V Code Spring Replacement

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Apr 12, 2006 | 11:27 PM

Billholthues

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V Code Spring Replacement

Hello All!

I am considering swapping out my old springs for some V code springs, I was just wondering what else has to be done during the swap. New shocks? Etc. By the way I have a 2000 PSD

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Apr 13, 2006 | 08:16 AM

kd5fyx

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I'm one of many that swapped to V codes. IMHO V's and rear sway bars on early Ex's should have been recall items!! You don't need to do any other parts unless you want to. Most replace the front suspension bumpers with the ones from an 03 or later. They are an 1.5 or so shorter than the 90/91s. Between the springs and the bump stops you can end up with 3 to 4 inches of compression travel. "It's a good thing". Some just take a Sawzall and cut about 2 "rings" off of the originals. Shocks are easy to put on anytime. Really good Jackstands and a helper are probably mandatory. Replacing the front springs involves a lot of pushing and tugging to get things lined back up. Take off the front bumber and the little A/C condenser brackets behind the bumper so you can get the front spring hanger bolts out. Most find it easier to unbolt the front sway bar at the drivers side axle and bolt it back last (after both sides are done)

Good luck and you will be wishing you had done this upgrade years ago.

Jeff

Apr 13, 2006 | 10:43 AM

Billholthues

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V Code Springs

Thanks kd5fyx!

Just a couple more questions. 1. Does it matter what year springs I use? 2. How does your X handle now, stability whise?

Thanks

Apr 13, 2006 | 04:56 PM

kd5fyx

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Billholthues

Thanks kd5fyx!

Just a couple more questions.
1. Does it matter what year springs I use?
No it doesen't matter what year. I know that 01-05 are all the same, and I think the spread is even wider than that. It also doesn't matter whether you ask for V codes for a F250 or 350 the spings are the same. You can save several hundred dollars if you can find some take offs. I bought at the dealer but a friend of mine's next door neighbor had a lifted F250 and still had the springs in his garage he had taken off. He got fronts and rears for one C note. You can try shops in your area that do lifts. Some Ex drivers have put on U codes and been very happy but most seem to love the V's. There are also W codes and X codes. The only reason to go with those is if you are running a HEAVY replacement bumper and or a Big wench. The X codes are for the Snow Plow Package.
2. How does your X handle now, stability whise?
Thanks

So good it's amazing! Dips, driveway approaches, those little glue down reflectors, all of those used to make me miserable. ANY thing in the road and you were rebounding off of the bumpstops. Now they just go by with a little "tadum". If Ford had built em this way to begin with they would have sold many more EX's. With the V's in front and stockers in rear my Ex sat level. Maybe a tad higher in the rear, it looked good. After driving it for two days I decided to install the B code rears and that raised the back enough that the truck was back to it's original attitude; it also improved the ride a bunch. However there are easier (cheaper) ways for the rear. 4" blocks, addaleafs, air bags, etc, that many have been satisfied with. Also many have installed U's or V's, installed the Hellwig sway in the back and stopped there; they are very happy!

I have never heard from a Ex driver that did this and didn't say "I should have done this a long time ago"
Good luck,
Jeff

Apr 13, 2006 | 06:46 PM

Billholthues

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Hello All,

OK here it is. If anyone has a set of V code F-250/350 springs in the Phoenix area I would love to buy them from you. Probably a long shot, but hey I have to try

Apr 14, 2006 | 08:03 PM

CaptEd

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From: Connecticut

Not so hard to find. I had installed the X code (I think they are X code) springs from an F-350 Diesel plow package. They came off a truck that had a lift kit installed. You might check with some local 4x4 shops. I bet they have some taking up space in the back room. You might be able to buy these for 50 cents on a dollar. The Excursion desperately needs this suspension upgrade. I did front springs, 2.5 Ford rear blocks, Bilstein shocks and a Helwig sway bar. This car handle like a Corvette and rides like a Lincoln. I drive this Diesel Excursion 1,000 mile a week and these mods made an unbelievable difference. No pogo stick over bumps ride. My ride hight increased by 2.5 inches and with the 315 tires it looks great. Even "Non-Car Types" comment on the look.
Ed