I have a 2000 XLT with 117,000. I don't tow, but don't know what the PO did.

My first move was to replace the battery with an Optimus Yellow top.

Ordered 4 Rancho RS9000XLs (got the myRide wireless RC tuning unit free after rebate), Power Slot rotors, and Hawk LTS pads. I needed new shocks and brakes so it was a no brainer.

Wondering on Hellwigs. Front first, then rear, other way around, front only, rear only?

Maybe wait till after the shocks are on?

Hope someone can give me a pointer or two.

Many thanks!

 

Nice upgrade list. I just put the 30mm OEM F350 sway bar on the rear on my 05' Ex 6.0. It's cheaper and only took 20 minutes to R&R, bolts right on.

 

Can u tell us a lil more about the f350 bar? New or junk yard? Did it come with all mounting hardware? Tks!!

 

Don't you have a factory front sway bar?

 

The factory rear sway bar I think is 26mm for the Ex 4x4, the F350 rear sway bar is 30mm. I ordered mine from the Ford dealer, about $100 bucks. When you order the part it comes with the middle bushings but not the end bushings. I just reused the rest of the hardware. Here is the Ford part number. F81Z-5A772-AA

 

My 2000 doesn't have a factory rear bar. I know I will need to buy the end links, but will the middle bushing mounts be there? Where do they attach?

 

On the aftermarket units, they U bolt over the rear axle.

 

All Ex's should have come from the factory with a FRONT bar installed...no need to swap out IMO for a Hellwig up there unless the PO for some reason removed it???

On the rear...poke your head under there...if there is a factory one...no need IMO to swap it out either.

If there is no rear one...either a Hellwig or OEM will work just fine for most applications and if you don't tow...either will definitely work!

Good luck and WELCOME to FTE!!!
Joe.

 

I have learned a lot in the past few days from the forums.
I appreciate all of the info.

The rear Hellwig came two days ago, and joins the list of parts to be added by the mechanics.

Brake light came on, so this is a good time to have it checked out while the new rotors, pads, shocks and sway bar go on.

 

you're gonna love the 9000's !
am stunned how smooth it is going down the long roads !

I've put a rear hellwig on all 3 of the Ex's I've had...
the 02 had no bars so it was AMAZING the difference it made,
the 03 alo improved a lot ,
but I am very underwhelmed with the performance under the 05 afterwards...
not sure if too great of expectations, or the installer did not put it on correctly,
or he didn't put it on at all

 

OK, I don't have an Excursion but an F250 XL is gonna benefit at least as well. My truck came from the factory without a rear sway bar, on schit factory shocks and riding on Contitrac throwaway tires. Not to mention less than adequate factory shocks.
ALL of my initial mods were built around curing the (otherwise good) trucks' handling issues.
In order, I did the following:
1) Added Hellwig 1 1/4" rear sway bar........immediate improvement.
2) Scrapped the ContiTrac passenger car tires (17") and replaced them with XD Hoss 18x10 12 mm offset rims with Michelin AT/2s (18") at each corner......best improvement.
3) Replaced factory schocks with KY gas-adjusts at each corner....more improvement.
4) When it finally became available (recently) for 2wd F250s, replaced the PLASTIC cased schit steering stabilizer with the Bilstein equivalent...immediate improvement again, my steering wheel actually returns to center for the first time since I bought the truck!
These vehicles are capable of WAY more than the factory sends them with. A few bucks and some applied knowledge will turn the limp wristed handling into something to be reckoned with, particularly on the street.
My SD handles like a new Camaro Z (no exaggeration) and tows my skidsteer as if there is nothing behind the truck.
Add a rear sway bar if you dont have one. Replacing the factory front bar with a Hellwig, although not necessary, is sure to enhance your cornering. It's my next mod.