98 and newer coil spring code survey

['92Custom]

I'm helping a friend with some research for his 2WD 98 Ranger, 3.0 with AC. His door tag is missing so we don't know his spring code. We want to stiffen up the front a bit with new springs so we can disconnect the sway bar without having too much body roll. He will be using for mild off-road, and likely getting all the lift he needs from some +3" spindles.

Here's the question: 98 and newer Rangers, what is your coil spring code? Please post your configuration (4-banger, 3.0, 4.0, AC, non-AC, 2wd, 4wd, etc.)

I have searched Google quite a bit, as well as talked to the Ford dealer and some spring manufacturers. No one has a definitive answer for the hierarchy of spring rates, e.g. which coils are the stiffest? If you can help, let's try to figure it out here.

I posted my current research over on this other thread, but the 2wd suspensions forum doesn't seem to get much traffic. I think if we get enough answers here I can add some useful info to the other thread for a reference.

See also: http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=79695

 

[Mac]

2003 3.0L auto ext cab 4 door "C" for front sprint, "K" for rear
1998 3.0L auto ext cab 2 door "D" for front spring, "K" for rear
2000 shop manual lists nine different spring rates, from A to J and 1 and 3. Think those are in assending order.
The pdf (page 9) lists spring rates based on wire diameter and what the rating is. Ford dealer just didn't want to help (or stupid). Spring supplier lazy or you talked to the wrong guy, picture same thing at a auto store. Just getting a set for a 4.0L ext cab ought to get you real close.
Dave
http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=3814&d=1291944625

 

['92Custom]

Thank you for the additional info. Here's what I have found so far:

Found this information on Federal-Mogul's website, the parent company of MOOG:

MOOG® offers two types of coil springs: constant-rate springs that restore handling to its original state, and cargo-coil, variable-rate springs as an upgrade for vehicles that carry heavy loads.

Researched MOOG part numbers for 98+ trucks:

80660 - Constant rate, Code D
80662 - Code 2, A, C, J
80664 - Code 3

Called a helpful gentleman at Midwest Auto Parts, a MOOG retailer who confirmed that 80660 was a constant rate spring. He didn't have any information on spring rates, but provided me with the following Delco part numbers and applications:

45H0290 - Code D, E
45H0291 - Code 2, A, C, J
45H0292 - Code 3, G, H

The most promising info is here, but I'd like to corroborate it:

After 15 minutes on hold with AC Delco, I have the following information:

Part Number | Code | Length | Rate | Wraps | Wire Diameter | Design Load
45H0290 | DE | 16.14" | 567 | 18 | 0.77" | 2218 lb
45H0291 | 2ACJ | 15.92" | 567 | 18 | 0.77" | 1941 lb
45H0292 | 3GH | 15.54 | 567 | 18 | 0.77" | 1722 lb

Haven't really interpreted this yet but now I think D and E are the heavy duty springs.

 

[Mac]

I can see how someone could get confursed! The info from the Ford pdf doesn.t agree with the info you got from AC Delco, they show all have the same wire dia. I did look up them Delco numbers and found where they are used, doesn't really help at all, nothing makes sense as to what got what. Good luck! Probably trust Delco info
Dave


49HO290
1ST DIGIT OF SPRING CODE ON DOOR IS D OR E

1998 FORD TRUCK RANGER PICKUP 4-153 2.5L
1998 FORD TRUCK RANGER PICKUP V6-183 3.0L
1998 FORD TRUCK RANGER PICKUP V6-245 4.0L OHV
1999 FORD TRUCK RANGER PICKUP 4-153 2.5L
1999 FORD TRUCK RANGER PICKUP V6-183 3.0L
1999 FORD TRUCK RANGER PICKUP V6-245 4.0L OHV
2000 FORD TRUCK RANGER PICKUP 4-153 2.5L
2000 FORD TRUCK RANGER PICKUP V6-183 3.0L
2000 FORD TRUCK RANGER PICKUP V6-245 4.0L OHV
2001 FORD TRUCK RANGER PICKUP V6-183 3.0L
2001 FORD TRUCK RANGER PICKUP V6-245 4.0L SOHC
2002 FORD TRUCK RANGER PICKUP V6-183 3.0L

49HO291
1ST DIGIT OF SPRING CODE ON DOOR IS 2, A, C, OR J
1998 FORD TRUCK RANGER PICKUP 4-153 2.5L
1998 FORD TRUCK RANGER PICKUP V6-183 3.0L
1998 FORD TRUCK RANGER PICKUP V6-245 4.0L OHV
1999 FORD TRUCK RANGER PICKUP 4-153 2.5L
1999 FORD TRUCK RANGER PICKUP V6-183 3.0L
1999 FORD TRUCK RANGER PICKUP V6-245 4.0L OHV
2000 FORD TRUCK RANGER PICKUP 4-153 2.5L
2000 FORD TRUCK RANGER PICKUP V6-183 3.0L
2000 FORD TRUCK RANGER PICKUP V6-245 4.0L OHV
2001 FORD TRUCK RANGER PICKUP 4-153 2.5L
2001 FORD TRUCK RANGER PICKUP V6-183 3.0L
2002 FORD TRUCK RANGER PICKUP 4-140 2.3L DOHC
49HO292
1ST DIGIT OF SPRING CODE ON DOOR IS 3, G, OR H

1998 FORD TRUCK RANGER PICKUP 4-153 2.5L
1998 FORD TRUCK RANGER PICKUP V6-183 3.0L
1998 FORD TRUCK RANGER PICKUP V6-245 4.0L OHV
1999 FORD TRUCK RANGER PICKUP 4-153 2.5L
1999 FORD TRUCK RANGER PICKUP V6-183 3.0L
1999 FORD TRUCK RANGER PICKUP V6-245 4.0L OHV
2000 FORD TRUCK RANGER PICKUP 4-153 2.5L
2000 FORD TRUCK RANGER PICKUP V6-183 3.0L
2000 FORD TRUCK RANGER PICKUP V6-245 4.0L OHV
2001 FORD TRUCK RANGER PICKUP 4-140 2.3L DOHC
2002 FORD TRUCK RANGER PICKUP 4-140 2.3L DOHC
2003 FORD TRUCK RANGER PICKUP 4-140 2.3L DOHC

 

['92Custom]

I can see how someone could get confursed! The info from the Ford pdf doesn.t agree with the info you got from AC Delco, they show all have the same wire dia. I did look up them Delco numbers and found where they are used, doesn't really help at all, nothing makes sense as to what got what. Good luck! Probably trust Delco info
Dave

Yeah, all I gathered by looking at their application guide is any spring can go with any truck, all that matters is the spring code on the door jamb.

I think that Ford varied spring rates and wire diameters on the original trucks. I will put a digital caliper on his original springs to get the wire diameter, and cross-reference that with the PDF you gave me, that will give us a rough starting point.

Interpreting their data, I think Delco simply went with a single stiffer-than-stock spring rate, and adjusted for ride height of lighter trucks by making the spring shorter, longer for heavier trucks, etc. D and E have the highest design load, so if I can confirm that with at least one more spring manufacturer we'll go ahead and put those on his truck. Might give us a slight lift but that would be okay. Would be a nice bonus if we can compile a useful reference in the process.