Front end Suspension refresh
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 879
Likes: 40
From: Greensburg, IN
Front end Suspension refresh
So After doing the shocks on all 4 corners and seeing the improvement from that, I've changed my mind about getting rid of the excursion instead of spending the money to make it better. Especially with regards to the steering wander on my 01 4x4 5.4.
Since the steps of addressing the steering wander all start with "replace worn out components" I'll start with that. New sway bar bushings are on the way. Went with the Energy Suspension poly bushings. The shocks are obviously new and the steering stabilizer is pretty new. Ball Joints, etc. all recently inspected and checked out so I"m not gonna just replace them for the sake of replacing them.
I've already settled on the Hellwig rear sway bar, just a matter of getting around to it.
I want to get new springs up front, as I've got some inconsistencies with the hub-to-fender measurement. 21.5" left front, 22.5" Right front. Are these F-250 springs V code?? From what I've seen the V-code front is just a direct replacement, but the B-code rear needs some modification? I want to focus up front first because I've got some negative arch up there, and the rear seems OK for now. On the ethos of "replace the obviously broken, see how it is" so I'm not using money toward things I don't need (lots of stuff I do need that I want to keep that money for).
Since the steps of addressing the steering wander all start with "replace worn out components" I'll start with that. New sway bar bushings are on the way. Went with the Energy Suspension poly bushings. The shocks are obviously new and the steering stabilizer is pretty new. Ball Joints, etc. all recently inspected and checked out so I"m not gonna just replace them for the sake of replacing them.
I've already settled on the Hellwig rear sway bar, just a matter of getting around to it.
I want to get new springs up front, as I've got some inconsistencies with the hub-to-fender measurement. 21.5" left front, 22.5" Right front. Are these F-250 springs V code?? From what I've seen the V-code front is just a direct replacement, but the B-code rear needs some modification? I want to focus up front first because I've got some negative arch up there, and the rear seems OK for now. On the ethos of "replace the obviously broken, see how it is" so I'm not using money toward things I don't need (lots of stuff I do need that I want to keep that money for).
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
if you are keeping the stock ride height I would skip the aftermarket springs and get a pair of stock motorcrafts. when you get all your steering and suspension back to spec be sure to get an alignment.
4* or better of caster and .03-.06* of Toe IN
if you are adding a rear bar in hopes of improving wander you are wasting your money. the Ex when correctly setup doesnt need a rear sway bar and in fact they diminish the ride quality. the ex doesnt have a sway issue if ever thing is in spec, most get installed as a band aid. ( and a poor one at that )
4* or better of caster and .03-.06* of Toe IN
if you are adding a rear bar in hopes of improving wander you are wasting your money. the Ex when correctly setup doesnt need a rear sway bar and in fact they diminish the ride quality. the ex doesnt have a sway issue if ever thing is in spec, most get installed as a band aid. ( and a poor one at that )
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 879
Likes: 40
From: Greensburg, IN
if you are keeping the stock ride height I would skip the aftermarket springs and get a pair of stock motorcrafts. when you get all your steering and suspension back to spec be sure to get an alignment.
4* or better of caster and .03-.06* of Toe IN
if you are adding a rear bar in hopes of improving wander you are wasting your money. the Ex when correctly setup doesnt need a rear sway bar and in fact they diminish the ride quality. the ex doesnt have a sway issue if ever thing is in spec, most get installed as a band aid. ( and a poor one at that )
4* or better of caster and .03-.06* of Toe IN
if you are adding a rear bar in hopes of improving wander you are wasting your money. the Ex when correctly setup doesnt need a rear sway bar and in fact they diminish the ride quality. the ex doesnt have a sway issue if ever thing is in spec, most get installed as a band aid. ( and a poor one at that )
From reading your myriad posts on the topic, I'm gathering that my rear springs are probably also no good.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
Are the motor craft springs really enough better to justify the cost? I'm looking at some pretty inexpensive f250 springs vs $300 each for motor craft ex springs.
From reading your myriad posts on the topic, I'm gathering that my rear springs are probably also no good.
From reading your myriad posts on the topic, I'm gathering that my rear springs are probably also no good.
I have never heard of Husky Spring so I have no way to compare them with OEM, so I will generalize and say very few aftermarket springs can match the quality of the OEM springs and knowing what goes ito the manufactring process of a leaf spring I am skeptical of any $100 spring being made tro the OEM spec. get me a set of blueprints and build sheet and I can do a direct comparision.
the real question is not are the motorcrafts that much better because they clearly are, the real question is are you willing to live with a sub standard component like a leaf spring ?
are your rear springs shot ? I have no idea so I will guess probably not. post up your hub to fender measurments and I will tell you for sure
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 879
Likes: 40
From: Greensburg, IN
"Husky Spring Leaf Springs are sourced with care to provide enhanced and verified quality at the best possible price."
I have never heard of Husky Spring so I have no way to compare them with OEM, so I will generalize and say very few aftermarket springs can match the quality of the OEM springs and knowing what goes ito the manufactring process of a leaf spring I am skeptical of any $100 spring being made tro the OEM spec. get me a set of blueprints and build sheet and I can do a direct comparision.
the real question is not are the motorcrafts that much better because they clearly are, the real question is are you willing to live with a sub standard component like a leaf spring ?
are your rear springs shot ? I have no idea so I will guess probably not. post up your hub to fender measurments and I will tell you for sure
I have never heard of Husky Spring so I have no way to compare them with OEM, so I will generalize and say very few aftermarket springs can match the quality of the OEM springs and knowing what goes ito the manufactring process of a leaf spring I am skeptical of any $100 spring being made tro the OEM spec. get me a set of blueprints and build sheet and I can do a direct comparision.
the real question is not are the motorcrafts that much better because they clearly are, the real question is are you willing to live with a sub standard component like a leaf spring ?
are your rear springs shot ? I have no idea so I will guess probably not. post up your hub to fender measurments and I will tell you for sure
Given the overall condition of the truck, I think sub standard is the way to go. Knowing my luck, I'd end up with a set of springs that's just as valuable as the rest of the truck.
Rear springs are at 24.5 each side unloaded, which I don't think is too low, right? I noticed the anti-wrap snubber is gone on both sides, so that might account for the loud axle wrap that I've noticed recently. I'll get those ordered too... can always transfer them to new springs if I need to.
5th Wheeling
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 47
Likes: 3
From: Texas
Are the motor craft springs really enough better to justify the cost? I'm looking at some pretty inexpensive f250 springs vs $300 each for motor craft ex springs.
From reading your myriad posts on the topic, I'm gathering that my rear springs are probably also no good.
From reading your myriad posts on the topic, I'm gathering that my rear springs are probably also no good.
If you are going to replace springs, reach out to Junior over at ATS Springs. I did a complete refresh on my 05 ( the factory springs were just shot) and he got me hooked up. I went with C codes in the rear and V codes up front. The change in ride was night/day.
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