I just got done installing a rear sway bar. I wish that I did it the day after the truck came home. The side to side motion that used to smash my head into the window is gone. Stability is improved 100%. It improved the handling as much as the X code springs improved the ride. The strange part is, I really had no complaints about it before. It handled ok for a truck, If I wanted to corner I'd take out the Bilstein-H&R-Suspension Techniques M3 that the wife drives. Can't wait to take her for a ride in the truck to see if she notices. And since it's going to be asked, I fabricated a custom set-up. I used F350 end links, base plates and brackets. We welded the base plates to the shock mounts with bracing and used a F550 heavy bar. It all came off totalled trucks and did not cost a dime.
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Rich DeFrancisco
2000 Excursion Limited PSD 4x4, Oxford White, X-code springs, F350 blocks, Husky Liners, Banks 4" Monster Exhaust w/Power Elbow, Hutched and Pooned, Ford Outfitters/Hella 60mm Driving Lights, Bilstein.
1998 BMW M3 Dakar Yellow (her car), 18" M-Parallel wheels, always at the mall.
1974 Truimph TR6, will be Sapphire Blue, in the process of restification.
Wow that is a custom set up,
OK how big is a 550 Bar? I never looked into that.
BTW I agree with the Thread Title
Bruce
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2005 X PSD Limited Mineral Grey, 4X4 Has Second row bench then Every other factory option available. Under Construction
4x2 Lift Gate Lifts,
Tekonsha Prodigy
Ford 30MM Rear Bar
BridgeStone 285/75-16AT(D range) Revos, Now have a winter and summer set each with a set of wheels!
V Code LF, U Code RF Modified Fs in the rear
Catch All Linners
750 W Inverter
Magnaflow XL System W/ 3.5 DP OE Cat spliced in at 4" inlet and 3-3/4" outlet.
ART Rotors, Performance Friction Pads, Front & Rear
Rancho RSXs on Front and 9000s set at 2 on rear
06 Chrome Package Grill,bumpers and hooks. After an encounter with a Honda, (She got the ticket) 2005 Ex and Specs and Pictures of 2002 X
I've got a 2002-X-PSD that i'm considering adding the rear anti-sway bar. I see that on the 2004 it is an option, does anyone know if the 2004 piece would be a bolt on to the '02 or is there a better aftermarket piece available.
The newer bar will bolt onto the older truck, but I think the Hellwig is a better deal. This is hands down the bst think I ever did to the truck.
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Rich DeFrancisco
2000 Excursion Limited PSD 4x4, Oxford White, X-code springs, F350 blocks, Husky Liners, Banks 4" Monster Exhaust w/Power Elbow, Hutched and Pooned, Ford Outfitters/Hella 60mm Driving Lights, Bilstein.
1998 BMW M3 Dakar Yellow (her car), 18" M-Parallel wheels, always at the mall.
1974 Truimph TR6, will be Sapphire Blue, in the process of restification.
The Hellwig definitely tightens up the overall handling of the trucks [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]
Was one of the first add-on's that had to be done as we were spoiled by how tight our 99.5 F250 handled with the stock front & rear sway bars.
BILL
__________________ 2002 Ford Excursion 7.3L 4x4 XLT 9th Annual Powerstroke Rally this Oct 3-5 2008 in Caddo Mills,Texas CLICK HERE for more Information & Register Here
I agree. Just finished installing my Hellwig SB. Wow!!!!!! I was skeptical at what I thought was hoopla, but I'm a believer now. This was an even better improvement than the Bilsteins. If you're not sure about getting one, trust me. It will make a big difference in the ride of your rig.
I can post pics if anyone's interested.
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2003 Eddie Bauer Excursion (born 8 Apr 03), 6.0L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel w/8 C95 Fuel Injectors, Oxford White & Arizona Beige, 4x4, 5-spd Torqshift Transmission, 3.73 Rear, Two-tone Tan Leather Interior, Heated Seats, 6CD, Bull Rings, Adjustable pedals, Hellwig Sway Bar, Rancho 9000 Shocks, PSD Badges, Tekonsha Prodigy Brake Controller. McKenzie Starwood 29ft travel trailer.
[b] My Excursion Pics (Updated 30 Dec 03)
I'm sure glad my 03 came with one from the factory. I'd be even more disappointed with the truck if I'd have had to fix that too. Ford really went too far soccer mom'ing the Ex's suspension, IMO.
John B...
our stock rear is still too wimpy for the trucks...
It IS better than nothing, but still not enough...
I'm just waiting a bit to swap mine out for the Hellwig....
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05 4x4 6.0L EB Ex.... only 2 mods..8.9 @ 74 1/8th
gone but not forgotten 03 4x4 6.0L Lim Ult Ex...
even goner 02 4x2 7.3L Lim Ex buyback
Yes, I've heard that before. I figure I'll probably have to add air bags to the truck so I don't see any need to update the sway bar at this point. It'd be low on my list of ways to fix the suspension at this point but it may need doing at some point.
It's very stable on it's own both going down the road at 80mph and cornering so I sure don't need any more sway bar thickness for that. The problem comes when towing.
Well, I'm quite excited to do this mod after 3 years!!! I just put on new shocks on the front only this weekend (KYB shocks) and MAN what a difference! The rears will be put on when they arrive (back-ordered) along with my Hellwig (already here).
If anyone will notice a big difference, it will be me. We've had the X since 2000 and have been running on OEM shocks only and Firebombs. I couldn't believe how terrible the front OEM shocks were. They mashed right down with little effort, and didn't really return at all. Worthless, in my opinion.
Did you try NEW OEM shocks vs. the NEW afermarket shocks?
Not doubting that the factory shocks "suck", but if you compared against your used shocks, they may have been bad.
ANyone who is updating their rear-sway bar and wants to sell their old one, I'm interested as my 2004 did not come with a rear sway bar, which is one upgrade I want to do.
Dak
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Previous Owner of a 2004 Diesel Excursion and 2005 Diesel F250.
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ANyone who is updating their rear-sway bar and wants to sell their old one, I'm interested as my 2004 did not come with a rear sway bar, which is one upgrade I want to do.
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This is so odd. I thought all the newer ones came with it after mid-03. It's not an option you select. Which ones have and them and which ones don't?