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:8/13/2004 17:07 |
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Apparently, my theory has been proven. 
The following is part of a PM (Private Message) I received via another Excursion website:
Hi landyot, Congratulations, Hope your Honeymoon was great. I just got back from a camping trip towing my 8000 lb. trailer, it is unbearable to tow. When we got back i followed my wife while she drove the X. I watched the rear end of the truck, you are absolutely correct, that the truck is steering from the rear. We were on the highway driving a straight line and all of a sudden the X looked like it was driving sideways, you could actually see the rear end steering sideways. Unbeleivable that Ford doesnt know this problem. Thanks, Ken K.
Obviously, I deleted out some text, but they were questions addressed to me. Meanwhile, I think it's fascinating that someone could actually SEE the rear-axle-induced steering I theorized. Scary!  |
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BRIAN TOWNSEND
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• Mitchell, NE, USA |
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• Registered on 8/14/2004 |
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• 2 posts |
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Posted:8/18/2004 00:18 |
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These radius rods sound very interesteing. I have all the same symptoms on my 03 X. The dealer thinks that I am crazy when I complain about it wandering. LANDYOT please contact me. Thanks |
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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:8/18/2004 15:57 |
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BRIAN - You should have an e-mail from me in your mailbox.
EVERYONE ELSE - I installed what may be the future of radius-rods on my X this past Monday. I had built a set of “enhanced” GEN-II radius-rods using polyurethane bushings all around, and finally got around to installing them. A photo of it is posted online (click on my username to gain access to my album). Enhancements are all at the spring-clamp end (increased the U-bolts from 3/8” diameter to 7/16”, and the hinge bolt from 1/2” diameter to 9/16”). My original fear was that the rear polyurethane bushings might be too stiff, but initial driving impressions have provided a very comfortable ride. I will still need to test-drive these for a few thousand miles before I can offer them to others. And in case you’re thinking that existing radius-rod kits can be upgraded by swapping out bushings, you’ll have to think again. The spring-clamps and rod-arms are made to different dimensions in order to accommodate the poly-bushings (sorry). The latest batch of radius-rods currently under construction will all include the spring-clamp enhancements, along with the poly-bushings at the forward end.
On a different note, I have started a washer replacement campaign for existing radius-rod kits. Two owners have reported that one of their rear bushings actually “popped” over the large flat washer. One fellow was doing some extreme 4-wheelin’ at the time, and the other was carrying a payload greater than the Ford-specified maximum. Both were able to reposition the bushings (no parts were damaged), and neither have reported any more problems. When I heard of the first instance, I was not too concerned because of the circumstances surrounding the bushing pop … figured it was a one-time fluke. But when the second report came in, I figured I’d better do something because some other X-owners may also “over-extend” their trucks. To that end, I have fabricated dozens of cupped washers to replace the flat washers, and will be shipping them out to current radius-rod owners soon (at no cost to them). My intent with this replacement campaign is to ensure the radius-rods remain the best single modification one can make to their Excursion. Most folks will never experience this problem (I haven’t), so current owners may either replace them upon receipt, or simply stow them away in the event they are needed. I know I will be able to sleep better just knowing they will have them on hand.
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Roger Medbery
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• Stockbridge, GA, USA |
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• Registered on 8/11/2004 |
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• 8 posts |
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Posted:8/20/2004 08:24 |
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LANDYOT,
I’ve been watching the development and popularity of your radius rods for quite some time now on this forum as well at FTE and TDS. We don’t have a lot of bumpy roads in the Atlanta metro area so I didn’t really think I could benefit from them. I recently got a 7500 lb travel trailer and despite my best efforts in hitch set up (Equal-i-zer), I still occasionally get a small wiggle. Your radius rods were being discussed at RV.net and that got me to thinking. Could I be getting rear wheel steering from the TT acting upon the X? In other words could one side or the other of the X being pushed down by the TT have the same effect as one side or the other wheel being pushed up from bumps? Either way I think I want to install a set of your rods, just point me in the right direction, email, PM?
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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:8/20/2004 10:58 |
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A quick radius rod update - I'm the goof that blew the washers on my radius rods through the bushings doing some off roading. I replaced the flat washers with semi cupped washers and I haven't had any further problems. Now that Landyot is sending full cupped washers I seriously doubt there's any chance that this problem could ever reoccur. If you haven't gotten a set of Landyot's Radius Rods for your Excursion or any Superduty for that matter, you are really missing out!
