pastuki
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• Baltimore, MD, USA |
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• Registered on 5/7/2004 |
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• 6 posts |
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 Posted:5/7/2004 09:23 |
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Hi All, New to the forum. I have a 2002 Ex 4x4 with V10 and 30K miles. The Firebombs were just replaced with BFG's. The handling and ride has always been terrible, much worse than my 2000 F250 Crew 4x4 Diesel. I know the shocks are terrible and am looking to replace them. Rancho or Bilstein? I only drive on the road and tow a 32' Travel Trailer. I also will be installing a sway bar in the rear, Hellwig? The front "bump stops" are anly about 1/2" from the srping. This is a great design! Can I do something about this? What else can I do? It shudders on the highway when I hit bumps and sometimes the rear end wants to come around. The dealer has checked it twice and says everything is in spec! This thing is on the verge of being "unsafe at any speed". Do I have a lemon or are they all this way?
Any and all advice is welcome as I am ready to trade it for a Suburban. I don't want to but I am getting to where I can hardly stand driving it. It really can get scary.
I appreciate your help. Save me! 
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Orf
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• Pittsburgh, PA, USA |
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• Registered on 8/29/2003 |
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• 143 posts |
• 1
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 Posted:5/7/2004 09:40 |
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Check out the forums for Landyot's Radius Rods. I have them on mine, and the improvement is remarkable. I'm pretty sure that everyone else who installed them will agree. |
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pastuki
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• Baltimore, MD, USA |
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• Registered on 5/7/2004 |
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• 6 posts |
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Posted:5/7/2004 09:49 |
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WHat is a radius rod and where does it go? WHat about shocks? Sway Bar? Replacing the bump stop or springs or will the radius rods cure my ills? How hard are the radius rods to install?
Thanks!
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Orf
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• Pittsburgh, PA, USA |
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• Registered on 8/29/2003 |
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• 143 posts |
• 1
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Posted:5/7/2004 14:24 |
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First, read this topic:
http://fordexcursions.superford.org/forums/posts.php?threadid=2417
It has about 9 pages of comment regarding the radius rods.
My 4x4 came with a stock sway bar , so I can't comment on what improvement one might give you. On the other hand, the only suspension modification I've made to mine is the Landyot Radius Rod set. (Hey Landyot, did you get that name trademarked yet?) The radius rods keep the axle moving in an arc, and eliminate the spring wrap common on these beasts. The spring wrap is what makes it feel like "the rear end wants to come around".
As an example, I used to dread a certain road around here that has railroad tracks, because of what you described. Now I don't even have to slow down to cross them.
As for installation, it is fairly simple. It can take as little as 90 minutes, if you have a torch. It took me quite a bit longer, as I had to cut the traction bars with an air powered cut-off tool. |
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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:5/7/2004 15:29 |
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Pastuki - You don't have an e-mail address listed with your profile. Mine is available when you click on my username (LANDYOT). Send me an e-mail, and I'll reply with a lot of info regarding the radius-rods. Ken E.
Orf - You're kidding me, right? The radius-rods have been the ONLY modification you've made to the rear suspension? THANKS for the endorsement! Ken |
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Orf
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• Pittsburgh, PA, USA |
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• Registered on 8/29/2003 |
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• 143 posts |
• 1
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Posted:5/7/2004 20:35 |
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Nope. Not kidding.
Like I said, it came with the factory sway bar, and the shocks have yet to be replaced. When the time comes, I will upgrade the shocks without a doubt. I can't see upgrading the sway bar, as there doesn't seem to be a great deal of body roll for a truck this size, and I doubt I'll be taking it on the road racing circuit anytime soon. |
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JohnBoy
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• DFW, TX, USA |
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• Registered on 9/3/2002 |
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• 972 posts |
• 2
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Posted:5/10/2004 10:23 |
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Hey Orf,
I didn't think my stock shocks needed replacing yet, but ran across a DEAL on some rancho 9000 adjustables and I AM SOLD on them !!!
it is so cool to be able to change from plush cadillac ride to HARD 4x4 ride with the twist of the 4 knobs !!!
but being the lazy man I am will probably opt for the in cab adjusting kit for them...
and they DID improve the ride a bunch... trying to save up for the radius rods, but my pocket book is redlined right now with taxes and building the house...
2005 6.0L 4x4 Eddie Bauer Ex
2003 6.0L 4x4 Limited Ex - traded in (BooHoo )
"The Republicans should back off and let men marry men, women marry women, and legalize abortion. In three generations there would be no Democrats." |
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Orf
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• Pittsburgh, PA, USA |
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• Registered on 8/29/2003 |
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• 143 posts |
• 1
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Posted:5/10/2004 10:54 |
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I am planning on getting the Ranchos when the time comes. I, too, may opt for the in cab adjusting kit. I don't think of it as lazy, just.... Ok. It's lazy. |
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JohnBoy
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• DFW, TX, USA |
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• Registered on 9/3/2002 |
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• 972 posts |
• 2
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Posted:5/10/2004 12:08 |
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for the record... getting down there to adjust them is a piece of cake...
the fronts can be done by reaching over and around the tires,
but the rears you have to get on your back,,, and
it's that getting back up that's SUCH a problem 
2005 6.0L 4x4 Eddie Bauer Ex
2003 6.0L 4x4 Limited Ex - traded in (BooHoo)
"The Republicans should back off and let men marry men, women marry women, and legalize abortion. In three generations there would be no Democrats." |
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Texas4x4
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• Tyler, TX, USA |
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• Registered on 7/25/2003 |
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• 289 posts |
• 1
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Posted:5/10/2004 15:54 |
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.... one can ALWAYS purchase the air lines and compressor module option. That makes adjusting REAL easy.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Kevin Curry
Staff Writer: www.ROCKCRAWLER.com
[email protected]
http://www.texas4x4.com
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