Rockin and Rollin in 'new' Excursion - literally

[greaserecycler]

I bought this Excursion about a month ago - its a 2000 and so far am not happy at all with it. Working severe performance issues at the moment and this one... the truck is rough as heck to drive in. Bone stock suspension. Only have Mickey Thompson tires slightly larger than stock.

Driving in and out of businesses the truck pitches back and forth. Throwing things around in the interior. If I do not go about a half a mile an hour - look out, you might get slapped in the side of the head with a trajectory i-pod. Feel like I am riding on top of an elephant in one of those baskets strapped to its back, but worse. Something has got to be wrong with this thing.

[caryt]

Something is wrong..its stock. I have helped hundreds fix the Excursion suspension problems. PM me if I can help yours.

Cary

[Ragdude]

hmmm sounds like a clunker... you should give it to me so you won't have the frustration

[Bruce1954]

Cary T is Right

I was once known here as the spring Guru

I figured out the front problems back on 02 and was the first to document the use of V codes in front, You will see I use a V and a U on my 05

BTW I have almost a quarter million miles of butt time in my two Xs.

Cary T and others figured out how to use B codes F codes and mod them for the rear.

Check out my signature and photos of my 02 from Back when we figured this all out.

All the info you need to fix your truck i right here so just read up and ask questions.

[greaserecycler]

Originally Posted by Bruce1954

Cary T is Right

I was once known here as the spring Guru

I figured out the front problems back on 02 and was the first to document the use of V codes in front, You will see I use a V and a U on my 05

BTW I have almost a quarter million miles of butt time in my two Xs.

Cary T and others figured out how to use B codes F codes and mod them for the rear.

Check out my signature and photos of my 02 from Back when we figured this all out.

All the info you need to fix your truck i right here so just read up and ask questions.

So the different code springs are OEM ford parts that have different ride characteristics? What are the issues with the factory set up? How does the new system address these issues? What differences do you feel in the way the X handles following these modifications?

[TXANGLER]

Originally Posted by greaserecycler

So the different code springs are OEM ford parts that have different ride characteristics? What are the issues with the factory set up? How does the new system address these issues? What differences do you feel in the way the X handles following these modifications?

OEM parts. Your X is riding/bouncing on the bumpstops causing the "porpoise" effect you mentioned. Every stock 4WD X is like this. The solution is very simple, raising the ride height to allow the suspension to "work" absorbing movements. You will not believe the improvement. There is a bazillion posts on this issue and all of your questions will be answered in them. I did this mod in 02 and have never looked back. I still see 4wd X's driving around stock and feel for the poor people being jostled and jolted inside the cab.

Steve

[greaserecycler]

What is cost? Have to be at least a grand?

[TXANGLER]

Didnt back in 02 but Cary and others that just did could tell ya. with shocks, swaybar and springs I would say yea 1K. I did NOT replace the rears. so no cost there. You can block it to save $ and do it later.
You can replace your front bumpstops to short ones or cut them down to "see" the improvement in ride quality. THEN fix is the right way.
Fill out your profile so we know whatu got and where you are? Maybe someone has this mod close to u.

[Bruce1954]

Originally Posted by greaserecycler

What is cost? Have to be at least a grand?

Springs new about $140 Each

Shocks a full set of Rancho shocks about 375 or so for waht I have
But I am on my fourth set paid for two sets on two Xs.
CaryT can get you a quote on the Bilsteins Don't buy them from any one else if you go that way
He will make SURE you get the right ones.

X shocks in the rancho's work fine
For the front same as 250 unique to the X for the rear.
I would not spend the extra for the 9000s in the front you don't need the adjustability in front in my opinion.


04 bump stops about $15 each

About two cases of beer for your buddies to help with the front

About a case will do it for the rear.

Shocks are a snap

You have an 00 so no sway bar: Figure $160 for all ford parts or a bit less for the helwig but some don't like the harware they have.

So yes a bit over a grand but SOOOOOOOO worth it.

The FORD prices I have you are high wholesale you can find on the web or if you have a decent dealer they should give you "repair shop"/wholesale pricing for that many parts.

I have been reading and posting on this subject since mid 01 B4 I ordered my 02 I knew there was real problem with it I also knew that there was no problem with the pickups so I oreded the X, ordered pick up parts and figured it out.
My 02 had air bags you will note my 05 has modiifed F code rears, and no bags.

Add your Info as requested and have a look at pictures linked under my sig as well as TxAngler, Pharmer, and CaryT there are others as well.

there are many ways to do the rear only a few for the front
The most correct and least expensive in the front is Us Vs or one of each depending on what you want and what you have. The cost is the same with either.

To bad all the old links are hosed up!

Bottom line is these things can be fixed there are a hundred or two here that have been, lots on other sites and likely many many more by folks who have just read up on what to do and did it.

As I posted on a another spring thread I am close to 1/4 million miles on the two Xs so I know a little about ride and how to get one to tow properly.

Bruce




Bruce

[greaserecycler]

Looked at the fronts springs and there is 'zero' clearance between the bump stops and the springs. None, naada, zip. Photo of rake of truck as sits today.

[Bruce1954]

Originally Posted by greaserecycler

Looked at the fronts springs and there is 'zero' clearance between the bump stops and the springs. None, naada, zip. Photo of rake of truck as sits today.

Yep you are all stock and 100% normal so get going and fix it.

I see you posted you are looking for V or W codes I assume you you know Ws have an inch more arch than Vs.

Also You will likely not find Ws they only are available on 450s or from the dealer
Or you can ask TxAngler for his set.
Bruce

[TXANGLER]

Originally Posted by Bruce1954

Yep you are all stock and 100% normal so get going and fix it.

I see you posted you are looking for V or W codes I assume you you know Ws have an inch more arch than Vs.

Also You will likely not find Ws they only are available on 450s or from the dealer
Or you can ask TxAngler for his set.
Bruce

Only if he buys me X codes and modify's my garage door to clear!!
I have 3.5" of clearance with 130K on the W's. Not bad.

[Bruce1954]

Originally Posted by TXANGLER

Only if he buys me X codes and modify's my garage door to clear!!
I have 3.5" of clearance with 130K on the W's. Not bad.

Darn Steve I am about to catch up with you on miles
Got 126K on the 05
Dealing with an EGR problem right now but otherwise so far so good.

I figured you would chime in if I offered up your Ws.

While you are at it Ask for one W and one X and it will level right out, and ride square and straight!

[TXANGLER]

Bruce I am just over 160K with 130K on the springs. Only 4K last year!!! I just got back from a mud run. It was supposed to be "shooting on my buddys land" and turned out "Man I hope we can make it outta here".
Anyways I need to measure the side to side height tomorrow since it so muddy its not going in the garage tonight!!

[greaserecycler]

Getting ready to do this. Where is the place to order the Helwig for the best price? Also, how many leafs are in the front springs. I am looking at the V-codes (used). Some of the yards are saying 2 leaf and some 4 leaf.