I posted this in the Super Duty Forum:
When I purchased my '04 Excursion last year in July, my wipers worked perfectly, even washing my windshield at over 70 MPH. Winter came and I installed winter blades and they worked perfectly. Well actually the rear replacements do not contour the curve of the rear window (I tried 2 different replacements). As spring approached, I noticed that the driver side wiper would "float" at 50-70 MPH. It would float mostly in the center. I had the dealer replace the wiper arm and it didn't make a difference. I installed a set of Anco AeroVantage wipers and the driver's side still floats at highway speeds, the passenger side is still perfect regardless which blade is on. I don't understand why it was fine and even with a replace arm it still floats, the tension between the two front wiper arms seem to be the same. Years ago, I purchased a set of wiper arm springs from an RV store that clipped on the outside of the wiper arm "hinge" that gave the arms some incredible tension, even at 70 with high crosswinds. I have been looking for a set and just can't find them, does anyone know where to buy these?
Rear Winter Blade:
My other question is for Excursion owners. Has any one found a good rear winter blade that contours the rear window? The factory blade works OK in warm weather. Will I have the same problem with an aftermarket replacement blade or will I have to buy a factory blade? Sharing your experiences will be greatly appreciated.

 

The Innovision frameless blade by Trico is pretty nice when new, but it's expensive and doesn't seem to last very long. I bought all three about a year ago and they're shot. I don't use them alot, it doesn't rain much in NM, so I was hoping for a longer life out of them. There is a new frameless blade out now, but they're even more expensive. I don't remember the name, but I think I saw them on tirerack.com. The frameless sounds like a good concept...instead of 6 or 8 contact points, the blade is molded to conform to the contour of the windshield. No frame to catch air and lift off the windshield. BTW you can use 24" in the front and 18" in the rear.

Who's just giddy with glee with the wipers you're using?? C'mon, share with the class.

 

Downsized: I agree on the front blades with SZAlbNM - you can go up to 24's (I use 22's), but if you're having trouble with winterblade contouring with the stock 16" blade size on the back, I'd drop down in size an inch or two. I use the Anco winter blades as well as another product I found at either Sam's Club or Costco - I'll dig out the blades and check.

 

Thanks for your input, it is much appreciated. Has any one had any issues with the driver's side lifting during use at high speeds? Should I buy another wiper arm to try? If now one else is having a problem, then the replacement arm must be defective (weak spring). Like SZAlbNM said "C'mon, share with the class."

 

I saw the additional wiper tension springs at an Irving gas Station in Bow NH. I got some a few years back out west at a truck stop. Hollar if you cant find any locally.

 

I found the other frameless blade. They're called Valeo and they're 30 bucks EACH on tirerack. Even on EBay they're over 50.00 per pair. I'd say they're pretty proud of those!

 

The Valeo blades are ptetty trick, they are OE on the new Ford 500 and Mercury Montego. I use Bosch blades on my Ex and have had pretty good luck, I run with 21's up front and 16" in rear. When I need new ones I am going to jump up to 22" front. BTW, the Anco winter blades suck and highway speeds.

 

I was at my dealership yesterday and they had a GT in the showroom. It had (what looked like) the Trico blades except they had air spoilers on the blades to put pressure on them at high speeds. I didn't measure the length or checked out the mount, but they looked like they would go on the X. They were today's version of the wipers of old (spoiler on the arms of the old, now on the wiper of new).

 

[I saw the additional wiper tension springs at an Irving gas Station in Bow NH. I got some a few years back out west at a truck stop. Hollar if you cant find any locally.]

try looking at a truck stop i saw 4 pairs

 

if your X is still under warranty, tell the dealer to put another wiper arm on. i just put a set of 24" blades on mine and have no problems, nor did i ever have. there is no reason why you should have to put an aftermarket spring in addition to the factory arm for a wiper blade. but, thats my opinion. and you know what they say about opinions.....

 

I have not had any issues with my front wipers on my 2000 X. On the rear wiper I find I am replacing the wiper blade every 9 - 12 months.