FordExcursions.com Forums
Marty Smith
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• Tucson, AZ, USA |
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• Registered on 10/16/2002 |
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• 22 posts |
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 Posted:11/25/2003 09:36 |
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I've been debating what lift kit to install for quite some time now. Initially thought I would install the edge 4.5 hanger kit, now am considering 6" all spring lift kit. Would love some feedback. Hear alot of ggod things about the 4.5 - just not sure if I like the look of the stock springs hanging low and horizontal. |
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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:11/27/2003 10:05 |
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You can find a good thread on this a couple of pages into the forum.
My .02 cents. If you have family and use your truck to haul people, want something functional and drive on the road most of the time get the 4.5 inch. If you want to run big mud tires and go for the big truck look get the 6 inch. If you do get the 4.5 inch you will need to trim your bumper corners to run 315's - I'm talking the steel part not just plastic. Remember that the F250 the system was designed for sits anywhere from one inch to 2.5 inches higher than an Excursion in the front to start with depending on spring code. You will get 4.5 inches of lift but not enough to run 315's without trimming.
I've been up and came back down. I did a 5.5 inch all spring Fabtech, a 6" all spring Skyjacker and now I'm riding on my comfy 4.5 inch kit with nice soft factory springs. Also - please take note -you will have to do work on your driveshaft with the 6" lift that will have to be redone for the 4.5" lift if you come back down. Tube length has to altered for both.
Think about 40 times before you do any lift unless you are willing and able to do some fine tuning yourself like measuring pinion angles, installing bolt on shims, etc.. Lifts over two inches are not bolt on affairs and require fine tuning for each individual truck to get it right.
Good luck.
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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Stephanie Motzer
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• Anthem , AZ, USA |
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• Registered on 4/3/2003 |
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• 27 posts |
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Posted:12/1/2003 13:06 |
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I have to disagree with Spartan on the trimming of the bumper. Maybe there is a difference between the powerstroke and the V10 but I didn't have to trim the bumper at all and there is plenty of room and then some. Hey Sparten is yours 4 wheel drive? Please don't be offended if it is (or isn't I guess). If not then that could be it as well. The 2 wheel drives sit really really low to start out. Also Spartan had mentioned adjusting the driveshaft. I was having some shaking in the wheel (and the rest of the truck!) and it turned out to be that the tires were out of round. Now that I finally have a good set of tires (It only took 3 sets!) I have no shakes and a very faint vibration from the tires. The springs do sit strange with the 4 1/2" lift but are your looking for performance or looks? If you are looking for performance you will be happy with the ride the 4 1/2" offers. If you are looking for appearance then lift the crap out of it and forget performance all together. |
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Marty Smith
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• Tucson, AZ, USA |
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• Registered on 10/16/2002 |
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• 22 posts |
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Posted:12/1/2003 17:55 |
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Thanks for the tips. Initially I was going to go with 4.5 - decision made. Then for some reason I started looking at 6" or even 8" kit. I was kind of turned off by seeing the stock horizontal springs on the 4.5 kit, but really liked the idea of a superior ride. Then I thought maybe all springs is the way to go - get rid of block and those potential axel wrap problems. With the 6" edge you net about 7" on the V-10 and then you can 37's that look a little better on the X - more proportionate. The X has got to be the only SUV that 35's look small; however i drive this rig daily and alot and i don't know how 6" kit would hold up on excessive daily driving. Anyway, thanks for input. |
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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:12/2/2003 11:57 |
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Craig - we don't have to disagree. Some do and some don't. You are fortunate that your tires don't rub.
Quite a few do with the 4.5 Edge lift. I actually called Kreg Donahoe and discussed this with him at length. He was very candid and said that it was common for Excursions to rub the bumper with 35 inch tires because of the C code spring factor. Ryan at Superduty Headquarters also told me that they cut the lower corners off bumpers on 4.5 inch Edge lifted Excursions when they rubbed.
Yes my X is a four wheel drive. FYI - the two wheel drives are IFS if I am not mistaken. My problem could be the 9.75 inch wide wheels I'm currently running. Will probably find out soon as I think I am headed for 295's for better ride, less noise and hopefully a bit more fuel economy.
You are also fortunate on the drive shaft thing. Maybe they added some length at the factory to correct this ahead of time.
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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