift correct? I don’t want to go to high as I want it to stay at a reasonable tire size. Already have two jeeps on 35s and want to avoid all that comes with running tires that size.