and that was my most recent upgrade to my suspension ... which by the way I am glad I did.
Wandering Issue
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2013
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Wandering Issue
I just purchased a 2003 Ex Limited with a 6.0 PSD. I love everything about the Ex except the wandering issue on the highway. I have just had the front rebuilt including tie rods, ball joints, shocks, tires, and an alignment. None of this has seemed to help the issue of it wandering on the highway.
I have spent 2 days searching the internet for a solution and it appears that the fix is a set of Landyot Radius Rods. The problem is that they are no longer being made. Does anyone have an idea of what could be used in place of radius rods? It appears people have used the Roadmaster Active Suspenion kit with mixed results. Can someone steer me in the right direction? It wanders on the highway bad enought that I do not want my wife driving it.
I have spent 2 days searching the internet for a solution and it appears that the fix is a set of Landyot Radius Rods. The problem is that they are no longer being made. Does anyone have an idea of what could be used in place of radius rods? It appears people have used the Roadmaster Active Suspenion kit with mixed results. Can someone steer me in the right direction? It wanders on the highway bad enought that I do not want my wife driving it.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,252
Likes: 120
It sounds like you have some of the typical symptoms of an Excursion.
1. You may want to continue searching but change your criteria to v/b code spring swap.
2. You may also want to look into getting a rear sway bar.
3. Last a RAS (Roadmaster Active Suspension)
Here is a ton of information about the wandering of the X.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...ml#post6722938
Check it out and post more questions so we can help out.
Tim M
1. You may want to continue searching but change your criteria to v/b code spring swap.
2. You may also want to look into getting a rear sway bar.
3. Last a RAS (Roadmaster Active Suspension)
Here is a ton of information about the wandering of the X.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...ml#post6722938
Check it out and post more questions so we can help out.
Tim M
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,180
Likes: 83
From: Georgia
It sounds like you have some of the typical symptoms of an Excursion.
1. You may want to continue searching but change your criteria to v/b code spring swap.
2. You may also want to look into getting a rear sway bar.
3. Last a RAS (Roadmaster Active Suspension)
Here is a ton of information about the wandering of the X.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...ml#post6722938
Check it out and post more questions so we can help out.
Tim M
1. You may want to continue searching but change your criteria to v/b code spring swap.
2. You may also want to look into getting a rear sway bar.
3. Last a RAS (Roadmaster Active Suspension)
Here is a ton of information about the wandering of the X.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...ml#post6722938
Check it out and post more questions so we can help out.
Tim M
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 27
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Thanks guys. I have skimmed through most of that. Apparently the problem comes from the rear springs being to soft. Will just changing the rear springs fix the problem or do the fronts and backs have to be changed at the same time?
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,180
Likes: 83
From: Georgia
Do yourself a favor and do them both at the same time. You won't believe the difference! Plus it will get the front off of the bump stops...if you still have them.
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Freshman User
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golfmedik,
I see that you have done the swap. Did you have an wandering issue before the spring swap? If so did it fix it? If I spend a $1000 on springs I want to make sure it fixes the problem.
I see that you have done the swap. Did you have an wandering issue before the spring swap? If so did it fix it? If I spend a $1000 on springs I want to make sure it fixes the problem.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,180
Likes: 83
From: Georgia
Luckily I haven't had the 'steering box' issue..yet! But I did have a bad bump steer from the rear. I used aftermarket springs at the time(call Tousley Ford Parts for OEM) and it cured the problem. I love my truck again! Ride and drives incredibly different!
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Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
Yes, but not just the rears. The fronts too as they don't resist the side loading like they should.
Both the front and back springs Ford put on the 4x4 Excursion suck and should be replaced. They shoulda been replaced immediately after they rolled out of the factory doors. The OEM 4x4 Excursion springs are bad mojo.
Stewart
Will just changing the rear springs fix the problem or do the fronts and backs have to be changed at the same time?
Stewart
Veteran/Sheepdog
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,047
Likes: 110
From: Western AR
You don't have to spend $1000 on springs! I got my V code fronts from a guy that lifted his F250 right after he bought it. $50 for the pair (found him on CList). I then went to a Super Duty bone yard (aka The Gold Mine), and I got a set of B code rears for $100. If you will be patient and search, you will find a great deal on some springs. I make occasional trips to Central Arkansas. If you find some in Texas (there are tons of them down here!), I could meet you somewhere around Little Rock to meet up and hand them over. The Gold Mine has another set of the B codes on hand as of last week. Same price as mine.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...gold-mine.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...gold-mine.html
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
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Stewart_H and Nicmike,
When you guys did the spring swap did it straighten up the wandering issue? I am in the process of finding all of the parts. I will call some local salvage yards today to see if they have any springs. I plan on changing the springs and adding a rear Hellwig sway bar if it will clear up the issue. Thanks for the help guys.
When you guys did the spring swap did it straighten up the wandering issue? I am in the process of finding all of the parts. I will call some local salvage yards today to see if they have any springs. I plan on changing the springs and adding a rear Hellwig sway bar if it will clear up the issue. Thanks for the help guys.
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Freshman User
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OK I have a couple of questions. I want to keep the stock size tires on this thing since they are new. I would also like to keep it close to stock hieght. When I swap the springs to the Vs in front and modified Bs in back can I drop the 2" blocks in the back and have it sitting level? Or should I put the stock 2" blocks back in there?
I'm sorry if I am wearing you guys out with questions. I searched and haven't seem to find an answer about getting rid of the blocks all together in the back.
I'm sorry if I am wearing you guys out with questions. I searched and haven't seem to find an answer about getting rid of the blocks all together in the back.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 12,237
Likes: 22
From: Florida
Bullcreek,
Not that springs aren't a great idea...I have one question...
Tires...what load range tires are on your Ex?
Some have D's and I've even read where some have C's...these trucks need E's plain and simple...so...what load range tires do you have?...you mention they are stock size...
Also...what tire pressures are you running?...I've found through non-experimental means that too HIGH of tire pressures can contribute to wander...
On my 4x4 Ex with stock 265/75/16 E range tires...60 front and 70 rear was all the more it could stand before getting some extra wander...just a suggestion...
Springs are a great idea no matter what...
Good luck,
joe.
Not that springs aren't a great idea...I have one question...
Tires...what load range tires are on your Ex?
Some have D's and I've even read where some have C's...these trucks need E's plain and simple...so...what load range tires do you have?...you mention they are stock size...
Also...what tire pressures are you running?...I've found through non-experimental means that too HIGH of tire pressures can contribute to wander...
On my 4x4 Ex with stock 265/75/16 E range tires...60 front and 70 rear was all the more it could stand before getting some extra wander...just a suggestion...
Springs are a great idea no matter what...
Good luck,
joe.