Hello all - I have been lurking since I started my quest for an excursion. Finally found a 2001 "bank repo" that had just came up on craigslist. Took it for a test drive, called the wife and told her I was coming home with an excursion. I got the "ya right, dinner is on the table" response. Not sure she was as impressed as I was when I pulled into the driveway with the Excursion! I think it is starting to grow on her. Better to ask for forgiveness than permission.......... Photo below is the maiden voyage to the lower Columbia river for crabbing. Got 48 crabs in just over an hour.

Now for the fun stuff - 125,xxx miles 7.3 diesel. Pretty much stock. Did the 1st mods this past week. Replaced the shocks with Bilsteins, added an overhead DVD (got the kids on my side now), replaced stock radio with pioneer with bluetooth. Had the ball joints replaced soon after I got her home.

My question to all of the experts is - when I am switching lanes, she has a wiggle in the back end. I am planning on adding Hellwig sway bars in the near future. Should I be thinking of anything else for mods / safety. Tires are Toyo LT235/85 16 mud and snow. I am planning on switching these to an all season as most of my driving will be towing a boat or camp trailer. Any suggestions as to size and brand. I have been reading post after post and seems there are multiple opinions.

Thanks. Look forward to reading and hopefully contributing to the FTE site!
Tim

 

Good find! The tires are the wrong size so that is most likely contributing to the handling issues. The stock size is 265/75R16 and you can easily go up sizes if you want. I went with 285/75's and am very happy with the handling, ride whether towing or solo. You can also check the steering stabilizer - probably still a stock one and is long past it's life span. Good luck and welcome to the site!

 

nice, welcome

 

I too have an '01 X. Had it since it was delivered back on '01. You might want to check and make sure you have 'E' rated tires on her. It will drive much better when the correct tires and pressure on it. Like has been stated a good steering stabilizer and a Hellwig rear swaybar goes a long way towards making it drive better. Eventually I will replace the springs front and rear to keep it off the bump stops. Good find and welcome.

 

I agree with the E rated tires. When I bought mine they were only 8 ply and I had simliar issues that you have now until I switched up to 10 ply tires (E rated) it cured it for me. Oh and Super Nice Ride! Welcome aboard

 

Nice truck, congrats.

 

Nice looking X! I agree with everyone else, 285/75R16 tires in a 10ply and run them near max air pressure, she's a heavy girl with the diesel.

BTW, you should drop by the Oregon section and consider joining up. Lots of people up North (not sure where you are other than near the Columbia).

 

Thanks for the replies. Going to go look at tires next week. Just ordered the Hellwig sway bar and Rancho steering stabilizer from Amazon. Project for the weekend!

 

Nice looking Ex and welcome! Just a note, I too have the Rancho steering stabilizer. I have replaced it twice because of failure. Both times it was replaced under their lifetime warranty. I bought it online but just remove and take it to a local Rancho dealer to swap it out.
I too have the rear Helwig sway bar and a RAS. Corners much better than the wife's Expedition. Good luck, John

 

You might be interested in this compiled info thread I put together regarding suspension, handling, Excursion Steering Wander, and how it relates to driving and towing.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...s-for-you.html

Also, since you have a 7.3L PSD, start hanging out in the 7.3L forum so you can start learning about the engine and drivetrain. Just be careful, PMS may set in (Powerstroke Modification Syndrome) and you'll find your wallet getting lighter and your Ex getting faster and more efficient!

Stewart