Hi all, I have a question on ATS springs. Yes before you say, I know this is the ex subpage and yes I have a 2004 F350...so Im at this point where I want to go somewhat back to a stock truck again. And ATS springs and Ford Super Duty/Excursion go together like PB&J. I want as close to the OEM x-code leaf springs as possible which are 3k per spring or 6k total capacity. Besides OEM (no longer available) the closest capacity is aftermarket around 2,600lbs give or take. So here's my questions...
A) can any of you who have ATS springs, give me the distance between center of the front shock bolts?
(add in engine and extra front weight please)
B) does anyone have ATS 43-812HD springs?

Im looking at two currently
Option 1)
43-812HD this is upgraded "oem" U-code
3 leafs @ .590"
Height 1.8"
Arch 4 5/8"
Cap 2,780lbs per or 5,560lbs total

Option 2)
43-818 "oem" X-code
2 leafs @ .625
Height 1 5/16"
Arch 4 7/8"
Cap 2,630 per or 5,260lbs total

Leaning towards option #1 - three lighter capacity springs for ride quality but together offer closer to OEM x-code capacity. So no sagging in the future AND im looking at maybe a face-lift of a nice winch bumper
And by the way my truck is a F350 5.4 ext cab short bed

 

why not just call them?

https://www.autoandtrucksprings.com/contact-us/

1-215-799-0900

Phone's shut off at 4:30pm on Friday's

1069 S. County Line Road, Souderton, PA 18964


these folks have been in business for decades, but they are in Colorado

https://www.alcanspring.com/

 

Have you spoken to Junior at ATS? He is great to work with and he can get you a set up that you are looking for.

 

No I haven't called Junior yet, wanted first hand response from someone who has these exact springs. But thanks anyways

 

I wanted some real world feedback first before I drove over to his shop and picked up the parts

 

With a 5.4, I would go with the U code replacements. That was the stock front spring on many SD 250's with the 7.3 diesel. The rate on that spring would be plenty for the weight. You can the adjust the height (travel) with just rear 1.5" rear PMF hangers or a variety of front hangers if you need more.

 

Just dropped my truck off at the shop to install my ATS springs and Curt Class V Hitch.

My springs arrived via UPS missing a nut, I found a replacement but I am sure Junior will replace it.

 

The new springs lifted her up a hair but to be honest I think she rides better, doesn't seem to have the bounce, probably old springs were flat worn out.

 

The original spring on Rudolph the 2001 were done by the summer of 2007. They were very flat when they were taken off.

 

Junior set me up with their B codes in back since I already have the RAS. This effectively gave me F350 springs, but now I can adjust my unloaded height. After I installed airbags, I can now adjust the loaded down height, as well.

 

I've been running the modified ATS B/C rears and the 'snow plow' X code up front. I had to speak with him personally first to be sure it was what I wanted.

At the time of install I added front wedges to get my angle to the sweet spot so that steering returned to center and she drove very straight without wander.

I replaced all the body mount bushings with S&B silicone and it was probably one of the best lifetime upgrades for ride comfort I could have done.

All together with the Bilsteins it's not harsh at all and very responsive. I also added a Helwig rear sway. The Cummins might need a Helwig front sway, we'll see.

Wifey and I just last night finally had the discussion over dumping a load of $ into the Ex to finally finish the Cummins conversion which is why I wanted that HD suspension.

All I can say is begin with the end in mind. Are you looking for soccer mom soft, or something more real world useful?

 

I uave the pro comp 22210 level springs now and "modded" F350 rear leafs. And I bought a F350 to use, not go pick up ice cream, so I want real world use. Its a truck, if i want pillow soft ride we take the wifes Edge