FordExcursions.com Forums
Phil Eaton
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• Lander, WY, USA |
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• Registered on 4/28/2003 |
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• 42 posts |
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 Posted:4/28/2003 17:53 |
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Thanks to the SuperFord and members for some valuable information. I have an Excursion that I love and I was searching for some increases in suspension compliance and the site has been great. The Big O tire dealer in my area does a lot of truck lifts. He had some front leafs leftover from a new v10 superduty lift and I had them installed on my X to provide about a 3 inch lift. Nice improvement in suspension travel and corresponding compliance. As per other reading, Ford designed the frame to be part of the suspension and it works well in its on right. I prefer a rigid frame and a compliant suspension with good travel to absorb bumps and minimize flexing and associated vibrations to the passenger compartment. I also shaved an inch off the bump stops to further minimize axle contact with the stops and therefore the frame. The springs are now doing a great job on the larger bumps I encounter every day on secondary roads.
The only problem now is a "floaty" ride that I hope to cure with some Bilstein 7100 shocks I have on order. Ordered the shocks with a low compression rate and a high rebound rate to keep impact harshness down with controlled ride and handling. I'll post what I find when the shocks come and are installed. I now have about 3 1/2 inches between bump stops and axel contact so I believe the frame is not participating as much in shock absorption. Vibration and jolting for driver and passengers has been reduced.
Washboard surfaces are still a problem with significant shake and vibration. Velvet ride shackels have helped, but the frame was intentionally designed without stiffness. Any ideas on stiffening the frame i.e. boxing the frame? I have previously had great experience stiffening the chassis of Mustangs with sub-frame connectors. This is obviously much different, but I wonder if anyone has tackled this issue before. Boxing the frame will be very difficult with many components in the way. I am wondering about boxing the center portions of the frame within the wheelbase that are more accessible. Any thoughts?
Also, the centramatic wheel balancers are unreal. Expensive but great. $200 for all four. I expect to get more miles out of my LTXs in addition
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Dave Mumford
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• Dartmouth, XX, Canada |
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• Registered on 5/13/2003 |
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• 2 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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Posted:5/13/2003 20:40 |
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Did you install the Bilsteins? How do they perform, Im considering changing my OEM shocks as the DON"T WORK. 
2000 Limited "X" c/w 4" exhaust, Hellwig rear sway, Pia 980 dual lamps c/w Hypertech programmer driving the 7.3l bad boy. Tows 7500lb 33' Jayco in cruise... |
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Phil Eaton
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• Lander, WY, USA |
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• Registered on 4/28/2003 |
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• 42 posts |
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Posted:5/14/2003 09:50 |
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I did install the Bilsteins and they made a great difference. I went with the high end with the 7100 series. I was looking for low impact harshness and started with the idea that I would get the standard bilsteins and order a custom valve rate with low compression and a high rebound rate. The custom valving is $50 per shock for standard shocks, but included with the 7100s so the cost is simular with a high end nickel plated shock. I deal with a lot of washboard on secondary roads. If you don't deal with that or interstate expansion joints, I bet you would be happy with the standard bilstiens. However, if you don't mind the expense and minor fabrication, go with the 7100s. |
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