replace front leaf springs
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5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2017
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replace front leaf springs
Hello,
Need to replace the front leaf springs on my 1999 F 350SD 4WD and V10. Just purchased and had front suspension evaluated to sort out the drifting common to Ford steering boxes. Turns out the GB is bad but also the front leaf springs also need replaced. I purchased from original owner who had placed a "leveling lift" when brand new. Interested in advice for staying with the leveling three leaf set vs ??. Also, it seems that many endorse the Red Head steering boxes which I am inclined toward because the factory is straight up the I-5 corridor. Truck is very clean and I'm looking forward to putting some miles on it. Thanks in advance.
Need to replace the front leaf springs on my 1999 F 350SD 4WD and V10. Just purchased and had front suspension evaluated to sort out the drifting common to Ford steering boxes. Turns out the GB is bad but also the front leaf springs also need replaced. I purchased from original owner who had placed a "leveling lift" when brand new. Interested in advice for staying with the leveling three leaf set vs ??. Also, it seems that many endorse the Red Head steering boxes which I am inclined toward because the factory is straight up the I-5 corridor. Truck is very clean and I'm looking forward to putting some miles on it. Thanks in advance.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 803
Likes: 287
From: KY
Most everyone will condemn blocks in front as unsafe and Never to use them in front. However we've had a few dump trucks that came factory with a 2" block in front so oh well I say. New springs may help ride quality so thats one to consider. Far as boxes go it seems the reds are the way to go. Id really like to know what exactly is made better in them to supposedly correct the SD steering issues. My 99 has no play or slop, all new front end parts and its no better than it was pre worn out parts. Ice read in a few places some say its a caster issue but who knows.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 941
Likes: 98
I have over 500k miles on my 99 4x4 scsb with a lift also .
I did replace the steering box maybe 10 years ago , sector shaft was cracked.
I have no wandering at all .
I am also running 35x12.5x16 Cooper Discover All terrain @ 45 psi .
worry about the steering box , leaf springs do not cause a wandering of the steering .
I did replace the steering box maybe 10 years ago , sector shaft was cracked.
I have no wandering at all .
I am also running 35x12.5x16 Cooper Discover All terrain @ 45 psi .
worry about the steering box , leaf springs do not cause a wandering of the steering .
Cross-Country
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 52
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I'd like to hijack the thread for a question. I have an 01 F250 SD 4x4 with a 5.4L. I am planning on putting a plow on it but I think the front springs need to be upgraded for a couple of reasons, 1. to accommodate the plow, 2. to potentially level the truck. According to the door sticker I have S code springs (1630 capacity) in the front. So, my question is, if I put X code springs (2630 capacity) in the front will I get any lift out of them? I know they will give me capacity for the plow but I'd like to get the nose up a couple of inches.
Any advice or thoughts on the use of the x codes as replacements on an 01 SD?
Regards,
Don
Any advice or thoughts on the use of the x codes as replacements on an 01 SD?
Regards,
Don
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Houston, Texas
Originally Posted by OCsrux
Hello,
Need to replace the front leaf springs on my 1999 F 350SD 4WD and V10. Just purchased and had front suspension evaluated to sort out the drifting common to Ford steering boxes. Turns out the GB is bad but also the front leaf springs also need replaced. I purchased from original owner who had placed a "leveling lift" when brand new. Interested in advice for staying with the leveling three leaf set vs ??. Also, it seems that many endorse the Red Head steering boxes which I am inclined toward because the factory is straight up the I-5 corridor. Truck is very clean and I'm looking forward to putting some miles on it. Thanks in advance.
Need to replace the front leaf springs on my 1999 F 350SD 4WD and V10. Just purchased and had front suspension evaluated to sort out the drifting common to Ford steering boxes. Turns out the GB is bad but also the front leaf springs also need replaced. I purchased from original owner who had placed a "leveling lift" when brand new. Interested in advice for staying with the leveling three leaf set vs ??. Also, it seems that many endorse the Red Head steering boxes which I am inclined toward because the factory is straight up the I-5 corridor. Truck is very clean and I'm looking forward to putting some miles on it. Thanks in advance.
