Emergency ford excursion x code swap
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,827
Likes: 102
From: Martinsburg, WV
Yeah... Here ya go... This oughta take care of all of us...
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Moderator
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 12,050
Likes: 1,549
From: Media PA
I go camping for a week with no internet access and you guys go and throw a big old party without me! Just my luck, I always miss out on all the fun stuff!
To the OP, I am one of those guys that has been involved in the extensive conspiracy spreading bad info about the X code swap. I even took it one step farther and modded my X codes for additional lift (if any of this tale was true that is.....).
Since you have never seen a stock 4X4 Ex before this is what one looks like with 65k miles. (Notice that there are no wimmenz in the truck, Mexican or otherwise).
I then took a set of low mileage X codes and added an extra leaf to them, the near spring is the orignal stocker and the one behind it is the modded X code. It's about 2" taller.
With these new springs the truck gained 3 7/8" of lift on the front suspension. I also did some silly things to the rear springs. The finished product looked like this. (Or would have looked like this if any of this was true....).
I still use the stock track bar and pitman arm with no issues, I run Rancho RS999264XL shocks that are specced for an EX with a 4" lift. They are 15.7" compressed and 24.34 at full extension.
Good luck with your mods, sounds like you might need it.
To the OP, I am one of those guys that has been involved in the extensive conspiracy spreading bad info about the X code swap. I even took it one step farther and modded my X codes for additional lift (if any of this tale was true that is.....).
Since you have never seen a stock 4X4 Ex before this is what one looks like with 65k miles. (Notice that there are no wimmenz in the truck, Mexican or otherwise).
I then took a set of low mileage X codes and added an extra leaf to them, the near spring is the orignal stocker and the one behind it is the modded X code. It's about 2" taller.
With these new springs the truck gained 3 7/8" of lift on the front suspension. I also did some silly things to the rear springs. The finished product looked like this. (Or would have looked like this if any of this was true....).
I still use the stock track bar and pitman arm with no issues, I run Rancho RS999264XL shocks that are specced for an EX with a 4" lift. They are 15.7" compressed and 24.34 at full extension.
Good luck with your mods, sounds like you might need it.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,446
Likes: 25
From: Panama City, FL
I go camping for a week with no internet access and you guys go and throw a big old party without me! Just my luck, I always miss out on all the fun stuff!
To the OP, I am one of those guys that has been involved in the extensive conspiracy spreading bad info about the X code swap. I even took it one step farther and modded my X codes for additional lift (if any of this tale was true that is.....).
Since you have never seen a stock 4X4 Ex before this is what one looks like with 65k miles. (Notice that there are no wimmenz in the truck, Mexican or otherwise).
I then took a set of low mileage X codes and added an extra leaf to them, the near spring is the orignal stocker and the one behind it is the modded X code. It's about 2" taller.
With these new springs the truck gained 3 7/8" of lift on the front suspension. I also did some silly things to the rear springs. The finished product looked like this. (Or would have looked like this if any of this was true....).
I still use the stock track bar and pitman arm with no issues, I run Rancho RS999264XL shocks that are specced for an EX with a 4" lift. They are 15.7" compressed and 24.34 at full extension.
Good luck with your mods, sounds like you might need it.
To the OP, I am one of those guys that has been involved in the extensive conspiracy spreading bad info about the X code swap. I even took it one step farther and modded my X codes for additional lift (if any of this tale was true that is.....).
Since you have never seen a stock 4X4 Ex before this is what one looks like with 65k miles. (Notice that there are no wimmenz in the truck, Mexican or otherwise).
I then took a set of low mileage X codes and added an extra leaf to them, the near spring is the orignal stocker and the one behind it is the modded X code. It's about 2" taller.
With these new springs the truck gained 3 7/8" of lift on the front suspension. I also did some silly things to the rear springs. The finished product looked like this. (Or would have looked like this if any of this was true....).
I still use the stock track bar and pitman arm with no issues, I run Rancho RS999264XL shocks that are specced for an EX with a 4" lift. They are 15.7" compressed and 24.34 at full extension.
Good luck with your mods, sounds like you might need it.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 658
Likes: 0
From: Parker, CO
I go camping for a week with no internet access and you guys go and throw a big old party without me! Just my luck, I always miss out on all the fun stuff!
To the OP, I am one of those guys that has been involved in the extensive conspiracy spreading bad info about the X code swap. I even took it one step farther and modded my X codes for additional lift (if any of this tale was true that is.....).
Since you have never seen a stock 4X4 Ex before this is what one looks like with 65k miles. (Notice that there are no wimmenz in the truck, Mexican or otherwise).
I then took a set of low mileage X codes and added an extra leaf to them, the near spring is the orignal stocker and the one behind it is the modded X code. It's about 2" taller.
With these new springs the truck gained 3 7/8" of lift on the front suspension. I also did some silly things to the rear springs. The finished product looked like this. (Or would have looked like this if any of this was true....).
