suspension advice

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Jun 25, 2012 | 08:45 AM

keepnthepeace

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Joined: Apr 2002

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From: princeton, west virginia

suspension advice

I will try to make this as short as possiable. I have an 02 gas and an 02 diesel excursion. the diesel is my wifes everyday vehicle. we are getting ready to go on vacation and after checking the diesel out before we make the 500 mile one way trip, I determined that it is in need of ball joints, wheel bearings breaks. I had been planning to get it done but time has gotton away from me. the gas excursion has about 4 or 6 inches of lift on it, but all front end components seems to be in good working order. Here is the million dollar question, can I just take the diffs and suspension out and swap them from the gas to the diesel? A neighbor (with good intention)said that in may not work since one is gas and the other is diesel. He isnt a ford guy so I said I would check with FTE and see what I could find out.

P.S. Any one live near southern WV and willing to lend a hand. I dont have a good place to do it at.

Thanks for any and all help.

Jun 25, 2012 | 11:40 AM

wildstang

VT Chapter Ldr

Joined: Apr 2004

Posts: 96,096

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From: Orange, Vermont

I think it should. Stock front springs may be a lesser spring rate becase the diesel engine is heavier. But I assume your are just talking about changing the front axel and not springs? As long as both are the same gear ratio shouldn't be a problem. I guess if they weren't you could still use it as long as you stayed in 2wd and didn't need to use 4wd. All excursions, from what I have read, used the dana 50 front axel.

Jun 25, 2012 | 11:56 AM

wpnaes

FTE Chapter Leader

Joined: Nov 2010

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From: N. IL

I'm not sure that's a million $ question. Ball joints, wheel bearings & brakes would be a lot cheaper and faster than swapping between the 2 trucks. If you've got time to swap, why not just replace with new parts?

Jun 25, 2012 | 12:12 PM

keepnthepeace

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Joined: Apr 2002

Posts: 126

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From: princeton, west virginia

It is going to cost me over $1100.00 in just parts. I already own the doner vehicle. It would only be my time and not money. I am preparing to go on vacation and just dont want to shell out $1500 to $2000 right before vacation. On top of that if I do the swap I will be gaining 6 inches of lift on my families everyday vehicle.

Since I am changing suspension too, there isnt a lot of bolts to take lose. Right? 4 for the springs, 4 for the universial, losen the brake lines and park brake cable, sway bar links. basically the same on the front, plus I will have to take the steering apart somewhere. Any suggestions? If anyone has in advise for or againest me doing the swap, please let me know.