X-spring vs. leveling kit?

[jvencius]

Since the bumper I'm looking to put on the frontend of my 2002 F-350 PSD weighs a considerable amount (~250 lbs) more than the stock unit, I figure that installing either X-springs or a leveling kit would be a smart idea. I've never been completely happy with how soft the frontend seems to be sprung so maybe a firmer setup in the front would be a side benefit. So with that said, now I finally get to my questions:

1) If you had to pick between X-springs and an aftermarket frontend leveling kit, which would you choose? I don't want to lift my truck, just level it out so that when I add the weight of a frontend replacement the factory "rake" is preserved.

2) Is installing X-springs/a leveling kit a do-it-yourself job or should I just pay to have it done? I've got access to a rather well-stocked automotive hobby shop on base so tools/time wouldn't be a problem but my limited skill could be trouble.

3) With the frontend leveled out (regardless of method) do I need to replace the shocks as well? I've got Rancho 9000's on all four corners but they've got ~50K on 'em and they're noticeably worn so if I needed to get new ones, now would be the time. Also, do I need to install lengthened brake lines with a leveled frontend?

4) Should I go with an aftermarket leveling kit, which brands should I look at? From the little I remember from TDS, Edge/Donahoe Racing stuff seems to be pretty well-made and Rancho/Fabtech are good stuff too.

 

[jvencius]

I just talked to the big offroad/performance shop in town and the owner is real big on BDS kits. He quoted me a price of $900 installed for the BDS leveling kit. That price included: shackles/hangers (I forget precisely what they're called), new pitman arm, new BDS shocks for all four corners, frontend alignment and 5 hrs labor for the install. Since they're pretty much the only game in town, is that a fair price or are they too spendy (like most stuff in this town is)?

 

[Duke]

Tell you what, I have both installed on mine.

First, I did the X springs. It lifted my truck about 1-1.5" and actually improved the ride and the way the truck steered & cornered.

Then I decided to go with bigger than stock tires, so I put a "Jack-It" 2" lift on the front & rear spring packs. The Jack-it kit was very reasonably priced and still looks great after 3 years on my truck. No sagging at all.

If you just want a mild leveling and some extra capacity, the X springs are cheap & easy and look very "stock" on your truck. You don't even need to replace your U bolts unless you're really ****.
If you want more of a front lift, the Jack-It works great. It will level the truck completely and is super affordable. You will have a slightly stiffer ride.

I don't think you need to worry about shocks with either. If you do both, like I did, you'd need to go to a shock with 3" lift.

You can see my lift in my pictures.

 

[jvencius]

Tell you what, I have both installed on mine.

First, I did the X springs. It lifted my truck about 1-1.5" and actually improved the ride and the way the truck steered & cornered.

Then I decided to go with bigger than stock tires, so I put a "Jack-It" 2" lift on the front & rear spring packs. The Jack-it kit was very reasonably priced and still looks great after 3 years on my truck. No sagging at all.

If you just want a mild leveling and some extra capacity, the X springs are cheap & easy and look very "stock" on your truck. You don't even need to replace your U bolts unless you're really ****.
If you want more of a front lift, the Jack-It works great. It will level the truck completely and is super affordable. You will have a slightly stiffer ride.

I don't think you need to worry about shocks with either. If you do both, like I did, you'd need to go to a shock with 3" lift.

You can see my lift in my pictures.

More and more, I'm leaning towards the X-springs. I actually like how the truck sits stock (nose down a little) and I figure that the X-springs will be a good balance for the weight of the bumper, plus they're a bit cheaper than a leveling kit and I could probably install them myself.

 

[Duke]

More and more, I'm leaning towards the X-springs. I actually like how the truck sits stock (nose down a little) and I figure that the X-springs will be a good balance for the weight of the bumper, plus they're a bit cheaper than a leveling kit and I could probably install them myself.

You definately can. The X springs are cheap. Just go to Ford parts and get a pair of maximum capacity F-450/550 code "X" springs and you're on the way to a 1" + lift.

 

[jvencius]

You definately can. The X springs are cheap. Just go to Ford parts and get a pair of maximum capacity F-450/550 code "X" springs and you're on the way to a 1" + lift.

Forgive me as I blow Diet Pepsi out of my nose, but the parts counter at the Ford dealer in town here just quoted me a price of $183/each for X-springs and after hearing that I didn't even want to hear what they're charging for U-bolts and nuts. If I didn't know any different I might not think that's such a bad price, but when Dale Lakin has the same springs on his site for $122/each, there just isn't any way I'll be buying the springs from the local place.

 

[Duke]

Most definately get them as cheap as you can!!! They're the same spring wherever you go!!

People will tell you you need to replace the ubolts & nuts. Prolly the best way, but I never did.

 

[ktpauley]

I have a bumper and winch combination that weighs around 500# It dropped the front 1 1/2". I installed the "X" springs and lifted the front 1/4" higher than stock. Keith

 

[jvencius]

I have a bumper and winch combination that weighs around 500# It dropped the front 1 1/2". I installed the "X" springs and lifted the front 1/4" higher than stock. Keith

Awesome--that sounds exactly like what I'm looking for.

 

[Duke]

Did you guys know I'm the "founding father" of the X-spring concept?

 

[jvencius]

Did you guys know I'm the "founding father" of the X-spring concept?

You may have mentioned it once or twice...

 

[Duke]

. Sorry, I'm old and forgetfull

 

[ktpauley]

That is a great mod. Thanks Duane for being the first. Don't forget May 21. Hope to see you there. Keith