F-250 leaf spring help arb and warn

[406expo]

Ok gentlemen I need some input. I have a 2002 f250 super duty with a freshly installed ARB deluxe bull bar and Warn VR 12000 winch along with a few lights.

My issue is that I'm sagging in the front and getting some rubbing in the fender wells. I called around and best advice I got was to put a two inch lift or leveling kit on.

So I had a leveling kit put on with 5100 bilsteins on and bigger blocks on the rear end to keep same profile. Truck drives great and sits fine. I'm just not keen on the lift to be honest. I'd rather pull the stuff out (spring pack) and just be able to run leaf springs that are capable of the added weight and still ride nice.

Also the mechanic said the old leaf springs were pretty tired after 230,000 plus miles. So maybe they just sagged a bit more due to age.

Regardless I want to ditch this lift and get a heavier duty leaf and put the stock ride height back. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

 

[xbox73]

Leaf springs could be tired, so fresh leaf springs may help. Some trucks are available with a 'snow plow' package, which includes heavier duty front leaf springs to accommodate the heavier weight up front. Might be something to consider/investigate to offset the added weight of your bull bar & winch.

 

[BushHead]

X-Codes...

http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/99-04-f250-f350-front-leaf-spring-2-leaves-x-code

 

[surlydiesel]

Why not go to a spring shop and have them re-arch your old springs and add a leaf in the front to get you up to ride height again. In the rear, I'm a fan of getting rid of the blocks and using just a well built spring pack. Otherwise, yes a pair of X code leaves would prob do the trick.

-jorge

 

[chet6.7]

All it takes is money.
I suggest new springs for the front,and the back if you have the money.
The rear blocks are a cheaper and a less desirable solution to gain ride height,the blocks contribute to wheel hop.My 97 Dodge had rear blocks and terrible wheel hop.
Deaver and Atlas are well known companies.

 

[406expo]

Leaf springs could be tired, so fresh leaf springs may help. Some trucks are available with a 'snow plow' package, which includes heavier duty front leaf springs to accommodate the heavier weight up front. Might be something to consider/investigate to offset the added weight of your bull bar & winch.

Thanks for this I've never heard of this so I will call ford and ask.

 

[406expo]

Why not go to a spring shop and have them re-arch your old springs and add a leaf in the front to get you up to ride height again. In the rear, I'm a fan of getting rid of the blocks and using just a well built spring pack. Otherwise, yes a pair of X code leaves would prob do the trick.

-jorge

Jorge,

That would have been the sensible thing to do. However the shop disposed of the old front leaf springs. I did manage to retain the factory rear blocks. So at this point I need new front leaf springs of some sort.

 

[406expo]

Does anyone know what came from the factory on these trucks? Was it x code springs or v code springs? I saw the weight rating was significantly higher on the x code which looks like what I need.

Also if it sheds any further light in have the lariat, crew cab and the 7.3 and it's the F250.

 

[Regcabguy]

As suggested,Deaver can fabricate the proper springs. They would need your front,back and total weights from a public scale to dial them in. If you're going to be adding a cabover in the future,that would figure in. Shipping to Montana's going to be expensive from Santa Ana,Calif. I've had work done there and they are top notch.

 

[murphy744]

I have had Deaver's on a previous vehicle and currently have 6" Atlas springs on my 2003 F250. Both are excellent quality. I went with Atlas because, first they were a lot cheaper, Deaver charges a mint; and Another person on this board recommended them. You can call Juan at Atlas, explain what you have and how much lift you want and he will build them.

 

[406expo]

Thanks guys. Ill call atlas and deaver Monday and see what they can offer over the x springs.

 

[pappawheely]

Are the xsprings made to carry the weight of your winch and bumper? Chances are you will have the same issue down the road unless you get springs made for the additional weight you are carrying. I am very happy with my Atlas springs, they are matched to the weight of my truck.

 

[Advmoto18]

Consider the Old Man Emu F-350 front springs (CS018F) from ARB. I bought mine from OK4WD.com. You will get a bit of lift, but, a very compliant ride. Old Man Emu leaf springs are well known and respected for their ride comfort. Not harsh like you will get by adding X springs to a 250. Also, springs sourced from Chinese steel are known for short life spans.

X springs are designed for carry8ing the load of a snow plow package. I seem to recall the X springs afford and additional 300# load rating.

 

[406expo]

Are the xsprings made to carry the weight of your winch and bumper? Chances are you will have the same issue down the road unless you get springs made for the additional weight you are carrying. I am very happy with my Atlas springs, they are matched to the weight of my truck.

The x spring is designed to carry an extra few hundred lbs. The factory equipped my truck as best I can tell with v springs. So it is intended for additional weight.

 

[406expo]

Are the xsprings made to carry the weight of your winch and bumper? Chances are you will have the same issue down the road unless you get springs made for the additional weight you are carrying. I am very happy with my Atlas springs, they are matched to the weight of my truck.

Out of curiosity what's a set of atlas springs run?