I originally posted this in reply to "Porpoising" but didn't get any responses, so I thought I would try it as a separate topic.
I've been following the suspension upgrade threads, and it seems most of you have 4x4. How many of these mods are applicable to 2WD? I am planning to order the Bilstein shocks soon, I found part numbers for 2WD application. What about steering stablizer and front and rear sway bars? Do I need them, and would they even fit on a 2WD? None of my driving is off road, but I do sometimes go down dirt roads with lots of potholes.
I have also thought from my research here that these are all bolt-on mods, no welding required. Is that correct?
Ron
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2001 PSD Excursion XLT 2WD, Medium Steel Blue, Comfort and Convenience Group, Limited Slip, Aluminum Wheels, Power Heated Trailer Tow Mirrors EBM2
Reputation is what others see, Character is what you do when no one sees.
I have done the Bilstein and Helwig upgrades on my 2000 4X2 X. Did them both at once, so can't tell you incrementally which helped most, but, together they are great. Really helped with the "out of control" feeling over rough pavement/washboard roads. (We gotta lot of this in NW IN).
DOn't have the steering stabilizer yet, but thinking about it. Sorry, don't have stock numbers for the items, but I purchased the Helwig from JC Whitneys, about 130.00. Shocks were about 80 each, dealer got them for me.
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2K 4X2 X XLT, Dk Satin Green, PSD, BD Power 70hp chip, PSD badges, 24" wiper blades, PIIA headlamp bulbs, front & rear air dams, Muth mirror chevrons, Audiovox swing-down TV/VCR, Playstation 2 (for DVD & keep lil' critters happy), Hellwig anti-sway bar rear, Bilsteins all around, Ford mudflaps, Stanadyne additive from DIS, WD Ram-Air
I have a 4X2, Bilsteins, rear Hellwig. Ride is greatly improved. The Hellwig is an easy install, as are the rear shocks. the right front is a bit of a PITA, but very doable. No welding, no cutting, everything is bolt on. A lift greatly simplifies things, but it can be done on the ground. I put the bar on on the ground, and I am almost 70 years old! Go for it, you wont be sorry. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]
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Ferraris do not break down, They just sometimes stop to be admired [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]
1970 Brabham BT29 Formula B Race Car Blue/black
1999 Ferrari 355 F1 Berlinetta Red/Tan
2000 Excursion Limited 7.3 2X4 White/Grey
2002 Excursion Limited Ultra 7.3 2X4 White/Tan
2002 Mercedes CLK 320 Blue/Grey (wife's car)
I've got the Edelbrock IAS's and they work for me on my 4x2. On a particular section of road that used to bump my head on the drivers door glass, now is just a minor roll.
I'm considering the Air Lift rear air bags, plumbed independantly, for a minor sag condition when trailering, and also to stablize the little bit of sway in the rear end.
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2000 Ford Excursion XLT 2WD, Chestnut/Parchment, V10, 3.73ls, autolamps/DRL's, Rear air deflector, Banks Powerpack with Transcommand, Edelbrock I.A.S's, 1 steel rear lift blocks, Tekonsha Sentinal. Towing a '00 Holiday Rambler 31 SKS, 10K gvwr
From what I have read they are available for our 2\WD tanks. The part # are different though. It is not going to be too long before I get these upgrades done. I am also thinking about the 550 X springs to.
I know that the stock suspension sure leaves a lot to be desired [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img]. Heck a truck is a turck or so I thought. Ford desperately needs to offer a heavy duty suspension package for us that prefer them [img]images/icons/mad.gif[/img]!! IMHO
Take care and have a goodn' [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]
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<font color="red">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~</font> SMILES and the best to all**Ed-<font color="red">RETIRED</font>**OINKING-BILGE-RAT <font color="red">FREEDOM IS NOT FREE ! ! !</font>
2005 LTD. X PSD 2WD FIBERGLASS RUNNINGBOARDS; SUNVISOR: REAR DEFLECTOR
<font color="00FF00">BENEFACTOR**<font color="red">NRA</font>**<font color="red">LIFER</font>**<font color="red">TX.ST.RIFLE ASSOC</font>**<font color="red">GOA</font>**<font color="00FF00">MEMBER</font>**<font color="00FF00">NRA/ILA</font>**<font color="red"> I VOTE ! DO YOU ? </font>**QUACK*QUACK ! ! !
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