Next I would start saving for the rear anti-sway bar if you don't already have one.

 

Since you just had a lift done, I'm assuming an alignment is next? Or did they do that at the shop? Another fix that recently came to light is adding caster to 5*, it makes a big difference in steering feel and wander as well.

Rear swaybar has already been mentioned, which is on point as well.

Why only 33's? You should be able to fit 35's with the proper rim spacing and get minor rub at full lock on the leafsprings. Being a 7.3, the larger tires are basically of no consequence around town but on the freeway you'll see an increase in mileage as the larger tires reduce the cruising RPM by about 650-750 which is a big drop on a diesel powerband.

 

After I got the swap done it got an alignment the next morning, it's incredible to drive now. It tracks straight and true on the highway and doesn't wear you out on long trips.

I didn't realize I could stuff 35's under there with just the V/B's. What backspacing should I be looking for?

I found one set of the elusive 2004 OEM 18 Harley wheels in all of NC and the surrounding states and the guy who's selling is waiting for his son in law who is overseas to tell him if he wants them or not. It drives me a little crazy how he put them up for sale without being ready to part with them. I've been waiting for an answer for a lot longer than I should and am thinking about just going aftermarket at this point if he doesn't get back to me soon.

Thanks for the help

 

You may need to bring the nose up level with a drop hanger kit, currently I'm running 35x12.50 18's on -25 and I had to trim the lower bumper corners a hair. Prior to that I was on stock spec aftermarket 16x8's and 315/75's and barely rubber the springs. Now I'm nowhere close to the springs due to offset, but like I said I had to trim an inch off the lower bumper corner.

 

I'm not really sure what ford was thinking putting a 7" rim on a 3/4 ton truck. Could I run a 35x12.5 on the stock 7" rim? I'm working on a budget here so I'm looking for solutions on a stock wheel as well if those OEM 18's fall through and I can't get a good deal on an aftermarket set.

 

Yes, you can. Razzi's 7.3 is on stock wheels and 35's. Several people are on here actually.

I got lucky and snagged my Weld Forged 18x10's for $400 off Craigslist

 

Put just under 2000 miles on her this past week, road trips are now much more enjoyable due to the ride.

The 18 HD's I was looking at fell through, so I'm going to run BFG KO2 295/75's on the stock 16's. Discount tire wouldn't let me run the 315's on the 16's so hopefully the 295's will do the trick. I should be getting them mounted tomorrow.

 

Make DAMN sure you stay on top of the rotate and balance schedule as well as air pressures for your particular rig. I love my KO2's, but the negligence is showing in the tread wear. Well, that and copious burnouts and donuts... because reasons.

I prefer the chalk method for tire pressures. Air up to the max sidewall pressure, drive til tires are warmed up and air pressure has risen accordingly due to heat. Then draw a chalk line across each tire, and drive about 3/4 to 1 mile. The center should be wearing off that chalk line. Drop the pressure slowly in about 3-5 psi increments until it wears evenly, re-marking after each pressure change. Once the line wears evenly across, that's the optimal pressure for that particular corner of the vehicle. Pressures will of course change while towing, for that just go max sidewalk out back.

I have close to 18,000 on my tire and they're back to wearing nice and even, with little balance weight required. Should get about 30,000 out of them if I maintain them properly, which to me is phenomenal considering the weight and abuse they see.

 

I got the new tires mounted up yesterday. I'm pretty impressed with the tires, this is my 3rd set of BFG AT's and these being my first set of KO2's. They ride really quiet and definitely helped out the ride compared to my old decrepit Michelins. RPM's at highway speeds definitely dropped so I'm looking forward to the increase in fuel economy.

Overall I am stoked with how the truck came out, the V/B swap and tires completely changed the look of the truck and the ride is night and day different from how it started. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking to better the ride of their Excursion.

 

What do you guys do about the speedometer?

 

Recalibrate it, did mine with AE both times.

 

Cool didn't realize that AE could do that.