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Stiff front end
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Sheboyganjohn
• Sheboygan, WI, USA
• Registered on 3/14/2005
• 38 posts
1
Posted:3/14/2005 12:34
Well I have been lurking here for a bit and finally took the jump and bought a 2001 X 7.3PSD. The one thing I noticed between this one and the others that I test drove was this one had a real stiff front end. It hits every bump in the road hard. I looked at the shocks and they are just plain black shocks. Could these still be the factory ones? Also I noticed that the front stops are only a inch or so above the springs. Is this normal? I have done a fair amount of searching on the site and have found a wealth of knowledge but still need a bit more help.

2001 7.3 PSD 4WD X.
Rancho 9000X all the way around with rear Hellwig
Pyro, tranny, and boost overhead gauges
Predator programmer.
Magnaflow 3 1/2" down pipe 4"back T-409 SS (waiting on install)
CHPMustang
• Plano, TX, USA
• Registered on 7/24/2002
• 1,800 posts
1
Posted:3/14/2005 12:56
Welcome to the Excursion Forums John

Yeap the stock ride on the 4x4's are not up to par for sure

The stock springs are D codes and basically ride against the bumpstops all the time(which is normal according to Ford and within their specifications),we had less than a 1/4" travel between the two when we took delivery,a few months later we swapped out the D codes in favor of V codes which gave us a couple inches travel

The stock shocks are black in color and aren't worth beans,I recommend going with Rancho or Bilstein shocks,the difference is amazing!

There's much to improve the quality of ride and comfort with the Excursion so don't hold back at posting your questions and or concerns

Bill

Bill
2002 Excursion XLT-P 4x4 7.3L Powerstroke Diesel




E. Long  
Subscriber
Subscriber since 1/1/2001
• Atlanta, GA, USA
• Registered on 1/23/2001
• 2,229 posts
1
Posted:3/14/2005 12:57
Quote:
Well I have been lurking here for a bit and finally took the jump and bought a 2001 X 7.3PSD. The one thing I noticed between this one and the others that I test drove was this one had a real stiff front end. It hits every bump in the road hard. I looked at the shocks and they are just plain black shocks. Could these still be the factory ones? Also I noticed that the front stops are only a inch or so above the springs. Is this normal? I have done a fair amount of searching on the site and have found a wealth of knowledge but still need a bit more help.


Welcome aboard and congrats on your new purchase!

The factory shocks are all black so it sounds like that's what yours has. 1" clearance is pretty typical, depending on the mileage. Mine (with 137,000 miles) is at about 3/4" clearance. At 150k I'll start considering some options.

As for why it's riding very stiff, it is possible that one or both of the shocks needs replacing because it could be seized. It's not uncommon for this to happen if something punctures the shock reservoir, if the shock is bent, or if the shaft is corroded from salt/water. I'd definitely throw a new set of shocks at it for starters. With that said, how many miles are on your X?

-Eric

'67 Galaxie 500 - 390 FE, .030" over, FE to AOD adapter, disc brake conversion. The Daily Driver.
'00 Excursion - 7.3L PSD, LANDYOT Gen-II Radius Rods, Factory Tech Valve Body, 200K+ miles and going
edited 3/14/2005 12:57
Sheboyganjohn
• Sheboygan, WI, USA
• Registered on 3/14/2005
• 38 posts
1
Posted:3/14/2005 19:15
It has 60K on it. A bit more about it, it is a 4x4 limited with hood scoops that I was told were factory. They do not do anything since the hood insulation covers up the vents It also has that visor thing over the windshield with clearance lights on it. I ran a autocheck on it and it came back as being titled in one city about two hours from me for its entire life. The window sticker for the last oil change was in the window from the Ford dealer there listing a new air filter and the next tire rotation (which from the looks of it could be the first one). Since I do not know how to post a pic yet here is a link to the dealers web site: stock number 7922. http://www.lenzauto.com/pre.shtml

