V-code spring upgrade questions
New User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Thanks for the ton of Ubolt info y2kfordparts and Forest!
I am also gonna do the V and B code swap with 3.5 block. Is axle the same for all model years? I have an 02 limited 4x4 7.3dsl. If that is the case then rear U-bolts (M16X2.0 X 108/343 PART NUMBER N803770S436) and F81Z 5705 EA for the front should work?
Thanks
I am also gonna do the V and B code swap with 3.5 block. Is axle the same for all model years? I have an 02 limited 4x4 7.3dsl. If that is the case then rear U-bolts (M16X2.0 X 108/343 PART NUMBER N803770S436) and F81Z 5705 EA for the front should work?
Thanks
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 415
Likes: 1
From: Long Island - NY
So far I have compiled a list of parts and part #'s for a V/B swap - I thought this might help some people looking for all the parts etc... This is the list I'm going to work off of in the next month or so when I do my swap ( Thanks to Stew , Forest and y2kford parts in particular for all the info I've been cutting and pasting 
BLOCKS- 3.5 tapered
Left side 3.5" tapered block: Part #F81Z-5598-FA
Right side 3.5" tapered block Part #F81Z-5598-GA
SPRINGS- V / B
Front V code springs: Part #2C3Z-5310-HA
Rear B code springs: Part #3C3Z-5560-CB
U BOLTS
Front axle U-bolts (I have these installed): F81Z*5705*ZA
Rear U-bolts (M16X2.0 X 108/343 PART NUMBER N803770S436)
NUTS ( Reusing )
Shackles ? Not sure if need changing while at it and/or doing the shackle bushings ...
Feel free to add or update this for anyone else etc... that may need more info
BLOCKS- 3.5 tapered
Left side 3.5" tapered block: Part #F81Z-5598-FA
Right side 3.5" tapered block Part #F81Z-5598-GA
SPRINGS- V / B
Front V code springs: Part #2C3Z-5310-HA
Rear B code springs: Part #3C3Z-5560-CB
U BOLTS
Front axle U-bolts (I have these installed): F81Z*5705*ZA
Rear U-bolts (M16X2.0 X 108/343 PART NUMBER N803770S436)
NUTS ( Reusing )
Shackles ? Not sure if need changing while at it and/or doing the shackle bushings ...
Feel free to add or update this for anyone else etc... that may need more info
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Oro Valley, Arizona
Forest & rkik - Thank you for your response. I ended up going with the BFG All Terrain T/A KO 265/75-16 /E. We bought the Ex to tow our toy hauler and I also did not want to change the effective gear ratio. I had put a small lift and bigger tires on my 08 F150 and have seen the effects on towing so now I am a little gun shy doing the same to the Ex. The 265s seemed to be a commonly stocked item and the 285s needed to be ordered from a warehouse. I feel better knowing that if I am on vacation that it should be easier finding the 265 if needed.
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Southern California
Finished
V's and D's. Raised the front 2" and the rear about an inch. Kept the original blocks. Overall I still have a 3/4" rake toward the front and everything seems good. Whoever said (Stewart, I think) take the front bumper off to get at the front hangar was spot on! I did this mod by myself - which in hindsight was not the best plan. Planning to add a rear sway bar next weekend. Thanks to everyone contributing to this forum for all the great info.
Steve
Steve
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,198
Likes: 2
From: Tulsa, OK
Snuffy2000--Do you mean "V's and B's"? I think "D" is the original front spring on Excursions.
Also, did you put "B's" on the rear with original 2" block? Do you experience any driveline vibration?
Also, did you put "B's" on the rear with original 2" block? Do you experience any driveline vibration?
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,198
Likes: 2
From: Tulsa, OK
I had time to briefly test the V/B/3.5" F350 block spring setup with my heavy travel trailer this weekend. The only thing a bit different is the vertical "squat" that occurs when I lower travel trailer (after WD bars are set) down on to Excursion. I get about 2.5" "squat". But...the finished tow rig sets very level for both the TV and TT. Running about 1200 lb hitch weight. Here is a picture:
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
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From: Central Coast of CA
Well, ok, maybe not with a hot knife....
Stewart
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2008
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I went with the X Codes on my as well, since I got a great deal on them. Mine had an add-a-leaf already installed on them. I ended up with about 4" lift in the front with the two.
Ride is a little stiffer, but I also put on the HD 5100 Bilstein shocks too. If you are going down the highway and normal roads it works great.
You mostly notice it on the gravel/pothole roads. the combo absorbs them well, but is stiff doing it. It's still an improvement over bottoming out on the bump stops.
BTW - we all need a garage like forests!
Ride is a little stiffer, but I also put on the HD 5100 Bilstein shocks too. If you are going down the highway and normal roads it works great.
You mostly notice it on the gravel/pothole roads. the combo absorbs them well, but is stiff doing it. It's still an improvement over bottoming out on the bump stops.
BTW - we all need a garage like forests!
Last edited by BostonX73; Nov 16, 2009 at 08:38 AM. Reason: props
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,849
Likes: 1
From: Seattle
F81Z5705ZA are for front springs with round seat.
F81Z5705EA are for rear springs 4x4 with aux springs, chassis cab(no pickup box) m16-2 x 118/360
ed
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,198
Likes: 2
From: Tulsa, OK
That is at my business, which I can use at any time. Ironically, it is kinda lonely at the shop in the evening and on weekends...plus, I practically live there anyway. I ended up using my garage at home, so the girls could come out and hold a wrench every once in a while. Truck is so big that I have to have nice weather. The floor jacks hang out on the driveway.
Bleed Ford Blue
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 13,578
Likes: 157
From: Anchorage Alaska
any idea how much differance there would be if i threw the springs on and left the back stock for alittle bit? would it sit way too high in the front? i dont like the pre-runner look haha but i would like to stop bottoming out when going thru intersections and idk when i'll get time to pickup the blocks.
btw forest, your truck looks amazing..i really wish i could have gotton a '05 limited in that color it really is somthing special. love the cleaerance lights also!
btw forest, your truck looks amazing..i really wish i could have gotton a '05 limited in that color it really is somthing special. love the cleaerance lights also!