My Excursion only has 74000 miles and I just replaced the original shocks with Monroe Reflex and combined with my Goodyear Silent Armor tires was running beautifully. Then after a "deal" from Ford, I replaced the Goodyears with LTX-MS2's and had the alignment checked since my Goodyears did have a little cupping after 45000 miles. They also checked all the front end components and said that everything was in good shape! Upon driving it home, the Excursion steering was extremely loose and I was ready to return the tires and get new Silent Armors, but I figured that there probably was something screwy with the alignment that they just did. So I brought it back, test drove it with the tech at 75 mph and he decided he needed to recheck the alignment. After the realignment, it drove beautifully, but after reading the posts on various forums regarding the proper toe-in on the front, I am questioning whether the alignment is set properly?

After the 1st alignment (in degrees):
LF Camber .3; Caster 3.0; Toe .01
RF Camber -.2; Caster 3.2; Toe -.03
Total Toe -.03; Steer Ahead .02
LR Camber .1; Toe .12
RR Camber -.03; Toe .16
Total Toe .27; Thrust Angle -.02

After the Realignment (in degrees):
LF Camber .3; Caster 3.0; Toe -.03
RF Camber -.2; Caster 3.2; Toe -.04
Total Toe -.07; Steer Ahead 0.00
LR Camber .1; Toe .13
RR Camber -.3; Toe .18
Total Toe .31; Thrust Angle -.03

Since it is obvious that there are many individuals on this forum who are much more knowledgeable than I on this subject, all of your input is totally appreciated, thanks!
Jeff

 

Cut and moved to its own thread.

Stewart

 

I bet they have your tire psi very high.

 

No, not really, 50 psi Front & 55 psi Rear Ford specs!

 

That sounds low for a 7800 lbs beast, I would try 65 psi in all 4 tires

 

Had a similar issue with my wifes 05 after new LTX M/S 2's last fall, i installed a new Red Head steering gear and it solved my problem, FWIW.

Edit: I should add that i had BF Goodrich Rugged Trail TA's from factory when we bought the truck new and i could only feel a little wondering before we put the LTX's on but not that much, also new tires are a little squirrely just because of the tread depth being the deepest.

 

Checked with Ford again and they said to stick with the 50F/55R, also checked with Michelin who confirmed the same for best mileage and handling on the 2003 Excursion 6.0 4x4!
Also after Ford readjusted the nitrogen in the front tires so that they were both 50 psi, it appears to be handling fine, not loose, just different than the Goodyear Silent Armor AT tires (same size).

 

After going back to Ford 3 times, the looseness is definitely in the steering wheel play, the tires are fine, the alignment is right on and all front end parts are fine and tight!

My question is this, could I have had this looseness or excess play in the steering prior, but it was mostly masked by the greater rolling resistance of the Silent Armor All Terrain tires, but is just more obvious with the LTX-MS2's as they appear to sit a little taller than the previous LT265/75/16's?

It's not loose enough where it's dangerous to drive, just loose enough to give me an uneasy feeling when driving at higher speeds, in rain, etc, whereas I felt very confident before no matter what the road conditions!

I am going on Monday, to a recommended local shop to have them adjust the steering gear (as Ford won't do it!) to see if that remedies the problem. If not, I may have to go Redhead, which I would rather not do right now, after spending the dollars on new tires and new shocks!

 

I use 50/55 on mine, also have the michelins, stock steering gear. It's a 2wd.
Works fine, seems a little harsh even.

 

The changes probably brought a small change to the steering play. Just adjust the PS box and if you still aren't happy change the PS box but first make sure there isn't play somewhere else. Just because Red Head has a lot of hype doesn't mean you have to get one and pay more. All the rebuilders that don't hype their stuff would say theirs is the best. People spend a lot on ads then charge more to make up for it so it never impresses me. Most come with a warranty anyway.