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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birdman127
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• baltimore, MD, USA |
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• Registered on 10/13/2002 |
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• 581 posts |
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Posted:8/20/2004 11:50 |
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| Quote: | LANDYOT,
I recently got a 7500 lb travel trailer and despite my best efforts in hitch set up (Equal-i-zer), I still occasionally get a small wiggle. Your radius rods were being discussed at RV.net and that got me to thinking. Could I be getting rear wheel steering from the TT acting upon the X? In other words could one side or the other of the X being pushed down by the TT have the same effect as one side or the other wheel being pushed up from bumps? Either way I think I want to install a set of your rods, just point me in the right direction, email, PM?
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Roger,
I think I can help you also. I have a 28 foot 7500lb camper also. I have the radius rods on the rear and the camper was flawless. I have a reese dual cam (older style) and 750lb bars. We just got back from Greenport,Long Island out on the end of the island and after 1000 miles towing with them, worth the time and money spent.
Moderator
Scott
2000 ltd 6.8 V10*4.30LS*
Lots of mods
check my gallery
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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:8/23/2004 19:43 |
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| Quote: | | If you haven't gotten a set of Landyot's Radius Rods for your Excursion or any Superduty for that matter, you are really missing out! |
One small note of clarification to add here; I build the radius-rods for the Excursion model only, and do not offer a set for the SuperDuty line of trucks.  |
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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:8/25/2004 19:05 |
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Update for current radius-rod owners -- The "new & improved" replacement cup-washers were shipped 08/25/04 via USPS. |
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birdman127
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• baltimore, MD, USA |
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• Registered on 10/13/2002 |
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• 581 posts |
• 1
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Posted:8/25/2004 20:24 |
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alright......something for nothing!!!!  Look if you need a BETA tester for the "New" radius rods I am available 
Moderator
Scott
2000 ltd 6.8 V10*4.30LS*
Lots of mods
check my gallery
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dddenio
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• Detroit Lakes, MN, USA |
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• Registered on 8/18/2004 |
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• 41 posts |
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Posted:8/25/2004 23:10 |
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LANDYOT,
See there is another SuperDuty looking for a military grade Radius Rod kit for Trucks! I can send my deposit check as soon as your ready to start developing!
Question?
When I installed Hellwig Swaybar kit on 02' Excursion, Big improvement. But I'm thinking on upgrading Rear OEM swaybar on 01' F250.
The OEM swaybar mounts to the rear axle at each side of the Diff. Basically in the middle of the rear axle (providing little leverage against body roll).
The Hellwig Excursion Swaybar mounts to the shock brackets about a foot each side farthur out on the axle (providing more leverage against body roll).
The Hellwig F250 Swaybar is more rigid than stock but uses the same mounts as OEM (thus still less leverage against body roll than Excursion kit)
Am I splitting hairs or can I mount a Hellwig Excursion Swaybar Kit on my F250. Can anyone think of a good reason not to. Would it be too stiff because F250 is lighter? What side-effects are likely to develop by installing this setup?
I have been told due to weight of Truck vs Excursion, X is OK. Truck too light. Well my truck weighs like 500 lbs less than X with cap on box. Not enough to be a problem in my opinion. The truck rocks left & right like excursion used to. Now that X is better, it bugs me to drive truck. 
Yes I am a MOD JUNKIE, in case you were not absolutely positive.
Dennis
2002 7.3L Excursion 4x4, FTVB, MBRP 4" SS Exhaust, Rancho 9000X shocks, "V" code Front Springs & "B" Code Rear Springs, Ride Rite AirBags, Rear Hellwig Swaybar, Cut Front BumpStops, DieselSite Ext Trans Filter Kit - Coolant Filter Kit & 203 stat, "Scotpart" mod, "Hutched & Pooned", "LandYot" Radius Rods
2001 7.3L F250 CC SB 4x4 with banks monster SS 4", pillar guages, BTS Trans, Cale tuned 6 pos chip, 6oh Trans Cooler, Rancho 9,000X Shocks, DieselSite - Coolant Filter Kit & 203 stat. "Sound Deadend the Cab"
2001 7.3L F350 CC LB 4x4 5" Exhaust, pillar guages, BTS Trans, US Gear Underdrive, DP 6 pos chip, V10 Trans Cooler, DieselSite - Coolant Filter Kit, Evans Coolant, 203 stat, DI reg Fuel Return, GT38R BB Turbo, AFE 2 Intake, Banks Intercooler, Air Rite Bags, |
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