FordExcursions.com Forums
kevinthomas
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• Reedsville, PA, USA |
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• Registered on 8/27/2005 |
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• 7 posts |
• 1
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 Posted:7/5/2007 16:20 |
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Hey everyone....my 2000 7.3X Limited is due for tires this month and the shocks are still stock too so I'm looking at changing them. A good friend in MD who is a body repair guy (knows vehicles inside and out) is a fan of replacing with stock/OEM parts believing that that is what the vehicle was designed around. I'm not necessarily in agreement with this but I will admit I respect his opinion greatly.
Having said that, I've been considering the Rancho 9000X's though I am interested in anything.
Same with tires....right now, it has 285/75R16's on it. 265's are the recommended stock tire. I like how they fill up the wheel wells on the X but cannot turn the wheel all the way to one side or the other and and would like to kick up the fuel mileage if possible. I have been looking to see if there are any 275's that might split the difference. I tend to be sensible in cost but quality is much more important than cheap.
I use my X mainly for hauling music equipment (I'm a full-time musician)....mostly it's just filling up the back of the X with drums but at some point I am looking into pulling an enclosed utility trailer AND i currently pull an 18ft landscape trailer full of atv's when we head to the mountains.
I just recently replaced all the brakes and rotors with the ART package and am quite pleased. I would greatly appreciate suggestions on shocks and tires (and pics are even better...gotta keep it looking great!)  
Thanks for the help! |
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CHPMustang
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• Plano, TX, USA |
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• Registered on 7/24/2002 |
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• 1,800 posts |
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Posted:7/5/2007 17:55 |
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Hey Kevin,
If you're running 285's and it's not turning full lock to lock I'll assume you have a 4x2 X which could present some of the tire rubbing issues.I suggest going back to 265's to get back your full steering abilities,the taller the tire the more fuel it takes to get the truck rolling thus less mileage. I can't say anything for 275's as I've never purchased a set.
For your shocks I suggest the 9000X model as I have them installed on our X for the last 5 years been thru every extreme on the road possible.
To help with mileage I suggest free-ing up the air intake with a Tymar style setup,a 4" free flowing exhaust system or a Walker Big Truck Muffler to replace the performance choking stock muffler.
A performance tuner such as a SuperChips MicroTuner or Edge Evolution will help with mileage as well as performance.
There's other odds and ends mods that can be done if you're mechanically inclined and have a good set of tools.
Bill
2002 Excursion XLT-P 4x4 7.3L Powerstroke Diesel
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kevinthomas
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• Reedsville, PA, USA |
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• Registered on 8/27/2005 |
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• 7 posts |
• 1
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Posted:7/5/2007 19:06 |
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Thanks for the response Bill....actually I have a 4x4....it has General 285/75R16's on it. If I turn the wheel full lock, that is when it rubs. I saw a post somewhere that someone is using Michelin LTX M/S 285/75R16's without any rubbing so I'm a bit confused on why mine rub.
I'm looking for a middle of the road type tire....traction is important for road travel mainly and a softer ride would be nice. |
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CHPMustang
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• Plano, TX, USA |
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• Registered on 7/24/2002 |
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• 1,800 posts |
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Posted:7/5/2007 23:13 |
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Oh you wanna bring up Michelins eh,well thats what we have on our 4x4 Excursion with a very minor rub on the drivers side fender well liner but I believe that it's due to the weak leaf springs I have,they were once brand new V codes 5 years ago but since then they've rested in considerably faster with a 250 lb bumper hanging on the front 
I suggest either higher capacity springs like the V's which will bring you up around 2" higher,a 2" leveling kit or an add a leak kit which bennys about 2.5" or so.
We installed the 285 Michelin LTX M/S a year ago and have been nothing but pleased with their top notch ride,low road noise and ease of balance with a minimum of tape weights being used.
We get great traction out of the LTX on snow,rain and 120 degree Arizona roads.
Guess you can tell I like Michelins 
Bill
2002 Excursion XLT-P 4x4 7.3L Powerstroke Diesel
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