Starting this thread because the subject was mentioned in another thread and I did not want to hijack that thread.

Is steering wander an issue all the time or only when towing?

How does changing the springs correct a problem coming from the steering or steering linkage (if that is what it is from)?

Could the problem be caused by uneven tire pressure or even a rear brake caliper that may be hanging up?

Could the problem really just be a combination of uneven roads and the solid axles?

I understand axle wrap, but it is a truck with solid axles. Braking hard and turning tight corners will never be pretty.

When you guys are doing this spring upgrade, are you also changing tires, shocks and other steering components.

Real world - Anyone out there do the upgrades and not see a difference or maybe it got worse?

Thanks.

 

We have threads about this from here to Timbuktu. Try a search for steering wander and you will be able to answer your own questions.

Happy reading!

 

Yes, there are many threads and they all say the same thing - Install F250 front springs, modify the back springs and the problem goes away. That does not make any sense to me. There must be something more.

 

This is a good thread to start in. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...mpilation.html

 

Thanks for the link. Browsed through a couple of them. Seems some are very defensive about it - I'm not going to touch it anymore.

 

Not defensive, just covered ad nauseum.

It's been a well documented problem from as far back as 2004, with many different methods utilized to try and solve the problem. Some will "patch" it or use a band-aid (as I call it) by supplementing the OEM suspension (RAS, Landyots radius rods, air bags, etc) while I prefer to eliminate the problem by swapping in the springs Ford should have put on the Excursion. Those springs being the same ones Ford put on the F250/350.

Most prefer to attack the problem the same way.

Stewart

 

I'm right in the middle of fixing this issue as well.

I've had my 2001 V10 4x4 Ex for a few months now, I knew before I bought it that it had wander issues. The previous owner had just installed new shocks all the way around but other than that had not touched the suspension.

Since I've had it I put new end-links on the front sway bar, this helped a little considering the ones I took off were factory and completely worn out.

Next I added the Helwig rear swaybar. This significantly improved the rocking back and forth and leaning when turning (which is what it's for). It helped my wander a little, but did not completely get rid of it.

After that I came across the "Steering box adjustment fix". Eventually ended up with one complete turn of the set screw. This also helped quite a bit, but still did not eliminate it.

Last thing I did was to grease the ball-joints and replace the front steering stabilizer. Once again, slight improvement but still not eliminated.

The Ex drives way better than it did when I brought it home that first day. Still takes more steering adjustments than I think it should when trying to drive in a straight line. Mainly noticeable while pulling our 23 foot hybrid travel trailer. (using a load equalizing hitch) It pulls fine until a semi blows past and then it goes where it wants.

As of yesterday I completed collecting almost all the parts I need for the V/B spring swap. I'll update when that is complete.

Hope this helps.