FordExcursions.com Forums
LANDYOT
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• Subscriber since 11/23/2003 |
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• Newport News, VA, USA |
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• Registered on 7/15/2003 |
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• 1,110 posts |
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 Posted:10/30/2003 19:53 |
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SPARTAN was asking a lot of questions about the Excursion radius-rods I build and sell. The problem is I am not allowed to discuss them, or anything, with an intent to sell, on that "other" Excursion website. (Gawd! I LOVE SuperFord.org & 1st Amendment rights!)
If any of you know SPARTAN, could you find your way to sending him over to this site?
Thanks in advance,
LAND YOT |
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Randy McElroy
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• St. Peters, MO, USA |
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• Registered on 10/23/2003 |
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• 12 posts |
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Posted:10/30/2003 20:17 |
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I just recently registered (for the second time after a year of inactivity) as a user on this site. I presented a question last week and a guy by the name of spartan has been giving me some good advise. I wonder if this is the same as your SPARTAN you ask about...maybe you are asking about spartan's dad.  |
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MONGO
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• Sandwich, IL, USA |
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• Registered on 1/3/2003 |
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• 210 posts |
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Posted:10/30/2003 20:17 |
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I don`t know if he`s is the same guy but I did a search, ID 3631 from Nashville TN with a 2000 X. 
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spartan
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• Nashville, TN, USA |
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• Registered on 7/17/2003 |
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• 86 posts |
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Posted:10/30/2003 20:49 |
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Hey Landyot - I'm here. Just posted a message on the " other " board that I would catch up with you over here. Thanks for the inquiry. Here we go:
I'm running a 4.5" Edge hanger system. When I installed this system I removed a set of 6" Sykjacker lift springs sitting on the factory 2" blocks and put the factory springs, with 3% bolt on steel shims to correct the pinion angle, back in on top of one piece 5" steel Edge blocks.
While this has improved the ride of the truck considerably I am looking for further improvement(s) and perhaps a correction for the truck sitting slightly lower in the rear than in the front.
Questions:
A. Would the radius rods work with my existing rear supension as it is?
B. If not, is it possible that they could be ordered with longer rod sections?
C. I am also considering putting the 6" springs back in with a bolt on 5 degree steel shim - no block - bolted directly to the axle. I figure that this would level the vehicle, get rid of blocks completely and prevent axle wrap as much as possible. Would the radius rods work for the 6" spring application or would it require a special order if one is available? The spring mount would actually be closer to the axle than in a stock configuration with this set up.
E. In your opinion(s) - what would be the best route to take. I'm thinking the 6" springs even though they will be stiffer than stock. I did anticipate that I might try this when I installed the kit which is why I went with dual front shocks.
F. The installation photos are showing a one inch block in place of the stock traction bar. Was this used in lieu of cutting the traction bar. Also - do you cut the traction bar in place or remove, cut and use the cut section as a " block. I figure it would be easier to drop the traction bar and stick a one inch block in. I would rather cut the traction bar than burn it.
Thanks much for any info. I can't believe they won't let you share info on the other site. I am a moderator on subguns.com and we let people share information there even if it leads to product promotion in the end. We don't let them list and sell on the discussion boards, but information is free flowing.
FYI - for anyone interested in an obscure part of our society and constitutional rights at their finest - check out Subguns.com and learn how you can own a fully auto machine gun or suppreesed weapon ( i.e. silencer ) completely legal. It's fun. I've been at it for over 15 years.
Thanks very much. Any info greatly appreciated.
2000 XLT Premium, V10, 4.3 LSD Rear, Edge 4.5" Hanger Lift, Landyot Radius Rods, Hellwig Sway Bar, Dual Bilsteins, 295 75 16 Nitto AT's, Billet Grill, Lengthened and Balanced Driveshaft, Hella 450's, Insulated AC Lines, Modified ZooDad, Husky Liners F to B.
