Factory Springs Changed For Mid-Year 2002 X's? - Diesel Forum

2big4burb · 03-07-2002, 02:13 PM

One of the posts here said that Ford was going to upgrade the springs mid-year 2002 for X's. Is this true? Does anyone have any info?

DUNC · 04-07-2002, 09:40 PM

I to would like to know. My truck is going in this week for sagging front springs and wandering steering. Has anyone had dealer replace stock springs with a heavier ones ? If so what spring code ?
THANKS
Dunc

monsta · 04-07-2002, 11:24 PM

I didn't hear of spring changes (I think...) I did hear of the addition of a rear sway bar (finally) and improved jounce bumpers and re-valved shocks.

Dunc, I take you saw the post by Bruce1954 that outlines the differences between the springs (some). Why don't you choose a code and take that request to your dealer and see what he'll do for you.

BTW, in reference to the wander, at 50K my steering dampener is leaking. Maybe yours is too?

DUNC · 04-08-2002, 10:35 AM

Monsta,
I am going to ask for spring code U. Do you have part #'s for sway bar and new shocks?
Dunc

monsta · 04-08-2002, 09:27 PM

No. I've been meaning to go to the dealer to find out the scoop on this bar. I would like to see if it is a different bar than the one offered with the camper package on the pickups. I haven't got mine yet. But now that spring is finally here, it is next on my list, after the shocks.

As for the (new) shocks, the story is the same. No part #. Although, I can't imagine them being competitive with the aftermarket.

The bar is at least priced competitively... somewhat. I can get the OEM pickup bar for the same price (maybe less with a bit of haggling) as the Hellwig. But the OE bar is smaller in diameter.

I am hoping to be able to go later this week to find out the particulars.

aquaholic · 04-08-2002, 09:55 PM

To my understanding these ride and hanlding changes will not occur during the 2002 production year. They are reserved and set for Job1, 2003.

monsta · 04-08-2002, 11:22 PM

So does that mean that they are not produced until then or that it won't be available until the 2003 MODEL year comes available?

Pharmer · 04-09-2002, 08:32 AM

I suggest you e-mail John Caris at Ford, Manager of Tough Truck Suspensions. jcaris@ford.com You probably read my post about the upgrades. I think Ford has short changed us on the Excursion suspension and should warranty or recall every Ex back to 2000 MY. We know that won't happen, but you should vent your concerns to Mr. Caris. I've given up for a couple reasons. First I've already upgraded as has many of us and I just went out of 36K warranty. I do have an extended warranty to 75K or 5yr, but this won't help this concern. For all those with 2002 or even 2001 MY, I would be mad that Ford has not improved the suspension over the first MY, plus most here have the PSD which places extra weight over a inadequate spring set up. If Ford wants to continue making the Excursion and expects us to remain loyal and purchase a 2nd Ex then they should address this concern on a larger scale. Here is another phone number to the Ford Executive offices in Dearborn. 1800 862-8183.

coldair · 04-09-2002, 11:26 AM

My 2002 had one extra leave in the rear verus the 2000 POS that the dealer took back, also it had a bottom part that looks like a traction bar with a bump stop or snubber on the front, is this the improvements you are talking about?
mike

aquaholic · 04-09-2002, 09:26 PM

As I understand it, the parts will only begin to be installed 7/15/02 forward on 2003's. I'm sure they have the parts sitting there ready to go.

monsta · 04-09-2002, 10:29 PM

<blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr>

My 2002 had one extra leave in the rear verus the 2000 POS that the dealer took back, also it had a bottom part that looks like a traction bar with a bump stop or snubber on the front, is this the improvements you are talking about?

<hr></blockquote>

Mike, my 2000 has that 7th leaf. It is the anti-wind up leaf. Or as you put it; traction bar. It is suppose to help prevent axle wrap on our softly sprung trucks.

We are talking about updated FRONT bump stops or what I called jounce bumpers. (I probably used the incorrect term :P)

Pharmer is the "man" on this one. He shared much of it with me. I know I'll make the call...just to be a PITA. [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

Pharmer · 04-11-2002, 02:22 PM

Monsta,
Thanks for the vote of confidence. I'd like to see what these new front bump stops are going to look like, maybe similar to the Timbren's but less harsh. The Timbren's work well when I load up and head north with the whole family. On the highway they help stabilze the ride. Around town its a different story. I have to air the BFG's down to 38 - 40 psi in the front to get a decent ride. Over hard bumps I still get a rough ride. If anybody gets part numbers for these new upgrades from Ford let us know.