4x2 vs 4x4 suspension modifications - Diesel Forum

BillPSD · 09-20-2001, 04:14 PM

I made the plunge for the Bilsteins and I am looking to get the rear stabilizer next. Does the rear stabilizer bolt just to the shock mounts or are there other areas of the frame or rear end to hook up? From what I read, it looks like the Helwig bar is the most popular.

Next, I plan to upgrade the front suspension and here is my question for a 4x2. It seems like most of the suspension discussions are about springs and lift kits. I assume that the 4x4 has leaf springs and my 4x2 would have coil springs. What should I do to the front end first? Is there a better spring for the 4x2?
I didn't seem to experience the severe porpoising that everyone has talked about, and my uninformed self believes that my 4x2 setup is different. But, I do experience the roll problem in turns that has been described by others. Should I just get a new front stabilizer to match the rear, or is there something else that I need to do first.

I just don't want to make a mistake a buy one component now and then find out that it will keep me from installing the next component if I get everything out of order.

Thanks for all your help in the past.

HorseTrucker · 09-22-2001, 09:18 PM

BillPSD, I too have a 4X2 and have asked the same questions but got no response. I think most of the modifications have been done by 4X4 owners. I guess 4X2 are on our own.

Regards

POLR BR · 09-23-2001, 05:03 AM

Lest the 4x4 members be regarded as ill mannered for not responding to the 4x2 members, I will try to respond to your questions. A large caveat is in order -- I have never seen a 4x2 super duty let alone drive one.

I suspect the 4x2 will not exhibit the same suspension problems as the 4x4's because of the coil spring configuration. I would guess the coil springs allow approximately equal travel both up and down from its static position and thus spring travel is sufficient. The problem with the 4x4's is there is only 1/2" between the spring pack and the frame stop bumper and therefore no spring or shock action before the frame bottoms out and rebounds (porpoising).

Better shocks should go a long way in resolving 4x2 suspension issues. As you well know, Fords OEM shocks are inherently inadequate if not downright dangerous. Fords steering stabilizers are not much better. I would definitely add the Helwig rear stabilizer which is bolt on and is done most easily when installing the new rear shocks.

After you do the stabilizer, I would see how the mods are working before taking on the front coil springs. In fact I would do upgraded tires long before I would tackle beefier coils.

Hope this helps a bit.

Pharmer · 09-23-2001, 02:54 PM

I owned a 4x2 Ex. from 11/99 till 7/00. After 9k miles I traded it for a 4X4. I did this because the brake caliper pins knocked over bumps and Ford did not have a fix. The one thing it did, was wander all over the road compared to the 4X4. Maybe I had a bad steering gear, but I did not look for a fix for this. I would think new shocks, tires and a rear sway bar would help. You might consider new front sway bar bushing made of polyurethane. The front end has the twin I-beam which is a dated design and tends to wear out ball joints and brakes. There is no steering stabilzer on the 4x2 and I am not sure if one can be adapted. Good luck.

BillPSD · 09-24-2001, 10:56 AM

Thanks POLR BR and Pharmer for your responses. POLR BR I changed my signature so that it represents an Excursion and not a Super Duty. I'll go ahead and order the Helwig rear bar after my trip to ALabama this week for a fishing tournament. This will be the first time I towed my 27ft Center Console with the upgraded Bilstein shocks.

I convinced my wife that if she would give up the Suburban for the Excursion it would really save me a lot in fuel costs, especially when I tow the boat. What she doesn't know is that the boat gets 1.2 mpg with those twin 225hp carburated johnsons.

Man it's great to be a man!!! (Truthfully, she makes me drive the Taurus every day, and uses the Ex to go shopping and play tennis.)

POLR BR · 09-24-2001, 08:23 PM

Count your blessings. Sounds like you have your share of toys too. Boats with 225 hp motors don't come cheap. Taurus + boat = 1 excursion. [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img]

DBook · 09-24-2001, 09:55 PM

Guys Check out Fab- Techs Website they Have lifts for 2 wd X's......Here is the link http://www.fabtechmotorsports.com/