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LANDYOT
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• Subscriber since 11/23/2003 |
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• Newport News, VA, USA |
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• Registered on 7/15/2003 |
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• 1,110 posts |
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Posted:10/31/2003 16:06 |
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Questions:
A. Would the radius rods work with my existing rear supension as it is?
ANSWER: My radius rods will work ONLY with the Ford OEM leaf springs. The part that clamps around the leaf spring is made to fit only the Ford OEM Excursion leaf springs ... and WILL NOT fit aftermarket, nor F250 & F350, leaf springs.
B. If not, is it possible that they could be ordered with longer rod sections?
ANSWER: If you're using the OEM springs with lift blocks (in addition to the OEM lift blocks), YES, I can make a longer pair of arms/rods. Send me an e-mail to (click username) and I will reply with a sketch of a single dimension I will need to custom make a set. I'm about to do this very same thing with mine after I install a 2-1/2" lift kit.
C. I am also considering puting the 6" springs back in with a bolt on 5 degree steel shim - no block - bolted directly to the axle. I figure that this would level the vehicle, get rid of blocks completely and prevent axle wrap as much as possible.
ANSWER: If you do, I would suggest you search online for the Pro-Comp traction bars (I think that was their name). They offer some huge traction bars, and they're very visible underneath lifted X's. But I have heard from someone who bought them, and he said he had to delete the bottom-most leaf spring to install the Pro-Comp bars. But check them out for yourself ... I am no authority their bars by far.
D. Would the radius rods work for the 6" spring apllication or would it require a special order if one is available?
ANSWER: No, and I have no way to make a set to fit because I do not have the resourses to buy a set just so I can modify what I offer. If you want to visit me, I will make a custom-fit set ... $300 ... but I cannot fabricate parts for something I cannot see. I'm sorry.
E. In your opinion(s) - what would be the best route to take. I'm thinking the 6" springs even though they will be stiffer than stock. I did anticipate that I might try this when I installed the kit which is why I went with dual front shocks.
ANSWER: My opinion is that it's your decision to make. While I personally like stiff suspensions, I cannot make a recommendation for you. And while I prefer stiff suspensions, I do not intend to make my X's suspension more stiff. I am enjoying its ride. This one has to be your call.
F. Oops almost forgot this one - the installation photos are showing a one inch block in place of the stock traction bar. Was this used in lieu of cutting the traction bar. Also - do you cut the traction bar in place or remove, cut and replace with a section as a " block ".
ANSWER: That spacer block is only 1/2" thick ... and I guess the installers lost the steel I sent them (which was simply cut portions of one of my old OEM traction bars), because the photos show a spacer different from what I shipped them. Yes, it was installed in lieu of cutting the OEM bars. I simply torched mine off ... did not want the hassle of dropping the axle from the springs just to install a spacer I'll never mess with again. On a stock height X, you never see the torched ends from casual observation. In addition, you can't see my radius-rods from casual observation on a stock height X. Of course, if the torched ends are visible (like with a 6" lift), just take a grinder to them, and spray some black paint to make 'em "pretty" again.
Thanks very much. Any info greatly appreciated.
ANSWER: You're quite welcome. Thank you for inquiring.
LAND YOT
PS - If you're the fellow who e-mailed me at my work address, I lost your e-mail address. Today has been hectic ... been moving my office the last 2 days, and picked up a motorcycle in Richmond, VA last night ... it's just been non-stop & I failed to keep up with all the details. Another "sorry." |
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spartan
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• Nashville, TN, USA |
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• Registered on 7/17/2003 |
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• 86 posts |
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 Posted:11/1/2003 14:12 |
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Landyot - thanks a million for taking the time to plow through all that. I'll add some thoughts that others might find useful as they contemplate ordering a set of your radius rods and or installing lifts. There is one additional question concerning a reference you make to OEM blocks.
" My radius rods will work ONLY with the Ford OEM leaf springs. The part that clamps around the leaf spring is made to fit only the Ford OEM Excursion leaf springs ... and WILL NOT fit aftermarket, nor F250 & F350, leaf springs. "
That pretty much makes the decision for me. I'm sticking with the OEM spring so I can order a set of your radious rods.
