I just finished installing my V codes up front and I am going to do the F's next. I want no exra lift other than the 3/4" mentioned. Do I need any parts from the original spring packs like the traction bar leaf?
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I just finished installing my V codes up front and I am going to do the F's next. I want no exra lift other than the 3/4" mentioned. Do I need any parts from the original spring packs like the traction bar leaf?
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No, you shouldn't need anything except the Excursion's shackles, u-bolts, and spring block.
Ty
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2004 4X4 Excursion XLT 6.0L Black, intake elbow, straight pipe, modified W and B code springs
1945 Ford GPW
1973 Jeep CJ5 350, NP435/TeraLow geared Dana 20 and lockers
1988 Dodge Ramcharger 360, NP435/241, D60s, 37s
1963 Dodge M43 Ambulance
7.3L IDI project engine
Besides the obvious, what exactly are blocks and leveling kits?
So how do "blocks" and "leveling kits" play into this?
What I am looking for is a better ride, of course, future towing needs, and a lift high enough to put 35's under it. What do I need to stuff 35's under it... doesn't seem like much is needed.
I do not expect to be doing anything off road more than light trails.
I was looking at the 450's W's from Bruce's chart will give me about 2.5" lift.
Not sure about the rear.
/tg
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2000 Excursion Limited 4x4, 7.3PDS, DP-Tuner switch chip w/ Valet(35MPH Max)\Stock\High-Idle\80-TowE\80E\120 Race\140 Aggressive, BFG All-Terrains, Ford AIS w/ fender sleeve and Zoo-Dad mod, 4" Flowmaster Exhaust (Turbo Back), 3-Gaug Piller pod w/ Autometer Phantom EGT\Boost\Transmission Gauges, 2003 "Jeweled" Headlights, 2003 Painted Grille. Roof Clearance Lights. Royal Purple front to back.
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Besides the obvious, what exactly are blocks and leveling kits?
So how do "blocks" and "leveling kits" play into this?
What I am looking for is a better ride, of course, future towing needs, and a lift high enough to put 35's under it. What do I need to stuff 35's under it... doesn't seem like much is needed.
I do not expect to be doing anything off road more than light trails.
I was looking at the 450's W's from Bruce's chart will give me about 2.5" lift.
Not sure about the rear.
/tg
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A leveling kit usually has an add-a-leaf to be installed between the leaves of the front spring pack. It brings the front end up "level" with the rear of the truck by the added thickness of the spring pack and the increased spring rate.
A spring block is the block between the rear spring pack and rear axle. The SDs come with rear blocks of various thicknesses depending on application (ie Excursion, F250, F530 etc).
Link above has the results of W code install on my Excursion. I got approximately 2" from the front springs. Despite the additional height, I don't think 35s will fit with the Ws alone. 35s will probably require another 2" lift from an add-a-leaf, Donahoe 2" mini spring pack, or a hanger kit.
Ty
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2004 4X4 Excursion XLT 6.0L Black, intake elbow, straight pipe, modified W and B code springs
1945 Ford GPW
1973 Jeep CJ5 350, NP435/TeraLow geared Dana 20 and lockers
1988 Dodge Ramcharger 360, NP435/241, D60s, 37s
1963 Dodge M43 Ambulance
7.3L IDI project engine
I am new to this forum but have been reading fore a while. I have a few questions about an upcoming suspension upgrade. After reading the 20k posts on this subject I am more confused than ever.
I have a 2005 EX, 6.0, 4x4 with 40k on it. With much reading and consideration of all the posts, I plan on putting "W" front and modified "F" rear springs. I also am going to install Hellwig front and rear stabalizers, new steering stabalizer, and new shocks. I usually alternate between empty (wife and kids) and loaded with tools towing an equipment trailer for work. I may look at bags and radius rods after checking the ride.
My questions:
1. What else should I look at doing or not doing?
2. What am I going to need to install the "W" fronts that will not be coming off the EX or is it just a straight spring swap like the "V"'s?
3. Are the Hellwig EX bars going to work after this or do I need to get the Superduty ones?
4. Since I am going to change the shocks, what should I be looking at?
I have enough questions to fill a book right now. Any help would be great.
IMO..keep your frt sway bar and get a 30mm SD rear. Get Bilsteins or Donahoe signature Series, their clear coated so they won't rust-tarnish.
Unless your towing Heavy ya don't need bags. You won't need radius rods, mine corners flat and 50mph+ cross winds don't affect it! You can go with a aftermarket steering stabilizer.
You didn't say anything about wheels and tires...going to a 9-10 wide rim and 12.5" wide tires will really help the stability and handling of your X.
