Input wanted: Rearching front springs vs. changing - Diesel Forum

Grinder · 07-14-2005, 12:07 PM

I'm looking for some input from people with a little knowledge on the front springs on the Excursion.

I have not had a ride in an Excursion with updated front springs, so I do not know how much ride harshness is increased, if any. I have thought about the possibility of having the front springs rearched to gain some spring travel, and eliminate the dreaded bottoming out. There is a company locally that rearches springs, and I have had it done on our race care, but never on anything big like the Excursion.

As the Excursion in my mom's, I would like to maintain the current ride quality, minus the bottoming out.

The biggest worry I have is going thru all this effort just to have the springs lose their arch over time.

Any thoughts from the spring Guru's?

Am I wasting my time?

Thanks in advance.

Dave

neilc88 · 07-14-2005, 12:33 PM

[ QUOTE ]

As the Excursion in my mom's, I would like to maintain the current ride quality, minus the bottoming out.

[/ QUOTE ]

Why don't you try trimming a few rings off the bump stops. This should coure your problem for $0 and a 1/2 hour.

Grinder · 07-14-2005, 02:55 PM

I have considered this, I am just feeling out options right know. One concern I have with that is spring sag that has already occured, and thus less travel left in the suspension. These are the types of things I hope to get answers to.

Since my parents don't currently tow anything heavy, this may be the best option. I'm just looking for feedback on the best option.

Thanks for the input

Dave

jward · 07-14-2005, 05:06 PM

I installed "U" codes on my 03 X . Install was not too bad with a few friends to help out . Ride did not suffer but just the opposite as you do not bounce off the bump stops after the new springs are in . I found my springs off a new 04 superduty that was getting a lift kit and was able to bargain for them for $ 50.00 . Have not seen anybody here that has re-arched their springs . If you have to go thru the trouble of disassembling the front end either way then I would just get the "U" or "V" codes . BTW, Bruce1954 is the guru on this subject and I am just passing along my .02 .

Bruce1954 · 07-14-2005, 05:16 PM

I have considdered this for the 05 since I have a set of 02 Gs sitting in the back of the shop but since the Gs sag (Vs do also after 100K) seems like rearching them is asking for trouble. I need to start looking for a set of U take offs to put on the 05. I have just under 5K Baught it on May 27th on it and it is starting to bounce up front. And the front rotors are starting to warp, wonder how I will fix that [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] after my two free turnings at the dealer, will do one at 10k and one at 19.99999K

For what you want hunt down a set of Us and put them on assumming it is a PSD if V-10 then the Ts will work but are hard to find. Us and Vs are the most common.

Snowman269 · 07-14-2005, 05:44 PM

I too considered re-arching. But with all of the info on this site giving us specifics on spring rates, ride height & load capacity. I just bought what I wanted and installed new springs. No guessing and no messing around trying to get what I wanted.

Keep us updated if you go for it, you could start a new trend of re-arching old springs instead of buying new ones. We will need specifics on how much the springs get arched for others to copy and really benefit from your experiment.

Heck, if you supply enough info for others to replicate, it could be called the Dave Mod or the Grinder Mod just for your trouble.

Grinder · 07-14-2005, 08:34 PM

If I did re-arch, I think I would try to find some springs off another Ex that had a lift put on, no need messing up my moms springs.

On the V's, it sounds like it is not giving a harsher ride, is this correct?

On switching to V's, I am pretty sure I could come up with a set from our local Schwab since I know the manager.

It is very tempting to try the re-arch. May even be able to do it without Mom finding out. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img]

Thanks everyone for the insight. I appreciate it.

Take care,

Dave

Guess I should give a little info on the Ex since it is not in my sig.

'02 limited PSD, 4x4. 3.5" dp, 4" exhaust from DPP, Regulated return from ITP, Hutch tank and pre-pump mods(intank pickup was crushed on the bottom of the tank from the factory, screen was popped out. Pickup was almost inside out [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img]) AFE stage II on shelf waiting for custom airbox.(bought replacement filter not whole kit) er, actually I am testing the AFE on the F250 to make sure it works until I get the airbox built, but please don't tell my mom. Helwig rear sway bar, Bilstien shocks. OilGaurd EPS-20 bypass filter. Landyought RR on list.

MotionMan · 07-14-2005, 10:16 PM

There are three choices, live with it (not an option), add-a-leaf for the front, F350 block in the rear, or new springs, like V or X codes (may as well lift it) and a block to level the rear. I used V codes, a 1.5" add a leaf and a 4" block in the rear. It took all day but was straight forward. Worth the 3". This or a nice soft ride 4", that is what I want. Sprngs all around, no blocks. I forgot one more, a shackle kit but that uses the same spring configuration.

Snowman269 · 07-15-2005, 11:50 AM

[ QUOTE ]
If I did re-arch, I think I would try to find some springs off another Ex that had a lift put on, no need messing up my moms springs.

Yep, there are plenty of us here that would sell you our take off's.

On the V's, it sounds like it is not giving a harsher ride, is this correct? Correct.

On switching to V's, I am pretty sure I could come up with a set from our local Schwab since I know the manager.

It is very tempting to try the re-arch. May even be able to do it without Mom finding out. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img]

Thanks everyone for the insight. I appreciate it.

Take care, Snowman269

Dave

DOC4444 · 07-15-2005, 08:17 PM

If you try Neil's suggestion and it seems to work, you might consider replacing them with 2003 Ex front stops. They are softer and shorter than pre-2003. Then, when you do occasionally bottom out it will be a lot less violent. They also are a good choice with "U" codes and up.

DOC

Grinder · 07-16-2005, 02:47 AM

Plenty to think about. I am glad to hear that V's do not harshen the ride. Then I guess ride hieght fron to rear is a consideration also. I have read some of the posts on this, and am mulling the different options there.

Thanks everyone.

Dave

coldair · 07-16-2005, 07:42 AM

or call deaver springs and tell them your problem, they can make a spring with a little greater height but made up of multiple thinner springs for a better ride. my springs are made by deaver for Donahoe Racing and they have a better ride then stock. I tried re arching springs and they rode like snot