Shocks, Tires and sway bar

[vettmike]

OK,

I now have 65,000 miles on my '00 and its time to replace the original shocks, add a sway bar and replace the tires. I have no complaints about the original tires or shocks, but since I need to replace them I want to get better then original.

I know these questions have been ask a hundred time but here goes again.

What are the best shocks for a 2wd?

What is the best rear sway bar for a 2wd?

What are the best original size tires?

What suppliers offer the best prices on the shocks and sway bar?

Should I add/change the steering stabilizer, if so, to what?

Please provide part numbers if you have them.

This X is used to tow an 8500 pound enclosed car trailer 95% of the time and I don't want to add hot rod or performance parts, just good replacement stuff.

Thanks in advance.

vettmike

[issanni]

4Wheel Parts has a special right now for 4 Pro Comp shocks and get a free steering stabilizer and shock boots for $125....check that out, you can't really go wrong there if they have a set for the SuperDuty/Excursion.

[Tailgate]

I don't think the 4x2 have steering stablizers, do they? [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]

Rear sway bar? Hellwig, no doubt. Buy either from Summit Racing or JC Whitney (depending on who has the best deal at the moment). About $140-150 shipped.

Shocks? Boy, there's a lot of debate here. I like my KYB shocks and they are very affordable through Summit Racing (about $140 for the set of 4). But Rancho 9000, Bilsteins, and Edelbrocks are highly suggested on these boards too.

Tires? Heh, LOT'S of debate here. Best size is still probably the original 265/75/16 tires, but the 285/75/16 is a nice substitute. On a 4x2 I wouldn't go any bigger. If I had to buy new tires for my 4x2 (I don't--Ford just gave me new Pirellis), without a doubt I would be buying Bridgestone Dueler Revos in E range for 265 or D range for 285. Probably I would buy 285 D tires.

[vettmike]

Thanks for the imput,

Tailgate, how did you get Ford to buy new tires?

I guess I will be checking out Summit and JCW thisz weekend.


vettmike

[Tailgate]

[ QUOTE ]
Tailgate, how did you get Ford to buy new tires?

[/ QUOTE ]

I was one of the lucky ones to be in on the Firestone recall. If you have an Excursion PSD that still has the OEM Firestone AT 265/75/16 "D" range tires, you can drive into any Ford or Firestone shop and get all four plus your spare replaced with "E" range tires for free. I'd suggest going to Ford and not Firestone, as you can choose from one of five tires at the Ford dealerships (Firestone can only replace with the Firestone AT tire).

[JADFPE]

[ QUOTE ]
I'd suggest going to Ford and not Firestone, as you can choose from one of five tires at the Ford dealerships (Firestone can only replace with the Firestone AT tire).

[/ QUOTE ]

Not exactly correct.

From Firestone's website:

"10. What tires will be used as replacement tires?

Firestone no longer manufactures the Steeltex Radial A/T (size LT265/75R16 LR D) and will replace these tires at no charge to consumers with Steeltex Radial A/T (size LT265/75R16 LR E) tires. In order to ensure that the program can be concluded quickly, Firestone will also offer consumers Steeltex Radial R4SII LR E and Bridgestone Duravis M773II LR E tires. Ford and Firestone also will utilize the following competitive tires as additional replacements: Pirelli Scorpion AT, Pirelli Scorpion STR and BFGoodrich Rugged Trail TA (supply limited)."

I got the Bridgestone Duravis M773II Load Range E tires as my replacements. I got these tires from the local COSTCO Warehouse. Firestone can also provide this tire. If you check Bridgestone's website, this tire is not even listed in the LT26575R16 size. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img] But they are made. I have seen them. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img]

Hope this helps,
John [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

[Tailgate]

JADFPE...

You are correct that the press release says that. However, I've been to four different Firestone locations and they have all told me the same thing: "Corporate will only let us replace the tires with Firestone AT tires." When I would point what the press release said, they'd shrug their shoulders and say "our directive will only allow that one tire." I'd say, "Well what about the BRIDGESTONE tire?" Their reply, "Nope." Then they'd talk about how it wasn't Firestone's fault but rather Ford's because Ford wanted to save money, blah, blah, blah.

This is why I suggested going to a Ford dealership. I called three different dealers and they said "If we don't have the tire you want in stock we'll order it." I wanted to get the Pirellis, so I went to a Ford dealer.

If you can find a Firestone shop willing to put on any of those five tires, you got lucky. Mine wouldn't even "deal" with me to get credit for the recall tires towards the Dueler Revos. One told me, "Yeah I can cut you a great deal...all five tires for $750 out the door." Ummmm, I can get that deal WITHOUT the recall. Sheesh.

[JADFPE]

I hear you. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/depressed.gif[/img] That is why I will not step into a Firestone store. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/vomit.gif[/img] I went to my local COSTCO Warehouse. They went out of their way for me. They were able to order the Bridgestone tires I got and do the recall paperwork. 5 new tires and I was out the door. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/warmsmile.gif[/img] All at no charge. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img]

[tcameron]

Will Ford dealers do an upgrade to Bridgestone 285/75R16 Revos?