Originally Posted by donsimpson
I'd like to hijack the thread for a question. I have an 01 F250 SD 4x4 with a 5.4L. I am planning on putting a plow on it but I think the front springs need to be upgraded for a couple of reasons, 1. to accommodate the plow, 2. to potentially level the truck. According to the door sticker I have S code springs (1630 capacity) in the front. So, my question is, if I put X code springs (2630 capacity) in the front will I get any lift out of them? I know they will give me capacity for the plow but I'd like to get the nose up a couple of inches.
Any advice or thoughts on the use of the x codes as replacements on an 01 SD?
Regards,
Don
Any advice or thoughts on the use of the x codes as replacements on an 01 SD?
Regards,
Don
Cross-Country
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 52
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As someone suggested earlier, I'd go with either V or U codes with a V10 and get the Redhead steering box. Do you have a DRW or SRW truck?
I was actually going to suggest the X codes as that's what came on the plow trucks. For the rears, you'd probably need B codes so it doesn't ride horribly rough. You can always add a leaf to give you what you need in the rear or just use airbags.
I was actually going to suggest the X codes as that's what came on the plow trucks. For the rears, you'd probably need B codes so it doesn't ride horribly rough. You can always add a leaf to give you what you need in the rear or just use airbags.
thank you for the response. The other part of the question is do you think the x codes will give me enough lift in the front ( 5.4 gas is about 400 lbs less than the diesel) to level out the truck? Please let me know your thoughts. Thank you
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5th Gear
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U and V codes are for ride quality? Currently have a three leaf set on which was the only component that added the "leveling lift". Presume that if I look at the code on the leaf it would inform me of the load level.
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From: Houston, Texas
Originally Posted by donsimpson
--
thank you for the response. The other part of the question is do you think the x codes will give me enough lift in the front ( 5.4 gas is about 400 lbs less than the diesel) to level out the truck? Please let me know your thoughts. Thank you
thank you for the response. The other part of the question is do you think the x codes will give me enough lift in the front ( 5.4 gas is about 400 lbs less than the diesel) to level out the truck? Please let me know your thoughts. Thank you
Originally Posted by OCsrux
U and V codes are for ride quality? Currently have a three leaf set on which was the only component that added the "leveling lift". Presume that if I look at the code on the leaf it would inform me of the load level.
Originally Posted by OCsrux
Also, do you know how I can determine if the leafs I order will maintain the leveling lift?
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Montreal
Cross-Country
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 52
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It depends on what code your rear springs are. It's on the door sticker.
Check the door sticker and it should tell you what springs came with the truck. I have an add a leaf under some V codes on my '05 Excursion and that's all that's been added to it.
Leaf springs are pretty standard, with new springs all around you should be able to slap the leveling leaf on. If you decide to go with a higher spring rate, you probably won't need the add a leaf.
Check the door sticker and it should tell you what springs came with the truck. I have an add a leaf under some V codes on my '05 Excursion and that's all that's been added to it.
Leaf springs are pretty standard, with new springs all around you should be able to slap the leveling leaf on. If you decide to go with a higher spring rate, you probably won't need the add a leaf.
Cross-Country
Joined: Apr 2023
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I guess a different way to ask the question is will the x code springs raise the front at all? From the pic that khxor posted it appears that way. Just trying to confirm before I hit the purchase button. Any feedback is appreciated.
Regards,
Don
Regards,
Don
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From: Media PA
In post #4 of this linked thread I included a chart that deals with the various spring codes and how much lift they provide for the Excursion, but you should be able to figure out the ride height differences between your current springs and the X codes.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...they-mean.html
It looks like X codes would provide 1.75”-ish more ride height over the S codes.
Last edited by WE3ZS; Oct 22, 2025 at 03:09 PM.