Coil Spring Codes

[wally]

I recently replaced my rear leaf springs on my 98 2wd 2.5L and now the truck still leans toward the front drivers side. I would like to know what the different spring codes are on the front coils. Mine are A's, would like to know if their is one that will give me a bit more lift to match my new rear springs. Some new A's might take care of it, but would like to know my options.

 

[daniel3507]

Where did you find your spring codes?

 

[wally]

my spring code is on the drivers side door label. A3, A being the front coils and 3 being the rear from what I was told.

 

[wally]

Been to several different parts places and they all show several springs available for my truck, all with a different letter designation, but no specs on them.

 

[daniel3507]

Did you ever find out what the specs mean?

 

[wally]

no I have yet to find anything on them

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

edited - link double posted

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Some research for you
http://www.ford-trucks.com/article/idx/0/017/article/Ford_Door_Sticker_Decoder.html
edited out dead links
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/coilspringrate.htm

Richard

 

['92Custom]

Some of the links above are outdated. I've been looking for this same thing - my friend has a '98 Ranger with 3.0L V6 and a stick. I don't remember off the top of my head what his spring code is. Anyway, we are redoing the suspension and want to stiffen up the front a bit with a stronger spring.

Does anyone have a list of the spring codes in order? We probably want the stiffest stock spring. Yes I have Googled this but I must be looking in the wrong places. Even called the dealership but they were of no help. Probably looking to replace with one of the Moog spring sets.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I haven't been able to find another site that has good spring info like the dead link I edited out, sorry. If I ever come across another I'll be saving the info to my computer. From memory the highest ppi came from extended cab with 4.0L.


Richard

 

['92Custom]

Thanks for the update. Yes, I would assume that a 4.0L with extended cab and A/C would have the highest rate, perhaps I'll need to find one of those in a junkyard and see what it's spring code says. Strange that this info seems so guarded. Maybe I'll call Moog and a few other companies that make springs. If I learn anything I will post it here.

 

[Joe_Roofer]

My '90 ext cab 4.0 says J35. FWIW

 

['92Custom]

If I had to guess, I'd say higher letter = stiffer spring, since the OP had A springs on his 4-banger. Don't know if the spring codes retained the same meaning before/after the 97-98 front suspension change.

 

['92Custom]

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

It appears that ford has at least 9 coil spring designations, it also appears that the aftermarket brands have decided to simplify that to 3 options. Of note, but maybe not relevant, the springs from my '92 Ranger, 4.0L custom with no A/C were code J.

If anyone can help refine this further that would be great. Currently I am thinking that codes D and E are soft springs, codes 2, A, C, and J are medium, and codes 3, G, and H are firm. This assumption only comes from that fact that both MOOG and Delco put their part numbers in that order, and it makes sense to me that a higher part number would be a higher rate. However, I was not able to find contact info for MOOG even from Federal-Mogul's website so I have no way to confirm this.

Any help would be great.

 

['92Custom]

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.