Well since nobody has BDS springs, and I dont know how to rename a thread, I guess Ill start this one, although I hate starting threads at all! For folks who have x code springs.... What is your height from center of the hub straight up to the fender? If you had other springs before, how would you compare the ride? Reason being, at every 7.3 truck on our shop, that measurement is 24". None of them have x codes. I just wonder how much X codes would settle over time. I measured a gas truck at the dealer, it measured 26". I dont want this truck to sit much higher then a gas truck, but I have a replacement bumper that Ive been runing a while, that didnt seem to make much difference, but Ill be adding a warn 12k winch in the next week or so. Id prefer it not to sag more. Full replacement options in the 2" range, seem to be procomp. People have mixed feelings about them, but they have 5 leaves, and a good spec sheet. Im waiting on an email with specs from BDS, but Im looking for feedback from people here with X codes? So who has them, and whats your height? How are they vs the lighter springs?

 

What is your wheelbase? On a 172" (crewcab longbed) X springs will only provide about a 1.5" raise and will settle to about 1" over stock. On trucks with less leverage they will lift it slightly more.

Either of this forums moderators or any of the supermods or admin can change thread titles. Just let one of us know what you want done.

 

Solution; air bags. They never sag. (unless you let the air out...)

 

Whatever the ECSB wheel base is, I cant remember off the top of my head, 2nd shortest though! Also thanks for the heads up on the thread changing. Anyone with X codes have a measurement from the center of the hub to the fender? I really prefer to not use airbags, at 164k, im sure the springs could use replacing.

 

Lifetime guarantee! I have had a full air bag system in my F550 6x6 for 7 years now and ZERO problems,ZERO sag! I carry 8k lbs on the bed lots of times with NO bottoming out.When I'm empty,smooth level ride.

Not like before with all those damn springs!Broken,sagged..bouncing around.I'll never go back to buggy springs.

You guys that don't like air ride don't know what you are missing! Why do you think most of the long haul trucks have them?They last forever and keep the road pounding off the rigs. Win,win,win!

 

Couple of things come to my mind from your post. 1) you say you have a full airbag system on your f650. Sounds to me more like link setups using air for the spring. Which would be completely different setup from having a leaf setup and adding air bags. Maybe I didnt make it clear, but Im looking for the front springs. I understand using airbags in the rear to increase payload, but in the front, Id like to get it comparable to a gasser truck, to make more room for tire chains, and support the 12k winch and bumper i have. Which is why Im asking about x codes. 2) We have two trucks at work, with airbags front and rear, and both trucks have destroyed almost all air bags, and ride like hell Every bump feels like your bottoming out. They have tried adjusting the pressure aswell. Our trucks do not stay on the road, the venture through some bad areas, to get to radio tower sites. Hense the need for tire chains, lockers etc.

I already know what springs Im putting in the rear, they are from a local spring shop that weve had good success with. At this point, I would just like to know the center of the hub to fender distance, on diesel trucks that have X code springs, and possibly had them for a while to see how much they settle. Dont get me wrong FordGuy, I appreciate your input, airbags are just not the solution for my truck IMO

 

most local spring shops build you springs to fit your needs..most of the time its a lot cheaper too..any time i do springs i go to my local spring shop..tell them what i want and in an hour its done.. my truck was $135 for each corner with over load springs..

 

Have you thought of maybe an add a leaf in front instead of changing out the whole leaf pack? I would think that would give you a little more clearance, otherwise possibly a leveling kit.

 

I have thought about it, two things concern me. 1) My springs have 164k of my driving style abuse on them. 2) From the few posts Ive seen, people seem to report back on how terrible the ride is after adding a "add a leaf". X code front springs also only seem to be about 160 a side. Ron, thats the route Im going on the rear, the fronts are the ones in question.

 

they must do front ends too.. i had mine done right there.. the ride is the same..but holds a little more wieght.. i have a front hitch to drive campers and boats into barns for winter storage.. i wanted something to help hold up the weight of the bigger campers and not drop the front end too much...

 

From what I have read around here X codes ride like crap too, if you don't have the wieght of a plow something on them. I have V codes so wouldn't know, but the V codes don't ride nice either, but its a truck not town car.

 

My truck has a aftermarket HD winch bumper with a 12k winch. It add a bit of weight. Any links to the X code threads? Ive been looking for some with good info

 

A well designed air bag setup still needs the differential to be supported either by control arms or a main leaf. As long as the weight of the vehicle is being suspended mostly by air,you will have all the benefits.

Air bags up front will allow you to increase your vehicles ability to handle load demands perfectly,without adding too much,which seems to be what you are after.

and...They don't pop.

Just giving you a viable option.