Porpoise Effect

[Runk]

Ken1:
Front and rear Helwig anti-sway bars have been a major improvement for my X.
I like the Rancho shocks adjustability.
The Procomp SS for $32 is what it is. Try these addons in stages and feel the improvement of each separate item.
Good luck,
Runk.

[POLR BR]

I just ordered my 550 code X springs. The dealer originally quoted 144 each. I asked him if he could do better since I had seen a number of members get them for 120 or so. Wounf up quoting me $116 each. I ordered new shackles, bolts and nuts but I have not seen the price for these items.

I wonder if anyone at FORD has wondered why they have had such a run on 550 X springs? I am sure from just the posts of members that FORD is selling a new set of 550 springs for each F-550 truck they are selling. One would think at least the bean counters would notice.

[Runk]

POLR BR:
Okeydokey! Good work on your ordering the 550 springs.
I am waiting for your report.
I just noticed your location.
How's the weather up there?
My wifes family hails from Calais, and we have a camp near there at Pleasant Lake, her grandfather and her father built. We wil be up there in July, really love it Down East.
Thanks for all your info.
Runk.

[Ken1]

Thanks for all the replies.
Most of my driving is on highway 95% and about 30,000 miles per year.

I understand replacing the shock. But do I really need to change stabilizer to Helwig?

Thanks
Ken

[POLR BR]

Runk,

Strange you should ask about the weather. We are in the midst of a powerful nor'easter. Rain and heavy wind on the coast. Seas are running 18-20 ft. Twenty miles inland the snow is piling up. We are expecting 18" +.
I am going sking Friday. Should be interesting. Snowpack will be 4-5 feet. Pray for a slow spring or we will have bad flooding. The roads are already a mess from the deep frost. Many roads are actually disintegrating.

If you come in July give us a jingle. Would be fun to get together.

[billr]

a set of bilsteins makes all the difference in the world. it makes it *positive*. the Mrs. tends to get carsick with too much motion and she even likes them. if i had a 4x4 i might consider the ranchos, but i drive on highways [mostly] and like bilsteins. a set cost me about $320 at eshocks.com.

the front ones aren't hard if you lift the rubber in the wheel well and turn the nut with a wrench. stick a metric allen wrench in the top and sit down and screw slowly. it takes a while.

i am gonna put a helwig stabilizer bar on it when i get a round tuit. been busy. i think it will help even more.

i hope this helps. i forgot to say welcome too. ome of us just don't have any manners.

later.
bill

[Runk]

POLR BR;
It's spring time here. Sorry. Our fruit trees are in bloom. Just beautiful out. Of course my wife keeps saying "there's no seasons in Southern California".
It'll all be different in July. I will contact you when we know what out itinerary is.
Good luck, keep your powder dry, have fun in the snow!
Runk.

[Ken1]

I have had the X for two weeks and now understand more the reason for shocks. In the last 3 days we have traveled 1300 miles with 2400 on the X.
Highway driving from all the post it appears that Edelbrocks IAS would be good for my travels. Does anyone have a part number for 01 X ? Cost per pair.

Also had to jerk the wheel to miss some road junk Helwig Stabilizar is on my shopping list. Where are the best deal?
Not all negatives after 3 Burbs I enjoy driving this X More. Thanks for any help.

[cliffsurfs]

Bilsteins? I have em, seem to be ok, posted earlier about my first impressions. I Give them a 5 on a 1-10. There is another new shock, "MONROE REFLEX" has anyone seen them or installed them? They have a part # for the EX and was told by Monroe would be excellent for the EX handling problems. Firmer on turns but able to absorb small bumps due to some kind of 15 mil. sec valve timing. They are about + - $50 each, lifetime, etc. Any comments or experiences with them? I live in the Boonies bought the Bils. on the net, didn't want the hassel of sending any shocks back UPS.

[W-N]

I have the Bilsteins on my X and they made a definite improvement in ride and handling. I bought them from Shox.com and they were very helpful. They were about $280 for the set.

[Runk]

Why not go with the adjustable Ranchos?
Do a search and there seems to have been pros and cons with all the different brands of shocks.
The Ranchos are easily adjustable. Seems like a no brainer?
Feedback please?
Thanks,
R.

[Runk]

Why not go with the adjustable Ranchos?
Do a search and there seems to have been pros and cons with all the different brands of shocks.
The Ranchos are easily adjustable. Seems like a no brainer?
Feedback please?
Thanks,
R.

[Runk]

After having install frnt and rr anti sway bars, steering stabilizer, shocks, 285 BFG, air bags, the beast is definatly a long way from where it was interms of the wandering and rock and rolling in all directions.
Nevertheless, I am not really satisfied so I am considering doing the re alignment described elsewhere on the site. Has anyone out there actually done this and how are the results?

[shamuex2000]

The ex doesn't have adequate spring travel in front and, but separate issue, the diesel ex's front springs are also too weak. Given an unloaded diesel ex, the front springs are more compliant than the rears are, which probably produces much of the wale-diving/rocking horse effect. Adding the helper-springs to the front would help balance out the compliancy of the front and rear springs and thus reduce the "diving" effect. But, I don't think the helper springs would really increase the available spring travel as much as I'd like to have. (the more spring travel, the better chance the shocks have in controlling the ride) Specially valved shocks such as the Edelbrocks, need to work with more spring travel for the best results. Installing the "550" springs in front seems to offer both increased travel and a better balance in an unloaded condition with the rear springs. Then, its a matter of shock choice. Do the 550 springs need different front shocks with longer extension??? I've found the B-stiens to provide the most civilized ride without being really stiff.
Gabriel makes good HD shocks which sometimes are a little on the stiff side, (I like) and affordable. Simply my opinions, and what I'm leaning towards on my ex.

[Dunko]

Guys- Just my 2 cents here but I noticed much more improvement by adding the front bar as opposed to the rear. If i had to do it over again I dont know if I would even add the rear. I do all hwy and it was a good 9k before I added the front. As soon as I did wow what an improvement