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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
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.
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.
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'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
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?
The Ex has a very substantial OEM front sway bar. I swapped mine out for the Hellwig and the difference was so minute I could hardly feel any difference. I mean almost no difference. I should have left the original in place. Not worth the money.
The Ex has a very substantial OEM front sway bar. I swapped mine out for the Hellwig and the difference was so minute I could hardly feel any difference. I mean almost no difference. I should have left the original in place. Not worth the money.
I agree, on both my 2001 and 2005 Excursions, the front sway is a good size. The lack of the rear sway on the 2001 and the present but small one on the 2005 necessitates the upgraded rear hellwig sway bar.
my 2002 4x4 Excursion only has the front OEM sway bar, and it does a good job.
have towed many types of trailers and no Sway with any of them,
all of them w/o any type of hitch with a swaybar attachment,
Last edited by John in OkieLand; Jun 7, 2026 at 03:48 PM.
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