Well, it is apparent to me that I need to do some suspension work on the X. It's all stock now, with the exception of Edelbrock IAS shocks. They're OK, but I like the Bilsteins better and will be replacing them when I do the springs/swaybar/self fabricated traction bar install.

I've searched, and read a few threads regarding springs, but I'm a little confused. I want to install the pickup springs and get rid of the wimpy stockers, but what should I use? I do all my Ford parts shopping with Torrie at fastpartsnetwork.com (formerly fordpartsnetwork.com), and I need to supply him with part numbers, or spring codes if I can.

Need part #'s or spring codes for:

-front springs

-rear springs

Also need to know what u-bolts to use, if I should use the stock rear block or a different one, etc. Basically, whatever other parts are required aside from the springs.

I'm not interested in lifting the truck (though I know the truck springs will do that a little), but I am interested in having the truck a little higher in the rear than the front, as it is now. Nothing sucks worse than a nose-high truck!

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

If you do a search for "Spring Code" you'll find a chart that will give you the nominal height gain as well as the "code". Actual part #'s are not listed.

You could always go for springs from an 00 F-250 X-cab, XLT diesel. (Not with the plow prep package. Those are X springs)

For the rear you can add the stock pickup pack w/o the helper or slide in an add-a-leaf in order to maintain rake. Or just pop in a 2" block. Probably a lot cheaper but you'll then have unmatching spring rates front & rear...FWIW.

Use the U-bolts from whatever application you are using the spring pack from. IOW, if you using the springs off the front of an F-250 use those (size) U-bolts. Don't reuse old U-bolts as they yield and cannot be reused in most cases.

 

Here is my thread regarding the same topic. However, in my thread I already had made up my mind on most of the components I wanted, and was asking for input from the members in the know.

Unfortunately, I only got a handful of responses. They were full of very good and useful info, but the thread didn't garner a whole lot of responses.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=496665

The setup I finally decided on getting was V code fronts, B code backs, tapered block for the rear, Bilsteins all the way around, Hellwig Sway in the rear, and replace the steering stabilizer. I opted not to go with the air bags.

Here is info regarding the proper Bilsteins to use, if you choose to use the same springs as I've mentioned.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=503337

If you decide on the same setup, here are the Ford part numbers:
V code: 2C3Z-5310-HA
B code: 3C3Z-5560-CB
Tapered block: F81Z-5598-FA

...and the Bilstein part numbers if you use the above springs:
Front: BE5-2818 (OEM length for the F250 4x4)
Rear: BE5-6209 (OEM length for the Excursion 4x4)

That's the route I decided to go.

Stewart

 

Thanks for the info guys!

Stewart, how do you like the ride and handling of the truck now?

 

I've not actually installed them yet.

The springs are sitting in my garage and the shocks and sway bar are in my wifes kitchen (she absolutely LOVES that), and I still need to order the steering stabilizer.

I'm also at the mercy of my buddy's schedule because I have a bad back, so he does most of the heavy wrenching for me whenever we work on our trucks, and his days off differ from one week to the next.

I have however installed the AFE Stage 2 intake with Pro-Guard 7 filter!

That thing ROCKS!

Stewart