Sway Bar Revisited... - Diesel Forum

RichS · 03-20-2003, 03:37 PM

I've done the search and I don't know if I was looking in the wrong forum or didn't go back far enough, but the information seems to be a little scattered.

The wife is joining the Excursion club on Monday and as part of the deal we requested a rear sway bar installed. The question I have is this -

Did the earlier Ex's have sway bars and if so, will they work on the '03? I did a search on line for the rear sway bar links for the 4WD and came up with a part, but I had no way to check out the part number.

Is the dealer going to have to go aftermarket for the sway bar or does Ford have the proper links available now?

Thanks, just looking for a summary.

RichS

seseattle · 03-20-2003, 07:49 PM

I've been all over this and there is no "factory" solution at this point unless you make a compromise. All of the parts from a SuperDuty bolt right on except the links. There are three options:
1) Buy the SD rear links, cut and weld them as Bruce1954 has done.
2) Find used links from an old Bronco (what I've now done).
3) Use the F250 front links (~1" too long, but very useable).

The other option is to go with the Hellwig kit. From reports it seems a straightforward installation, but I've read a few issues with the link bolts not lasting.

For more info and p/n's, see this thread

Scott

oldscuts · 03-20-2003, 11:44 PM

So I'm confused, in the previous thread someone makes reference to 03 X rear sway bar links, and in some other forum I remember someone that took pictures of a rental 03 X with a factory rear sway bar installed. Does the 03 come with a factory rear sway bar?
[img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

RichS · 03-21-2003, 12:17 AM

seseattle,

Thanks for the condensed version, just what I was looking for. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]
What year Bronco and is it a full-size?

etops_amt,

No it doesn't and it's not an option. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

RichS

JADFPE · 03-21-2003, 01:49 AM

[ QUOTE ]
seseattle,

No it doesn't and it's not an option. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

RichS

[/ QUOTE ]

[img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

Option code 60G includes a rear sway bar on the 2003 model year; at least that is what I am being told. Might be a possibility, but I have not had a chance to check.

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

RichS · 03-21-2003, 06:29 AM

I'm looking right at the "Major Standard Equipment" sheets for both the 4X2 and the 4X4 and the "Group/Miscellaneous Options" sheet and the only mention of a Stabilizer bar is for the front. There is no option 60G listed anywhere.

The only Functional changes listed on the "Major Product Changes" sheet for the 2003 Excursion are

[ QUOTE ]
- Improved ride and handling with teh addition of LST shocks (4X2/4X4) and front jounce bumbers (4X4)
- 6.0L Po9werstroke Diesel
(Lists features)
- 5-speed TorqShift Automatic Transmission
(Lists features)

[/ QUOTE ]

RichS

RichS · 03-21-2003, 06:34 AM

Going to the FordDirect X-Plan build page for the Excursion Limited it only lists the following for options:

[ QUOTE ]
Options/Upgrades

3.73 Limited Slip Rear Axle Ratio............................................. ............. $250.00
Captain's Chairs, 2nd Row Dual Bucket Seats w/Inboard Armrests ...................... $795.00
Mirrors, Trailer Tow, Power Heated w/Manual Telescopic, Forward Fold Arms ................$95.00
AM/FM Dual Media, Single CD w/Clock

[/ QUOTE ]

RichS

JADFPE · 03-21-2003, 09:30 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Going to the FordDirect X-Plan build page for the Excursion Limited it only lists the following for options: ...

[/ QUOTE ]

That might be the problem. I understand or read the option code 60G is only available with the XLT model. Could this be the answer? But if it is available on the XLT, it should be available as a replacemnet part and be a bolt on.

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

RichS · 03-21-2003, 11:02 AM

Well, I talked to the dealer and he said he's going to work on it. I gave him the info on the Hellwig unit and Summit Racing just in case.

RichS

seseattle · 03-21-2003, 12:02 PM

Not sure on the exact dates on the Bronco links, but they are the last years of production. I believe I recall that the last year for the Bronco was '89. I totally lucked out in getting these (at the dealer no less - one of the parts guys was parting one out as I was browsing through the new links). The best solution in using the Bronco links is to remove the bushings and replace them with new SD bushings with the embedded bolt (~$2 ea. new). Almost looks like it was made for the X.

Alternatively, I really think that the SD 2WD front links (F81Z-5K483-BA) would work wonderfully unless you happen to be loaded fully. Then they might hang a little low. See if your parts guy has one in stock and you can eyeball it yourself.

Scott

RichS · 03-21-2003, 09:54 PM

Thanks for the information, Scott. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

Rich

ford_x_3 · 03-24-2003, 04:01 PM

Addco just released their new rear bar for the X.It's 28.575mm/1 1/8"
Only prices I got so far were from NAPA and Summit.$209 plus shipping from either one.Comes with Urethane bushings and all links and brackets.Addco part #2161
Anybody have any experience with Addco vs.Hellwig in the past?Hate to spend the extra $60 something if it's no better.