dnp
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• Jackson, MS, USA |
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• Registered on 1/20/2003 |
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• 37 posts |
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 Posted:5/15/2003 09:05 |
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I know the topic of spring differences has been discussed time and time again, but I have a question relating to it.......How does one determine what "code" a certain spring is? I have someone who has offered me some 2002 F250 4x4 PSD springs for the front of my 2000 4x4 V-10 X, and I want to be able to explain to him how to determine which springs he has.......
I want my truck to be level, so if I understand the earlier-posted chart correctly, I believe "U-code" springs would be best for my application. Therefore, can anyone advise me where to tell him to look on the springs? Do I have to have the part number to determine the code for the springs?
Please advise.
Thanks in advance,
dnp |
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Phil Eaton
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• Lander, WY, USA |
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• Registered on 4/28/2003 |
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• 42 posts |
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Posted:5/15/2003 09:14 |
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Try the end of the spring where it is rolled for the bushing. It should be embossed and coated with a paint dot. |
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dnp
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• Jackson, MS, USA |
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• Registered on 1/20/2003 |
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• 37 posts |
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Posted:5/15/2003 09:24 |
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Thanks, Phil. Will it have a code letter stamped there, or will the paint dot color indicate the code?
dnp |
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Phil Eaton
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• Lander, WY, USA |
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• Registered on 4/28/2003 |
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• 42 posts |
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Posted:5/15/2003 11:59 |
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the code letter should be stamped, the color may also be different but I'm not sure.
I did the same thing you are about to do, and I am very pleased. I also used my sawzal to cut an inch off all the bump stops for even more suspension travel with good results. |
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dnp
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• Jackson, MS, USA |
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• Registered on 1/20/2003 |
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• 37 posts |
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Posted:5/15/2003 12:35 |
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What configuration do you have (PSD/V-10; 2x4 or 4x4)? What code springs did you end up using?
dnp |
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Phil Eaton
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• Lander, WY, USA |
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• Registered on 4/28/2003 |
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• 42 posts |
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Posted:5/15/2003 15:06 |
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v10 4x4 with the u code spring. Bilstein 7100s with custom valving to lower the compression rate. I now only wish I could box in the frame to increase rigidity. |
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dnp
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• Jackson, MS, USA |
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• Registered on 1/20/2003 |
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• 37 posts |
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Posted:5/15/2003 15:12 |
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Phil,
That's exactly the set up I was after! I know there's been a lot of discussion about the Rancho's and others, but I planned to go with Bilsteins, because of past excellent experience(s)
I noticed you said you went with a custom valving.......I had just planned to use their standard shocks for an F250 (because of being a bit taller) Bad idea? Any advice you can offer?
Thanks,
dnp |
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Phil Eaton
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• Lander, WY, USA |
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• Registered on 4/28/2003 |
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• 42 posts |
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Posted:5/15/2003 15:40 |
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I think its personal preference and driving conditions for shocks. I have had the standard bilsteins on an Explorer before and they offered great control but were too stiff for small impacts like washboard and expansion strips. If that is not a big deal, I would bet the standard HD bilsteins are great. I had planned on the standard with reduced compression valving for less harshness on all the washboard I see. The custom valving is $50/ shock extra, but actually included on the 7100s if you can get the retailer to order them for you as I did. Therefore, the 7100s were not a whole lot more expensive compared to a custom valved HD.
The 7100s have some other advantages including a nickel plate finish. Check out their web site.
They will however require some fabrication. On the front/top, the shock bolts must be pressed out and turned down to 1/2 inch, and the bottom must be drilled out to 1/2 inch. You will have to buy some bolts, nuts, etc. For the rear top, I had a bracket fabricated by a local fab shop. Those issues cost me $60 extra. For me that was fun, but for many that is likely a hassel.
The truck is amazingly compossed over big bumps now and also much less harsh. The wheel travel allows the suspension to soak up the big bumps and the bilsteins completely stop the excessive side to side rocking. The difference when I take a curb or bump on a 45 degree angle is remarkable. Instead of the original 3/4 inch front suspension travel, I have almost 4 inches.
I should mention that I run a hospital as a profession and do not sell any of this. I plan on keeping the x a long time and the investment was worth it to me. I updated my profile so the shock valving I chose is posted if you have an interest.
Also, using the standard shock from the f250 for the frontis probably a good idea if you go with the standard shocks since you will have suspension travel more like the f250 with the u springs.
I also found that if you have a local shop that does a lot of truck lifts, they probably have a bunch of used springs for cheap. I actually got a shop to sell me the srings and install them on a slow day for $150 total.
Good luck and I'd like to hear what you do and how it works. |
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Lou Beckler
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• Wakeman, OH, USA |
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• Registered on 4/27/2003 |
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• 43 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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Posted:5/15/2003 17:50 |
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[v10 4x4 with the u code spring. Bilstein 7100s with custom valving to lower the compression rate. I now only wish I could box in the frame to increase rigidity]
Phil, What tires are you running with your u codes?? |
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Phil Eaton
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• Lander, WY, USA |
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• Registered on 4/28/2003 |
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• 42 posts |
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Posted:5/15/2003 18:50 |
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I have the standard size michelin LTX M/S, good tires. |
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