Without the blocks in the back, you would be right at level if you modify the B codes. Modified B codes with the stock blocks gives you a rear end about 1 1/2" higher in the back.

 

1 1/2" high in the back wouldn't be bad but level is what I'm after. The only thing I pull is 21' bass boat and it doesn't have a lot of tongue wieght.

 

Lemme tell you, the Excursion will never be confused with a slot car, but after I did the springs front and back, new shocks, and the Hellwig rear anti-sway bar, I couldn't believe how nimble the big beast felt. I was doing a slalom run down the freeway from lane-to-lane weaving between imaginary cones because of how good the damn thing felt! No joke.

It would look better if I had larger tires, but I still run the stock wheels and tires on my rig.

When you do the spring swap, you will be at a stock F250 4x4 height.

Stewart

 

Stewart_H,
I'm not looking for a slot car. Just something that doesn't scare the crap out of me when I drive. My wife drove it for the first time last night and said she wouldn't drive it again until it was fixed. She only drove it a couple of miles and said never again.

 

I know. I was just intimating how well the springs swap works, and was just illustrating how bad the OEM springs are that Ford used.

They should have just stuck with the same springs they put on the F250.

Stewart

 

I went V/Bs(after Stewart figured it out) and the stock X block. I did not mod the Bs. I have the rear sitting about 1" lower than the front which is driving me nuts. I carry about 500 pounds of stuff in the back, but the truck sits dead level when it is under 1/2 tank of fuel. So, today UPS delivers my new 4" rear blocks, ubolts and nuts from Tousley. With ice coming the next couple of days, not going to mess with it. But I will get them in soon. I want the rear slightly higher than the front. I love this thing again after the spring swap. My wife will even drive it now. I too, run the stock size wheels and tires on my truck. Firestone Transforce ATs at around $600 a set out the door around here and I get incredible mileage out of them. Plus, they wear evenly! Love 'em

 

I have some experience with 'fixing' 2 Excursions.

On the 2003, which I bought new and 'tolerated' to 60K miles, I kept stock springs, but added Radius Rods to rear axle, in addition to new ball joints/tie rod ends/track bar/Hellwig/Rancho 9000s. Also used air bags on rear axle for towing purposes. All of that fixed the 2003. I was moderately satisfied with suspension for the remaining 120,000 miles I put on that one. It tracked true, but was a bit 'rough' due to small suspension travel on front axle.

For the 2005, bought used at 62K miles, I installed V/B springs, Bilstein shocks, Hellwig, Redhead steering gear, and totally rebuilt all front end components (ball joints, tie rod ends, track bar). It was a huge improvement. Then, I added RAS to rear 'B' springs (most on here use "modded B" rear springs). This last step really made the steering much more predictable--the 2005 tracks almost as well as the 'fixed' 2003, but rides much better with the improved suspension travel.

In truth, I think the radius rods are the most effective for a single step solution. My feeling is that the stock springs are so soft that they allow the rear axle to steer the truck as the two sides alternately wrap around axle (esp. on 4x4 with 2" block). The "B" springs are much better in resisting this. RAS on B is even better. My thinking is that 'modded Bs' may offer the best resistance to axle wrap affects--but I do not know.

I'm actually considering changing over to radius rods and air bags from the RAS, even though I am basically satisfied. I still would not turn this truck over to a 16 year old. It is just so much work to do this, that I have not taken the time so far.

 

Thanks for all the help guys. Sounds like I'm going with the modified Bs with the blocks in the back. I talked to Tousley today and I am going to order the springs. So by the end of next week I should have new V/B springs, 4 Bilstien shocks, and a Hellwig Sway bar. Hopefully this clears it up and gets me out of the dog house with my wife. She was not happy after driving it last night. I convinced her we needed to sell our Expedition and buy a Diesel Excursion.

Golfmedik,
The Firestone Transforce ATs are what the Ex has on it. I was hoping they were good tires. You can't beat the price.

 

Forest,
I think the radius rods would probably help greatly but I can't seem to find any. The Landyot ones are no longer being made and it appears that no one else is making them. I wish I could find a set.

 

I have a set of new ones but want to keep them. Landyot maybe could be persuaded to produce some more. Has anyone contacted him?

 

Mr. Bullcreek,
I installed several suspension upgrades to my 2001 Excursion, including the landyot radius arms. The truck drives great while towing my travel trailer.

I am not an engineer, however, the radius arms appear to be something that could be fabricated by your friendly neighborhood welder. Pictures and specs for them abound on the internet

 

Ponz, I certainly agree those could be built with the assistance of a good welder. For each side you would need:

1. Appropriate length and diameter mild steel DOM tubing.

2. 2 weld in tubing ends that are threaded.

3. 2 threaded rod ends, either spherical or solid with lock nuts.

4. 2 brackets (tabs ot weld to the rear housing

5. 2 brackets (tabs) to weld to the frame.

If you wanted the length to be adjustable while installed the tubing and rod ends would have to a left hand thread on one end and a right hand thread on the other.

I would make the brackets out of either 3/16 or 1/4 plate

If the spherical ends are chosen I would also get rod end seals to keep dust and dirt out.

Now don't get me wrong because the Landyot system obviously did the job based on all the positive testimonials. However I believe this would make a better installation

 

I don't always visit much these days...but I've smacked a few of you with some FTE love for your great advice in this thread...check your reps...I think I still swing one of the larger FTE hammers...

 

Follow up: I contacted Landyot. He does not want to produce his radius rods any longer. He said it just took too much time. He also has sold his Excursion and has less interest.

 

I know Landyot had attempted to pass the welding torch to another fabricator, but I gather that didn't happen.