A succes story and a question...

[Chris Brandt]

A succes story and a question

Have been working on the handling problem that all stock Ex’s seem to have. Took the truck into the dealer for some warranty work and had them check out the front springs… Service department calls back and confirms that the fronts were sagged and new ones were on the way. I asked if it was possible to substitute the X-code spring for the stock ones and was informed of a Ford policy against such action. Didn’t push the issue but the service writer I was working with was more than happy to look at a few threads I emailed him on the soft front end problems. While talking about the soft handling he recommended I contact IPD about a rear sway bar. IPD is well known for their Volvo work and have done amazing things for Ford motorhomes, Explorers, and Expeditions. Not the first time they had been recommended.

Now it gets interesting, Pick up the Ex and the front is sitting about an inch higher than the rear, which has to be at least 3 inches higher than stock. The new spring pack came in, was installed, with very little change in ride height. The service writer talks to his manager and gets a custom front add-a-leaf made to stiffen and raise the front end. This done out of the dealers pocket, not mine or Fords. The result is nothing less than amazing. The vehicle rides better, handles better, and is pretty much fine even with the marginal OEM shock.

Part two: Phone IPD, they did not have an Excursion rear bar for sale. I am then told that they were looking for an Ex to prototype on…”is yours available ? “ yes it was…..
The IPD rear bar is beautiful, a 1 3/8” bar with well engineered mounts, bushings and links. Cadmium plated the works. Going to run it for a while and then get back with them to finalize the design. I am sure that it is perfect as is however. We talked about a front bar but didn’t go that far yet. The uprated front springs feels so good that I doubt a bar bigger than the factory 1 ½” is required. I have not seen the Helwig bar, but it would be pretty tough to meet IPD’s quality let alone beat it.

I now have an Excursion that handles wonderfully, and I am picky about handling. The braking is more effective now as well, due to the rear being able to do more work without all the front weight shifting that was going on. This is still on OEM shocks. Bilstiens are in the budget, but it is interesting to do this work in stages to see the incremental effect as well as the overall package. I honestly don’t think it will need the shocks until the OEM ones are dead…

Here is the question I promised. The rear is now lower than the front, the two options being considered are:
the F350 rear block (should give about a 1” front to back rake) or getting a rear custom leaf made.
Does the stock rear spring handle loads well, have yet to hook a heavy trailer up with a full load of people. Anybody who has done this care to coment ? Airbags are not an option for raising the rear, I will consider them for load carrying but do not want to rely on a pumped up bag for lift.

The dealer is Damrow in Beaverton Or. I can’t recommend them enough.

I will get part #’s for the front leaf and sway bar as soon as the manufactures give me an OK to post that info. Might just put together a part # kit for everybody as soon as it is worked out.




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Chris Brandt
Portland OR Y2KPSDLTDX

[X-cuses]

Yowsaa---your lucky day!! I have no input re your questions, but it sure is the beginning of an interesting thread. Did you check the bottoms of your shoes and could you send some my way??
Great experience with the dealer and you get to be a prototype.......some guys have all the luck!
Keep us posted

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Y2K X Limited, 4x4, PSD, 3.73LS, Black/Parchment Cow (don't tell Jimmy's cows), All Alpine with 3 Amps-8 speakers-and 2 10" subs, Movie Vision Entertainment, Fumoto, Bilsteins, Helwig rear bar, K&N, Pro comp SS, Remote start, Hands free cell, PPIII, Dunlop Radial Rover AT 285/75/16 , and the roof rack OFF

[H ED S]

Chris this sounds like what I have been waiting on. I started to order the Hellwigs. By all means keep us updated when you get the Bilsitens on and any other handeling mods you do. Do you know what co. made the front sphelper springs and their
#s.

s on yq Bro. and thanks.

Ed

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Y2K"X" LTD. PSD 2/WD FIBERGLASS RUNNINGBOARDS SUNVISOR &other goodies.LIFER NRA,TX.ST.RIFLE ASSOC.& GOA. MEMBER NRA\ILA.
I DO VOTE!

[Chris Brandt]

The front helper spring is designed for an F250 application. Works just fine as far as I can tell so far. Going to run for a few weeks and see if it sags before making the call on the back. I am leaning towards the F350 block for now and an Airbag set up if I need to be level while towing. The boat is pretty light though so it may not be a problem.

I encourage everbody who tows to look at these mods before spending big $$$ on a hitch. Nothing against the Hensesly Arrow but thats a bunch of dollars to spend on somthing that doesn't improve the everday driving experience.

Speaking of driving experiences, went bombing around the block a few times again last night and can't get the grin of my face. You know the sensation you get in a car that corners well, the squat around the corner instead of the lean... Thats what the Ex does now. A very conforting feeling compared to the old death wallow.



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Chris Brandt
Portland OR Y2KPSDLTDX