When I got my '03 X 17 months ago, it was as stock as they come. The suspension was total mush and it was hard to be excited about driving it, as much as I wanted to be.

I have since added Rancho 9000 shocks and tightened up the steering box, with marginal improvement in handling. I also replaced the drag link in the steering linkage and noticed a good improvement in steering slop. Still running the stock springs at 185k miles.

Yesterday I installed a new Hellwig rear sway bar. I can't believe Ford sold these things without a rear bar. The improvement driving solo with minimal load is amazing. The thing zooms around corners effortlessly without any white-knuckle feel. It feels like driving a normal vehicle instead of a wallowy, sloppy, basket case that only a mother could love!

I am really looking forward to hooking on to my trailers now, I expect to notice a drastic improvement.

 

Thanks for the input. There is more steering wander information in the "Tech Folder" that Stewart put together. I also plan on getting the Hellwig. I am currently traveling with our TT and have the wander issue. Just upgraded tires from D rated 285 Scorpions to E rated 265 LTX's and have noticed a nice improvement already. Hellwig is next.

 

I suspect if you upgraded to fresh V-code & B-code springs, you would also notice a similar drastic improvement, and be equally enthusiastic about that upgrade.

My Excursion has an 8" all spring lift (i.e. no blocks), with double resi smooth bodies & limit straps in the front, and single resi smooth bodies with airbags in the rear. I don't have a rear sway bar (though I'm considering adding one at some point), but given that my Excursion is properly supported & the suspension is properly sprung and damped, I am comfortable driving it in a spirited fashion, despite the increase in the center of gravity due to the 8" lift.

Anyway, I am glad the Hellwig RSB improved your Excursion's handling, though you might also want to research replacing your springs as well at some point as funds allow. I suggest calling Cary @ CT Performance for advice on the most suitable upgrades for your intended use.

 

Mine had D range 285s on it when I got it. I put E range Nokian 265s on it right away and was happy with the improvement. I thing you will be amazed with the Hellwig. It has been the most noticeable drivability improvement I have made so far. It only took me about 2 hours to install.

 

xbox73,

I would love to upgrade the springs but it's not in the cards right now. My X is my daily driver work truck. I know I could probably do the swap in a weekend but the funds aren't there right now. I'm glad you are happy with your results!

 

The Hellwig is in the top three best mod I did to my 05 Excursion 4x4. Glad it's working for you. I'm betting you will see a significant in handling while towing as well. I did with mine, especially while passing the big rigs.

Happy motoring.

-Mark

 

The Hellwig made a huge difference in mine as well. New X/C codes in the garage waiting for the lift to be cleared. Glad you like the Hellwig...and the X!

 

Glad I read this thread, ordered my hellwig sway bar last week and am waiting for it, can't wait to see how it improves the handling, has anyone used firestone or airlift bags in conjunction with the sway bar,,I would like like to how they liked them, thanks

 

I have Firestone air bags, a Hellwig rear swaybar nd Rancho xl9000's and love the setup. Having a 2wd x the swaybar was not a perfect fit o I called up Hellwig nd talked to their engineer. He asked m to give him some picture and dimensions. I think they are re designing the 2wd bar to work better. They ended up sending me. New bar custom bent to my specs free of charge. Bottom Lin you will love the set up.

 

Bergy 2000 thanks, bought my ex from bergeys ford in pennsy,,,

 

They forgot to send me my cut... LOL

 

I'm using the Airlift bags with mine, with on board air. they work fine with the Hellwig. No fitment issues.

-Mark

 

I've recently towed with the Hellwig and realized that I don't feel that pull towards the big rigs when they pass me as much as before I had it. I still feel it, but not as much anymore. RAS is next after I get the roof repainted. Then Y pipe and headers. Then a custom tune.

 

So Hellwig goes on the list after V/B and new shocks since I already did RAS. OK, the to-do has really out paced the budget for mods right now. Oh well, someday...

 

I towed my fully loaded work trailer with it, very nice improvement. When braking the sideways push from the trailer is gone. Panic stops no longer instill panic. Curves in the road are smooth, again no push from the trailer.

Hitch is just a basic Reese WD from Tractor Supply.

Generally a much more stable and smooth ride with less steering correction. Two thumbs up!