2001 7.3 PSD 4WD X.
Rancho 9000X all the way around with rear Hellwig
Pyro, tranny, and boost overhead gauges
Predator programmer.
Magnaflow 3 1/2" down pipe 4"back T-409 SS (waiting on install)
Sheboyganjohn
• Sheboygan, WI, USA
• Registered on 3/14/2005
• 38 posts
1
Posted:3/14/2005 20:10
One more quick thing, what does everyone think of Rancho RSX17000 Shocks? I just cannot bring myself to pay 90 a piece for 9000x shocks when this thing will not see any real off roading (a farm trail once or twice a year, maybe, if my wife will let me get it dirty). The main use is a people hauler and a camper puller.

2001 7.3 PSD 4WD X.
Rancho 9000X all the way around with rear Hellwig
Pyro, tranny, and boost overhead gauges
Predator programmer.
Magnaflow 3 1/2" down pipe 4"back T-409 SS (waiting on install)
CHPMustang
• Plano, TX, USA
• Registered on 7/24/2002
• 1,800 posts
1
Posted:3/14/2005 22:36
A few of the guys run with RSX's but more run with the 9000X model.

The RSX run for $155.95 for the set and the 9000X shocks for $224 shipped,both are great deals if you ask me

Bill

Bill
2002 Excursion XLT-P 4x4 7.3L Powerstroke Diesel




Sheboyganjohn
• Sheboygan, WI, USA
• Registered on 3/14/2005
• 38 posts
1
Posted:3/15/2005 07:10
Found the Samsoffroad price on the 9000x and now have them on order. I can't believe how much more Summit is for the same shocks. I could not pass them up for $55 a piece with the buy 3 get one free offer plus free shipping.

2001 7.3 PSD 4WD X.
Rancho 9000X all the way around with rear Hellwig
Pyro, tranny, and boost overhead gauges
Predator programmer.
Magnaflow 3 1/2" down pipe 4"back T-409 SS (waiting on install)
85MH325
• Eastern, IA, USA
• Registered on 3/20/2004
• 54 posts
Posted:3/15/2005 07:22
That's a good deal! After shopping around significantly, and checking specs, I bought a set of Edelbrocks for my Ex... i think they were about $60/corner... So far, I'm really pleased with them...

Roger
CHPMustang
• Plano, TX, USA
• Registered on 7/24/2002
• 1,800 posts
1
Posted:3/15/2005 08:32
Sam's definitely has it going on $$$ wise but I doubt I could wait a few years for replacement shocks let alone a few months

I purchased my Ranchos locally at 4 Wheel Parts in the event the Ranchos need warranty service/replacement the retailer is just a couple miles away and don't have to box up and ship(at buyers cost) the defective part in question to the online retailer such as Sams so I think the trade off was good overall

Bill
2002 Excursion XLT-P 4x4 7.3L Powerstroke Diesel




birdman127
• baltimore, MD, USA
• Registered on 10/13/2002
• 581 posts
1
Posted:3/16/2005 05:11
Quote:
Well I have been lurking here for a bit and finally took the jump and bought a 2001 X 7.3PSD. The one thing I noticed between this one and the others that I test drove was this one had a real stiff front end. It hits every bump in the road hard. I looked at the shocks and they are just plain black shocks. Could these still be the factory ones? Also I noticed that the front stops are only a inch or so above the springs. Is this normal? I have done a fair amount of searching on the site and have found a wealth of knowledge but still need a bit more help.


Welcome to the site John!!
Chp has answered your questions well but if money becomes a issue you can take off 1 inch off of the front bump stop for a smoother ride and less harsh rebounds. Your front bump stop should look like a accordian in a triangle. Just get a good stiff hand saw and remove NO more than half, cutting in between the grooves.

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2000 ltd 6.8 V10*4.30LS*

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Ford Excursion Forums > Ford Excursion V8, V10, and Powerstroke > Excursion Discussion
Stiff front end
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