" If you're using the OEM springs with lift blocks (in addition to the OEM lift blocks), YES, I can make a longer pair of arms/rods. Send me an e-mail to [email protected] and I will reply with a sketch of a single dimension I will need to custom make a set. I'm about to do this very same thing with mine after I install a 2-1/2" lift kit. "
You should already have an e-mail from me, but I will send another to facilitate sending you the measurement. I thought this would be possible when looking at the kit pictures. Also - I am running a one piece five inch block in the rear. The OEM blocks are off the truck. I never liked using blocks on blocks. From looking at the installation photos this shouldn't be an issue. Am I missing something?
" If you do, I would suggest you search online for the Pro-Comp traction bars "
Thank you for the advice, but I will not purchase anything Pro-Comp period and I would also be embarrased driving around with those monster things on my truck.
" While I personally like stiff suspensions, I cannot make a recommendation for you. And while I prefer stiff suspensions, I do not intend to make my X's suspension more stiff. I am enjoying its ride. This one has to be your call. "
I'll be happy to send you a complete set of four Fabtech 5.5 inch lift springs. Then you can really " enjoy " a stiff ride ;). Just kidding of course. The Excursion rides plenty stiff for me as it is with the Edge kit and for any of you considering a big spring lift - don't do it! A 4 or 5.5 all spring lift like the Fabtech will make your X track and handle like a giant go cart - quick and no roll - but it will ride like one too. Your wife and/or girlfriend, friends and kids will hate it, not to mention the pain of getting people in and out of it. If you have older parents and/or car seat kids you know what I'm talking about. And if you yourself are getting on in years - like I am - the novelty quickly wears off.
For those wondering about my signature of 15 lifts - all but two were two to four inch lifts on Toyota Landcruisers with National Spring leaf packs or Old Man Emu coils. Those products ride really nice. Our FZJ80 rides like a Cadillac complete with 3 inches of lift, ARB bars, 9000# Superwinch, skidplates and 285 75 16 tires.
Why did I get an X? I always wanted a big ass lifted truck and now that I've had one - I still really like the truck, the room, the power and everything else - I just don't want a big lift anymore. I would highly recommend an Edge spring hanger lift though. My front end literally floats through dips, bumps and humps out on the road without ever bottoming or bouncing. Just beware the driveshaft issues you will likely encounter.
FYI - the kind of driveshaft problems I'm talking about don't really manifest themselves as vibration until you are going 75 MPH or more so lot's of people just ignore it. I think alot of people with monster lifts and mud tires don't even notice because A. they can't feel the driveshaft vibration over the tires and B. because they can't go 75 MPH. I learned the hard way though when I did big solid axle pickup lift some years ago - ignore it and eventually somethings gonna break when you least want it to.
Thanks again Landyot and good luck to all you X'rs on the board.
2000 XLT Premium, V10, 4.3 LSD Rear, Edge 4.5" Hanger Lift, Landyot Radius Rods, Hellwig Sway Bar, Dual Bilsteins, 295 75 16 Nitto AT's, Billet Grill, Lengthened and Balanced Driveshaft, Hella 450's, Insulated AC Lines, Modified ZooDad, Husky Liners F to B.
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LANDYOT
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• Subscriber since 11/23/2003 |
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• Newport News, VA, USA |
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• Registered on 7/15/2003 |
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• 1,110 posts |
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Posted:11/1/2003 14:30 |
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Hey, you are quite welcome!
You mentioned Landcruisers. Would you believe it was a '78 Landcruiser for which I was able to buy commercially available radius rods? That was shortly after buying the Landcrusher new ... and I was amazed they improved the ride the way they did. I was only looking to improve some offroad performance.
After realizing the X's ride could benefit from an item that keeps the rear axle in a controlled arc, I looked all over the 'net to buy a set ... unsuccessfully. Hence, I built my own. Originally planned to weld them in, then heard a few X-owners complain about their ride quality, so I changed my design to bolt-in.
I look forward to getting your e-mail, and I'll reply with a sketch showing the one dimension I would need for you take.
LAND YOT |
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