Got my X, and so it begins......

[ckspeed]

Okay well after a lot of considerations, I've purchased my first X, first Ford, and firts PSD in one complete transaction.
Just picked up my '00 X ltd 4x4. Previous owner was an experienced PSD owner and it seems to have excellent service history and is in pretty good condition for the most part. It has 149k miles, so there's some little stuff of course. I'm happy with it, and it's going to make a great building block. We'll be towing our Jayco TT with it (approx. 7k lbs) so it should be a breeze.

After 3 Dodges w/Cummins, GMC duramax, and then to a gasser Suburban (yuk), this is a new venture for me.

It's bone stock right now, sorta drives like a wet paper sack, and is a bit of a slug, so it's due for some upgrades/improvements. Very near future upgrades include:

Magnaflow 3.5"dp-4" turbo back exhaust
3 gauge A pillar setup
DP-Tuner F5 chip
AFE state 2 w/PG7
2004 rear sway bar(help!)
Bilsteins or ?? shocks
Power heated tow mirrors
etc., etc., etc.

Also considering front springs, researching that now.

Anyway, I'm a happy camper now, back to diesel,,,,finally.


This forum is a great resource and so far everyone has been really friendly to me as a noob [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif[/img]

[caryt]

A couple of options for you..NO F5! I would get a TW chip
NO AFE Just get a Tymar best you can buy!
SD 30mm rear sway bar from Ford
Correctly valved Bilsteins.
Get a 4" dn pipe.
V code with B or F modified springs and you'll be a very happy camper!!

Save some $$ for a BTS, you will be needing one.

Cary

[ckspeed]

Thanks Cary, I will go with the Tymar for sure.
I was looking for something like the BHAF mods that used to be done on the Cummins. Tymars is definately a step above the DIY BHAF and an Outerwears wrap.

Still toying with the chip; DP, Edge, etc. I'll look into the TW though.

[clamgulch]

I've been through all that and then some, but so far, the best thing I've done for my 2000 Excursion is install ladder traction bars. I tried everything under the sun to keep the back end from steering itself, and nothing really helped until I put those ladder bars on. The difference is breath taking.

[thogue]

What kind of bars , where did you get them , and what did they run you . I 'm having problems still with a droning noise in the rear end at acceleration at about 70 mph. A friend told me that this might help because he thought that it was axle wrap , or from the torque . ANy thoughts ?

[mike650]

Numero Uno

Rear Sway Bar - Hellwig 1-1/4" (31.75mm) or Ford 30mm, your preference.

[caryt]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: thogue</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What kind of bars , where did you get them , and what did they run you . I 'm having problems still with a droning noise in the rear end at acceleration at about 70 mph. A friend told me that this might help because he thought that it was axle wrap , or from the torque . ANy thoughts ? </div></div>

Its got Nothing to do with axel wrap! Exhaust is most likely the sound your hearing.

Cary

[mike650]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: caryt</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: thogue</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What kind of bars , where did you get them , and what did they run you . I 'm having problems still with a droning noise in the rear end at acceleration at about 70 mph. A friend told me that this might help because he thought that it was axle wrap , or from the torque . ANy thoughts ? </div></div>

Its got Nothing to do with axel wrap! Exhaust is most likely the sound your hearing.

Cary </div></div>

[img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif[/img]

[thogue]

So after , checking driveline, the new positive traction (rear end) and chasing my tail like a cat , you think thats its just exhaust ? Iyt would make sense , but I do get a little vibration when I accelerate at 70 and thats the only time I get the droning noise and vib. I hope your right , please reply what you think . ANd I would love to talk with you more about it so I can tell you whats going on . 901-652-3644. This has been a real ordeal .

[777mechanic]

congrats when i first got mine i did frt and rear leaf springs and rear hellwig sway bar and shocks . the ride was awesome .then i did afe, dp, exhaust, guages.

[ckspeed]

Got all the PN's for the 30mm Ford bar lined up, looks like $220.00 will buy everything I need, including hardware.

Got the Tymar intake lined up, still undecided on exhaust.

What's the scoop on B code rears, or something to match up to the U's and U's up front?

My list is sooo long, it's rediculous.

[Soaggydogg]

For $180 from JcWhitney you can get the better Hellwig sway bar (7643 rear).

I prefer the MBRP exhaust. My X has the Magna flow and my parents as the MBRP with less drone. Add a better turbo to your list like a van turbo or something else. I wouldn't waste money on a WW, ATS housing or other stuff for the stock turbo. My parents have the Tymar intake and mine has the AFE II both are nice.

Search and read up on LandYot Radius Rods they are nice.

Ben

[caryt]

Tons of posts on B codes..get a set of B's or F code SD rears them "mod' them: take them apart along with the X rears. Install the 2 bottom leafs from the X ( not the long anti wrap spring if you have one) along with the aluminum spacers and discard the SD overload, thin spacers and overload spacer. I did this ..maybe a year ago+- and since them many members have tried this and like it.

Cary

[fastersteve]

Caryt,
Did this mod get you stiffer springs w/o raising the rear?
FS

[Maverick4x4]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: clamgulch</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've been through all that and then some, but so far, the best thing I've done for my 2000 Excursion is install ladder traction bars. I tried everything under the sun to keep the back end from steering itself, and nothing really helped until I put those ladder bars on. The difference is breath taking. </div></div>
Congrats on the new (to you) X!

First thing I did was V code fronts, rear antiroll bar (waste of time) and Bruce1954 inspired bags/tank. The bags and the V codes were the BEST!!! I could barely tell the difference with the bar, but I kept it on anyway. Don't have any rear steering or axle wrap issues, and it drives great. Still haven't chipped it, though I still may.

Currently debating running 295's again or going to 315's. If I go 315's, may consider using the bottom leaf from a set of U or V codes, add-a-leaf style, to lift the front just another inch or two. I'll just pump the rear up to match, with the tank it still rides great.