B code v. Modified B Code

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Nov 7, 2019 | 04:41 PM

lexustech48

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From: Arizona

B code v. Modified B Code

Hi all. So Im getting close to replacing the rusty and worn out rear leafs in my Excursion. The prior owner gave me a set of disassembled B codes. I was originally going to go the modified B route, but my leafs are a bit rusty. I also dont plan on towing or hauling a lot. I might occasionally tow my GT500 to the strip, and the occasional family member move help. Id like it to still be a smidge on the comfortable side haha. The front V codes were installed prior to me buying the Excursion, and looks like a 1 inch lift leaf kit was installed on the Vs. My Excursion has had a bit of a SoCal rake to it, lol.

Can I use non-modded B codes with the Excursion rear blocks? I have a traditional 1 u-joint front and 1 u-joint rear driveshaft.

I know the Excursion rear 6 leaf pack is SUPER soft, but will I lose ride height by not going modded B? I dont mind the inch taller front, but Im over the rake!

Nov 7, 2019 | 05:28 PM

pirate4x4_camo

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From: Northern California

the stock excursion rear leafs are not “soft”. they have a spring rate of 420lbs per inch.

the B codes are “softer” at 380 lbs per inch and the reason people modify they is to increase the spring rate to be as stiff as the stock Excursion.

Nov 7, 2019 | 05:29 PM

pirate4x4_camo

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From: Northern California

other then being rusty what makes you say they are worn out ?

Nov 7, 2019 | 06:31 PM

lexustech48

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Joined: Jun 2009

Posts: 91

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From: Arizona

Quote:

Originally Posted by pirate4x4_camo

Hmm, thats interesting. I was under the impression people did the spring swaps to haul heavier loads and for a stiffer ride. Ive got some reading to do. Aside from feeling weak and wobbly, they are annoyingly noisy.

Also, Ive been chasing a bad "pull" to the left while braking. Its not hydraulic as the truck needs left input when accelerating, but heavy right input while braking. Front leaf bushings are as new as the leafs themselves and dont appear to be worn out. Rears look questionable. I suspect that the springs are sagging too indicating they are just done.

I freely admit that this is the first front and rear leaf 4x4 truck Ive owned. I owned a 2002 F-250 4x2 years prior to this that was a rust free low mile California truck. totally different animal haha.

Nov 7, 2019 | 07:14 PM

EXSwap

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Jan 2017

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Pirates next question will be (likely) what are your current measurements hub to fender. You can see what’s folks measurements are but setup here:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...easurents.html

That thread has a TON of info.

Nov 7, 2019 | 07:27 PM

pirate4x4_camo

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Joined: Apr 2011

Posts: 8,259

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From: Northern California

Exswap has heard this story before

yup, post up your center of hub straight up to bottom of fender arch measurements for all 4 corners.

your pull is either alignment or brakes. ex brakes are notorious for sticking slide pins, frozen pistons and all 20 year old vehicles are to collapsed rubber brake lines. suggest you replace all 5 of them even if they ate not the cause.

remember this

springs job is to handle payload, locate axle and set ride hight.
shocks determine the ride quality.

your shocks are most certainly shot.

my guess is you are also missing the front bump stops from before the X coded were installed and rear anti wrap snubber on the bottom leaf.

post up some pics of your front and rear springs.