Recently purchased an ‘02 F250 crew cab 4X4 and the previous owner included brand new set of x code front leaf springs. Have 285/75r/16 tire setup, wondering if I should put these x codes on and what changes/differences I would notice? I’ve read front end might raise up a bit and possibly stiffer ride. Anyone have anything to add to these x code front leaf springs?
Thanks

 

As most will likely chime in with, when i installed X codes my front end raised some due to sagged old springs. Ive got pictures of the height increase at the bumpstop location. I ran 285/75r16s on my old springs for a while and dont remember any issues then. My front end felt more solid with the new springs as well. And as a reference, when i pulled my engine and ranchhand bumper, the front end only came up an inch and a half, I’d imagine if i had my stock springs up front still it would have been several inches.

 

First question...are they Ford 'X' code springs or aftermarket? Something like a 43-818? They are touted as the same by the aftermarket vendors but they are not.

 

They are Ford OEM. I’d like to have them put on rather than just sitting in my garage. Are there any other parts I will need? I won’t be doing swap myself so I want to make sure I have everything ready when I take it in. Thanks!

 

I don't know what you need but most will recommend replacing the U bolts. And don't forget to inspect everything not too long after you install and use it to ensure that everything is still tight.

 

Many report an improvement in ride despite the higher spring rate. IMO, what's really happening is the X codes allow for more travel before pounding the bump stops - this along with the higher spring rate and you are hitting the bump stops less abruptly and less often, giving the perceived better ride.

 

what issues are people having with the aftermarket? I am thinking of replacing the aftermarket leveling springs in my 99 and was thinking of using x spring equivalent from Michigan Truck spring and now am hesitant

 

I had a spring snap on me on my original V-Code springs. Replaced them with OEM V-Code springs. 6 years later and another snapped spring.

After that I installed "X-Code" front springs from ATS (Auto and Truck Springs) and couldn't be happier. Haven't had any issues with them. I think they are the 43-818 spring that Walley Hunter is talking about. I bought everything as a package (springs, u-bolts, etc.) and was considerably less than going OEM.

 

A little pricier, but USA made AND different heights for each spring: https://www.eatondetroitspring.com/d...4wd&sbody=Crew Cab Pickup&seng=V8 7.3L - 445 Diesel

 

I have the 43-818's on my front end and I am happy with them. I went from an 11 spring stack lifted truck back to them so I can't compare them with an 'X' spring but I am happy with them. I also hang a plow on when it snows and they handle it fine for me.

 

Are you happy with how the truck rides now?

Do you want it to ride stiffer (it will)?

Do you want the front end to sit higher (it will)?

The differences in reports that you might read as far as how much the front end will raise as a result of adding X code springs are more than likely due to different wheelbases, cab lengths, bed lengths, and curb weights. A crew cab long bed has more bridge distance between front and rear axle, and has more doors, more sheet metal, more glass, more window motors, more seats etc. The increased leverage applied to the front axle, plus the increased weight, results in less of a front ride height change than installing X codes on a regular cab, or a super cab short bed. So in your case, the ride height difference will be less than what others may have reported, but you are still installing stiffer springs than the ones you currently have.

Differences in reports also can be traced to what people call "X" code springs. Many people buy aftermarket springs, wittingly or not, because they are cheaper, and because they are told that they are the same as stock springs by the aftermarket vendors who profit from assuring folks of what they want to hear. I have no experience with the most popular aftermarket spring sellers seen on the forums. Several decades ago, I was young and dumb (still dumb, but not so young) and went through several spring change iterations on my '79 Ford 4x4. By the late '80s I arrived at the conclusion that the stock springs were best, and that the OEM actually knew more than whatever I thought I knew from reading the advertisements of aftermarket spring vendors. I can't say for certain that the same is true today, but I certainly suspect as much.

Based on the image you posted, the AFA in the part number confirms that those are 6,000 lb rated OEM springs, the heaviest rated front leaf springs that Ford offered on this platform. IOW, the same front springs as Ford equipped F-550s with. Did the previous owner explain why he never installed them?

If you're as happy with the ride quality today as you were when you shelled out 28K for your pristine low mileage turn of the millenia time capsule, then I'd let those new springs sit in the garage. You will be able to sell them as new for at least 200 times more than what you could get for the springs you would be taking out. And when you remove the old springs, you will also remove whatever semblance of stock ride comfort that you currently enjoy, and replace it with a hay wagon ride that might make you question why you read the forums in the first place... only to come away copying what everyone else does to make their trucks gradually worse until they etch a sketch out of them into a new model (which they then leave untouched).

Ignore the difference in RPN numbers. They have no meaning relative to spring rating. The AFA is the key suffix that identifies the spring. I'd wrap them up in oil impregnated paper and put them away until the use of the truck changed so significantly as to actually benefit from using them... such as if adding a snow plow or a cab over camper or a front winch and cow catcher bumper etc. JMHO.

 

Stay classy, San Deahgo

 

You caught me projecting. Let me qualify that notion with... "speaking for myself personally..."

Whereas I mucked with the suspension of my previous truck, I etch a sketched out of that one and left my current truck alone for the last 20 years.

 

You "projected" that "hat" on just about EVERYONE...lol. Cut coils, removed spring, added spring...etc. In the end, only good of the shiatty ride was seeing the misses or gf's riding shotgun.

 

Previous owner had bought them only a couple months before deciding to sell truck. He said he purchased them with intentions of putting bigger tires on the truck. I’d like to put ranch hands on the front and rear down the line. I mainly just want more of a leveled look on the truck and was thinking these x code springs could be the answer. Would y’all go a different route? Thanks!