2003 E250 suspension

[sourdough-wtw]

My new to me 2003 E250 has 120,000 miles and seems to be overloaded. It was a fancy party type van to which I've done a DIY campering conversion. It has OEM springs N- front coils unknown weight capacity and G- rear leaf springs rated 2375 lbs. I weighed the front at 3480 lbs. and rear at 4200. GVRW is 7600 lbs.
For the front coils I have found replacements that say 35% over OEM but no info as to what the capacities. Anybody know what's the OEM "N" coil spring rating
For the rear I've found two 2775 lbs versions as replacements for the "G".
1 has 4 plus and over load. 1st stage 1/360 1/401 1/360 2nd stage 1/660
2nd has 5 plus 1 overload. 1st stage 1/323 3/341 2nd stage 1/702
My second question is, which of the two leaf springs would have the better ride.

 

[booster]

My new to me 2003 E250 has 120,000 miles and seems to be overloaded. It was a fancy party type van to which I've done a DIY campering conversion. It has OEM springs N- front coils unknown weight capacity and G- rear leaf springs rated 2375 lbs. I weighed the front at 3480 lbs. and rear at 4200. GVRW is 7600 lbs.
For the front coils I have found replacements that say 35% over OEM but no info as to what the capacities. Anybody know what's the OEM "N" coil spring rating
For the rear I've found two 2775 lbs versions as replacements for the "G".
1 has 4 plus and over load. 1st stage 1/360 1/401 1/360 2nd stage 1/660
2nd has 5 plus 1 overload. 1st stage 1/323 3/341 2nd stage 1/702
My second question is, which of the two leaf springs would have the better ride.

Hidden actual springrates is pretty common and most of the time about all you can do is measure the wire diameter and number of turns on the spring and hope for the best when you shop for replacements. A good spring shop will be able to help based on the weight amounts for both the front and rear.


Personally, I like to have lighter springing with supplementary independently filled airbags on the rear so you can adjust ride height and comfort at various loadings.



You are already above GVWR by a bit. Was that with a full load of supplies, full tanks and people/pets? GVWR is set with a lot more things in mind than just the springs, like brakes, suspension parts, frame strength, etc. Best to weigh all the wheel independently if possible as most vans will have different side to side weights that can put the corners that are high even further over rated.

 

[sourdough-wtw]

My weights are loaded and I have no concerns about my GVRW. I hate air bags but understand(BTDT) having them on a truck and slide in camper.

I was hoping somebody knows of a Ford spring code chart that lists "N" coil spring value.

 

[sourdough-wtw]

never mind

I ordered front coils 35% over oem and the 2775 lb. rear leaf springs. I will post my impression in a month of so.