FordExcursions.com Forums
Keith Ruff
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• Manahawkin, NJ, USA |
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• Registered on 8/30/2004 |
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• 41 posts |
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 Posted:4/17/2007 09:15 |
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Had real bad vibrations at 65-75 mph, read all of the posts about other owners with the same problem, including the 3 degree spacer deal. Brought the Ex to my mechanic, told him about the vibration and had him look into replacing the plugs/tune-up even though I had 80K miles on it, not 100K as recommended by Ford. He found a ton of problems - upper and lower ball joints were shot, front Hubs were locked/shot, driveshaft constant velocity joint was shot and the driveshaft was also out of balance, and the tires were out of balance at high speeds. Never did address the 3 degree spacers.
Option 1: Spend $2400 to fix the Ex
Option 2: Spend $50K on a new Expedition EL
Option 3: Spend $25K on a used 03 Chevy Suburban with 40K miles
Rationalizing the above options, I chose option 1 since I have done lots of work and maintenance on the Ex and know what I've got - new Rancho's all around, slotted rotors up front, performance brake pads all around with 80% life left, new tires all around, all maintenance up to date. Figured it made more sense to fix the problems and KNOW what I've got rather than buy a used Suburban that I had no idea of what it needed, plus it didn't have the pulling power I need for my 7500 pound travel trailer. And spending $50K on a new vehicle is just not an option at this point in time. Maybe I'll get that 07 Expedition EL 2 years from now when its worth $25K.......
Suspension feels nice now, rides much nicer, not as stiff as before, and the vibration is gone. Did notice some wandering on the highway though which brings up the question, does the 01 Excursions have steering stabilizers? If yes, should I replace it with a Rancho? If not, should I add one. Other options I would guess include the Helwig (?) rear anti-sway bar and Landyot Radius Rods?
Keith |
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Phillip Beall
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• Honey Grove, TX, USA |
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• Registered on 11/7/2004 |
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• 74 posts |
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Posted:4/17/2007 10:19 |
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Keith,
I would have taken the same course you did for the same reasons - plus Kathy simply would not turn loose of the Excursion. 
The ride thing is an entirely different beast. Yes, steering stabilizers are on all of them to my knowledge. You don't even have to squat down much to see it, just look under the front bumper and see if you see a smallish shock absorber looking device mounted horizontally up front. If you do, its there. But, replacing it won't likely address the issue you are mentioning.
Read the thread "Landyot Radius Arms Have Arrived" (http://www.supermotors.net/clubs/fordexcursions/forums/thid-2417?&page=30&rpp=10) for the solution to the ultimate Excursion ride improvement. That link will take you to the last page of about a thirty page long discussion on this very topic. In the last month we bit the bullet and put a rear anti-sway bar and "radius arms" on ours. The drive change is profound.
Please read the thread above and if you have any questions ask away.
Regards,
Phil |
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