Cary
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95 f250 4x4 xlt Excab Lb. white, BTS Trans, 4.10ls, Dana 60, ORU RS kit DR 4"front 5" reas springs!, Bilsteins, Centerline 18x9", 37" Toyo MT's,H2e, Tapercore IC,3" Billet intakes, Tymar 4" exhaust,intake and HX mod,Beans 2's, Stealth and Fuel system and DI studs, JS's IDM mod, TW 4 pos chip,TSM Rear Disks, 198k miles.
2004 EB 4x4 6.0 X born 05/18/04
white, LS,premier group, tow package, dvd. centerline 18x9" w/ 35" Toyo MT's, Edge 4.5" Lift, V's & custom B codes 37k miles 3rd turbo 6 5150 Specialy valved Bilsteins!
1976 EB Exploration daily driver
1971 EB Hard Core Crawler
2006 Yamaha FJR1300
2005 Suzuki King Quad
My questions:
1. What else should I look at doing or not doing?
<font color="blue">Suspension wise looks like you are doing the right things.</font>
2. What am I going to need to install the "W" fronts that will not be coming off the EX or is it just a straight spring swap like the "V"'s?
<font color="blue">A couple good floor jacks and some strong jack stands! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] They should swap out just like the V codes. The front springs were easy, the rears were a pain.</font>
3. Are the Hellwig EX bars going to work after this or do I need to get the Superduty ones?
<font color="blue">The Helwigs will be fine, I only changed my rear to a Helwig and lengthened the rods about 4". I was already lifted 4.5" before the spring change and the bar was being "pulled" a little much for my liking. </font>
4. Since I am going to change the shocks, what should I be looking at?
<font color="blue">Alot of guys on here are running the Bilsteins and are happy with the ride. </font>
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BTW, welcome to TDS.
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Steve O
04 4WD Excursion
5.5 DR lift w/ modified V and B codes
37" ProComp XTreme AT's
4:30 gears
Onboard air w/ horns
FS2500 Filter system
Spearco Intercooler
I am looking at 33 x 12.50 or the "metric" equivelent tires. I think they will fit after the spring swap.
The trailer I pull runs about 6-8k depending on what I tug, but can run 10k. I was looking at the option of leveling the rear with bags but might get Timberns, just to catch the periodic heavy load. I am not really interested in Radius Rods but would consider them to improve the ride.
Thanks for the help.
Thanks for the reply. When I asked about the "W" fronts I was really asking about parts neccesary, not tools. I was just making sure that I could scavange the parts I needed off the EX springs to install the "W" springs, just like with the "V" install everyone does. I just didn't want the axle on jacks in the driveway on Sunday and find I need longer u-bolts, or spring bolts.
Yeah, sorry that was my attempt at humor for the day. I kind of figured that you would know what tools are needed if you are tackling the job yourself. There are just two leafs on the front springs, same as the springs you're taking off. Longer u-bolt are not needed.
There, I fixed my post above to show humor. Ha [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]
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Steve O
04 4WD Excursion
5.5 DR lift w/ modified V and B codes
37" ProComp XTreme AT's
4:30 gears
Onboard air w/ horns
FS2500 Filter system
Spearco Intercooler
Buck.
On some previous posts here or possibly on one of the other forums it has been pointed out that Ford specifies new U bolts when R&R springs. Some have reused their old U bolts out of expediency but opted to at least get new nuts. I just got new Vs and Fs from the local Dealer and ordered U bolts at the same time. Only took a couple of days for them to come in. Had them installed yesterday with a new Helwig rear sway bar and Rancho RS9000X shocks. Also got some new fender nuts from the dealer for installing the top of the rear shocks. I did not modify the F codes on the rear and I ended up with the rear being 1 inch higher than the front which was what I wanted. With the stock tires I can still get it in my garage during Hurricanes if necessary. I have only dirven it home from the Garage where they were installed yesterday-about 15 miles, but I have to join the others here who rave about the improvement. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img] I felt like I had just taken an old vehicle and traded it in on a brand new good handling and nice riding BIG SUV. Thanks to all on TDS who offered such great information and advice.
Ben
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2003 7.3L PSD EX. 63K, V & Fcodes, Helwig, Ranchos
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I may look at bags and radius rods after checking the ride.
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You're more than welcome to test drive my '05 with the radius-rods if you get down to Newport News at all. It's the only suspension mod I've done on this Excursion.
I just scored myself some freebies off an 01 crew cab F250 4X4. Spring codes on the door were U front and A rear. What else do I need besides the appropriate U-bolts? Can the rest of the stock stuff be used? This s for an 01 Excursion with a 7.3 4X4. TIA
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01 Excursion 7.3L Powerstroke. Gauges with AIH Delete, AIS, CCV Mod, 4' MBRP, BTS Trans, 6.0L Trans Cooler and Intercooler, DP-Tuner F5 chip, ITP In Tank Mod and Boost Annihilator, Diesel Innovation's Regulated Fuel kit, BTS Big Oil system, Van Turbo and BPD Stage II AC injectors. Bilstein Shocks with U code front and A code Rear.