help with leafspring codes

[geoph1986]

I need to replace/rebuild my rear leaf springs (it has massive ass end sag & driver's side lean). I have read about using F150 leaf packs on my main Explorer leaf, but I'm unsure on doing the F150 swap, as I don't know exactly how much lift it will provide. I don't want my truck pointing it's nose at the ground. I just want to level it out, maybe a little higher so that when there is weight in it it'll sit proper.

Now on to what the title says. What do the different spring codes mean (the one on the door tag)? I use my copy of Hollander Interchange quite often to help me, but this time I don't know. It's asking me what spring code I have. According to the door tag, I have spring code "U". But there are also spring codes "V" & "W" (according to Hollander). I'm pretty sure that all the springs, regardless of code, will bolt in. What's the difference between the different springs?

Thanks in advance for any and all input.

EDIT: Since I'm asking about spring codes what are the difference in the front ones? I have code "N", but there are also "5", "D", "J", "K", "T", "W", "X", "Y" & "Z". I assume the difference between springs is the stiffness of them, but I don't know which are softer, stiffer, longer, or shorter.

 

[geoph1986]

bump

 

[geoph1986]

Ok, after talking to a bunch of people and doing a bunch of reading, I have come to the conclusion that all the springs are interchangeable. I have also come to the conclusion that the different spring codes are for different stiffness's of the springs. What I can't find out is, what springs are stiffer, or softer. Do the spring codes go from softest to stiffest (code "U" is softer than "V", and so on)? Can anyone tell me what they mean?

 

[geoph1986]

Anyone?

 

[Maniak]

I've never noticed anyone talking about different spring codes for the leaf springs, only the torsion bars (2nd gen+)..

the 1st gen and 2nd gen leaf springs are interchangable. I know the sports are monoleaf and the 4 doors have the multi leaf packs. I've also heard of more leaves in a multi leaf pack so maybe that is where the codes come into play. the number of leaves.

~Mark

 

[eXcali]

The different codes should apply to the tow/haul rating. Such as a 5.0 97+ would be equiped with the towing package and a stronger rear leaf rated for more weight.

I believe the F-150 pack gave the guy who made the post a 3-5inch lift.

 

[geoph1986]

The different codes should apply to the tow/haul rating. Such as a 5.0 97+ would be equiped with the towing package and a stronger rear leaf rated for more weight.

I was able to get that much information, but I still don't know what springs are stiffer or softer. Even the dealership can't tell me. I guess when I go to the you-pull I'll do some research. I have rear spring code "U", which consists of 4 leaves (3 long & overload). Maybe code "V" will be 5 leaves total.

I believe the F-150 pack gave the guy who made the post a 3-5inch lift.

I've read those posts, and Bornco638 got 1 5/8" of lift (after springs settled), by using the F150 leaf pack on his explorer main leaf. This about the amount of lift I need right now, just to level things out. I was hoping to just swap in an entire leaf pack from an Explorer to minimize the amount of work involved, not because I'm lazy, but because I'm doing this in an apartment block parking stall. CHH777 swapped in a complete F150 leaf pack into his 1994 Navajo, and claimed that it gave him about 8" of lift just with the springs. Now that's way too much, because then I have to lift the front and get new tires, or I can drive around with the X looking like a wedge.

I do want to lift this thing, but not right now. My wife, the kid, and the Grand Am have been taking any and all money I've had as of late. I got called back to work for April 27, but it will still be a little bit before I can do anything fun, that's just for me.

 

[geoph1986]

For those who are interested. After many trips to the u-pull, and looking at different years, with different spring set ups, I have found that the only way to decipher what the spring codes mean, is to be a Ford engineer. There doesn't seem to be a pattern of any kind, at least I couldn't find one. I just wanted this thread to have a conclusion.

 

[doonze]

I can tell you for sure those letters do indeed indicate spring "weight", I know on my Trans Am the local GM dealship, and online searches gave all the info. I can't beleave the Ford dealer doesn't have that info, I think you need to find another one and ask for the parts guys, they were just being lazy at the dealership you tried. I have the 3rd "stongest" spring in my GTA that GM makes for cars/trucks. Only the 2 HD springs are stronger....the thing rides ruff to say the least...LOL, But handles like it's on rails. LOL, the info was easy to abtain on the GM stuff, I couldn't see why Ford would be harder..... *shrug*

 

[geoph1986]

Dude, I've made so many calls about this to dealerships, part stores, junk yards, and everyone in between. I've been given the aftermarket options, but have gotten no actual input about the codes. Explorers don't even seem to have a pattern from year to year. For example, I have a '94 spring code "U", a '92 or '93 that is identical to mine (including leafs, 3 long, 1 overload) and they have a different spring code. Once my carputer is fully installed I'm probably just going to do the F-150 swap. Also, if anyone can give the info as to what springs are stiffer or softer, I would love to be proven wrong on my theory and have this rare & valuable information.

EDIT: I also used Google till I reached the end of the internet...man, it took a while but I think I did it. lol

 

[Anime]

The spring codes don't stay the same from year to year or through the different changes they've made, but all you really need to know is the application, anyway.

The 91-94's had two basic leaf spring packs, the 2 spring, 1 overload pack of the 2 doors, and the 3 spring, 1 overload pack of the 4 doors. The 4 doors with 3.73 gears and the full towing setup may have had heavier rated springs.

As for the front coil springs, base models with the 5-speed and no options like A/C, power windows, doors, etc. received the softest coils, and loaded 4 door models with the auto tranny and power everything received the firmest coils, to handle the weight.
There were several other coils used depending on the configuration of body, transmission, A/C, power options, etc.


If you want to level your ride out and correct the left side lean caused by the gas tank, you can just swap your existing rear leaf springs from right to left and left to right. If it still sags in back you can get WAR123 shackles and drill them out to accept 14mm/9/16 bolts for a bit of lift in the rear.

You can of course also just get donor springs from newer Explorers at the junkyard, as long as they have the same spring code on the door and aren't a lower equipped model, they will work fine. Some members have even just taken the right side spring from two donors.

New leaf springs work great, too. They are quite an expensive option, given the availability and durability of the stock springs, though.

 

[geoph1986]

As a temporary solution I did the homemade shackles. 1/2" thick plate, with 2 holes, & no center support as it's not needed when using such heavy material. I don't have the left side lean, just an even sag. Thanks for the info.

 

[doonze]

Weird, I wonder why it's so much harder to find this info for Ford then for GM? I was getting ready (read as sometimes in the next couple of years) to research this info myself. I was going to find what springs/leafs were used in the tow packages and use those. Was going to convert my stuff over for towing. Guess I'll just have to scrap that idea, it will be hard to know what to look for if there are no codes to look for. Sucky.