FordExcursions.com Forums
59Excursion
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• Falls City, NE, USA |
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• Registered on 3/19/2007 |
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• 14 posts |
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 Posted:3/29/2007 14:07 |
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Got the hellwig sway bar installed on the rear last night (took about 2 hours). They have revised the kit some based upon previous pics I've seen on this site. The attachment from the frame to the bar is different. Just a single piece, round end with a bushing on it attached to the frame and the other end is threaded. It has a washer and rubber bushing that goes onto either side of the sway bar end. There is no more adjustability in it for ride height as the old pics had showed.
Also put the new bilstein shocks on the front.
Took it for a drive and it is much better yet again. It is 10 times better than stock, but I'm not quite sure if it is done yet. I still have a little bit of not returning to center, so I'll have the alignment checked/adjusted again and if needed add some spring shims on the front axle to add some caster if needed.
I'll probably go ahead and get the radius rods as well but I'm going to wait a week or two and see how the driving goes. If anything it will prevent axle wrap when I get my 500 hp cummins put in 
I wish it came from the factory this way....
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2000 Excursion 4x4 - Planning to swap in a 5.9 cummins soon! |
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59Excursion
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• Falls City, NE, USA |
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• Registered on 3/19/2007 |
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• 14 posts |
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 Posted:4/10/2007 09:31 |
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Got the landyot radius rods installed this past weekend (not a bolt on job with "F" springs) lots of grinding required  , it did make another improvement though. Less wandering during crosswinds and uneven road surfaces. However still some slight wandering and not returning to center. No where near what it used to be, but still not completely gone.
I have yet to get it realigned since all the parts were put on. I eyeballed the toe-in and it is very close to correct.
My only thoughts are ...
The caster isn't enough (so it doesn't want to track straight). May have to add leaf spring shims to correct after the alignment is checked.
Or the steering box is the culprit (I have some instructions on how to adjust it). Hopefully this week I can get it adjusted properly and report back.
Later...
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2000 Excursion 4x4 - Planning to swap in a 5.9 cummins soon! |
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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:4/10/2007 17:52 |
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| Quote: | | ... not returning to center. The caster isn't enough (so it doesn't want to track straight). |
Tracking straight is more of a toe adjustment. Returning to center is definitely a caster issue. With a caster angle that's laid back some, the weight of the vehicle alone will bring the steering wheel back to a neutral position. With an upright caster angle, the front wheels will seem a bit "skittish." Visualize the front wheels on a shopping cart and you can see an example of vertical caster angle (very skittish).
| Quote: | | Or the steering box is the culprit (I have some instructions on how to adjust it). |
Be very careful adjusting the steering box. The instant you feel some resistance while turning the screw in, you will want to back off an 1/8 or 1/4 turn. I know because I messed up one back in the 70s when I overtightened one. |
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59Excursion
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• Falls City, NE, USA |
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• Registered on 3/19/2007 |
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• 14 posts |
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 Posted:4/11/2007 08:54 |
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Anyone have some alignment specs that work the best?
Originally before all the mods (except new balljoints), toe was at -0.1 degrees or -0.1" (which was right on per the alignment machine) and it wandered like crazy.
Now with all the new parts on, I eyeballed the toe again (gave it slightly more than before, but need the alignment checked to see what it is) and it still wanders some.
What toe in amount works the best on these vehicles?
I think the acceptable caster range was like 2.5 to 6.5 degrees? I can't remember what it was before the spring change, and will find out soon what it is now. What is a good number to shoot for? Close to 6.5 degrees to help it track straight?
For the steering box, I am adjusting both the over center screw (on top of the box) as well as the bearing preload (where the steering shaft connects to the box). Hopefully this will help.
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2000 Excursion 4x4 - Planning to swap in a 5.9 cummins soon! |
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59Excursion
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• Falls City, NE, USA |
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• Registered on 3/19/2007 |
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• 14 posts |
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Posted:6/2/2008 09:07 |
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Update to my post...
Alignment was checked, it seems fine. Caster was around 4 degrees.
I decided to replace my steering box during my cummins diesel swap, and the handling is so much improved over before. The old box had alot of slop in it and caused constant attention and both hands on the wheel. Much better now. I do have some 2 degree leaf pack shims to add someday but there's no rush now as it handles much better.
The rear swaybar mounts interfere with the rear springs. This was discovered after some miles were put on. If I'm loaded with adults and hit a good dip in the road, the bolt heads that attach the sway bar end links to the outside of the frame rail directly line up with the spring pack "C" bracket. The bracket the keeps all the leafs together... It is a very load clunk and will need resolved. I suppose I can redrill the mounting holes in the frame an inch or two forward or back to clear the bracket.
Also, the Landyot radius rods which I had to modify to fit these springs is interferring with the front spring attachment point. I had to grind away the corners of the bracket that clamps down on the spring pack in order for it to fit. However, as the rear suspension compresses, the rounded corners of the bracket are still rubbing on the spring mount. I don't have much more material to remove before I get into the holes for the "U" shaped bolt that holds it on. I can't move the brackets back because I also had to grind on the other side for clearance with the next leaf spring.
So I still have some work to do...
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2000 Excursion 4x4 - Planning to swap in a 5.9 cummins soon! |
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