I still use the stock track bar and pitman arm with no issues, I run Rancho RS999264XL shocks that are specced for an EX with a 4" lift. They are 15.7" compressed and 24.34 at full extension.
Good luck with your mods, sounds like you might need it.
To the OP, I am one of those guys that has been involved in the extensive conspiracy spreading bad info about the X code swap. I even took it one step farther and modded my X codes for additional lift (if any of this tale was true that is.....).
Since you have never seen a stock 4X4 Ex before this is what one looks like with 65k miles. (Notice that there are no wimmenz in the truck, Mexican or otherwise).
I then took a set of low mileage X codes and added an extra leaf to them, the near spring is the orignal stocker and the one behind it is the modded X code. It's about 2" taller.
With these new springs the truck gained 3 7/8" of lift on the front suspension. I also did some silly things to the rear springs. The finished product looked like this. (Or would have looked like this if any of this was true....).
I still use the stock track bar and pitman arm with no issues, I run Rancho RS999264XL shocks that are specced for an EX with a 4" lift. They are 15.7" compressed and 24.34 at full extension.
Good luck with your mods, sounds like you might need it.
I like the result of all your non-efforts.Your original stock look actually was pretty level. My front is sagging a bit compared with yours. Maybe its because you only had 65k miles in that picture and I have 168k miles right now, still on the stock stuff, hopefully for not much longer!
Can I ask a question: what leaf did you add to the x codes? I can see it in the pics but where did you get the leaf? Did you have to drill holes in the X code springs for the new leaf?
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 12,050
Likes: 1,549
From: Media PA
Yep, installed a Hellwig prior to the spring swap then had to fab up a set of beefier longer links after the swap changed the angle of the bar ends. The new Hellwig with the adjustable links would be a perfect match for this kind of swap.
Yeah, the miles are tough on those weak stock front springs.
The extra leaf I used was the factory top overload leaf from the rear B codes I was given. The EX's don't have the proper frame pads for the overloads to sit on so they have to come off and prevent any damage to our rear AC lines. The overload leaf had the proper hole for the center bolt but I had to drill holes in it for the nylon anti-squeak pads near the leaf ends, drilling into springs is tough! Search my posts for X/B stuff, I have a bunch of other pics and a writeup here somewhere on my swap.
(All my pics are photoshopped, I never did all of this stuff........)
Looks pretty nice even though it never happened. I like the result of all your non-efforts.
Your original stock look actually was pretty level. My front is sagging a bit compared with yours. Maybe its because you only had 65k miles in that picture and I have 168k miles right now, still on the stock stuff, hopefully for not much longer!
Can I ask a question: what leaf did you add to the x codes? I can see it in the pics but where did you get the leaf? Did you have to drill holes in the X code springs for the new leaf?
I like the result of all your non-efforts.Your original stock look actually was pretty level. My front is sagging a bit compared with yours. Maybe its because you only had 65k miles in that picture and I have 168k miles right now, still on the stock stuff, hopefully for not much longer!
Can I ask a question: what leaf did you add to the x codes? I can see it in the pics but where did you get the leaf? Did you have to drill holes in the X code springs for the new leaf?
The extra leaf I used was the factory top overload leaf from the rear B codes I was given. The EX's don't have the proper frame pads for the overloads to sit on so they have to come off and prevent any damage to our rear AC lines. The overload leaf had the proper hole for the center bolt but I had to drill holes in it for the nylon anti-squeak pads near the leaf ends, drilling into springs is tough! Search my posts for X/B stuff, I have a bunch of other pics and a writeup here somewhere on my swap.
(All my pics are photoshopped, I never did all of this stuff........)
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,923
Likes: 33
From: Sacramento Area
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 871
Likes: 0
From: Kenner LA
Sorry to all. Honestly didnt know I was being racist. Sorry about being such a dick. I was just really pissed off the swap wasn't working. I understand it was my fault. But I thought the truck was truely stock. Sorry for calling everyone liars. I appreciate all the help I was given from all of you.
Just to let everyone know the truck is finished(the front anyways) in order to make a 3 inch lift kit work with x codes, I needed adjustable track bar, track bar relocation bracket,(stock track bar was 1 inch too short even with the bracket) drop pitman arm, and longer shocks. Thanks to all and I understand if y'all think I'm still an *** hole cause I am.
Just to let everyone know the truck is finished(the front anyways) in order to make a 3 inch lift kit work with x codes, I needed adjustable track bar, track bar relocation bracket,(stock track bar was 1 inch too short even with the bracket) drop pitman arm, and longer shocks. Thanks to all and I understand if y'all think I'm still an *** hole cause I am.
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Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
I can give you names of people on here who to this day will swear I'm a dick. So look at it this way, your mistakes will help others who post here now with anything REMOTELY akin to the problems you encountered!
Stewart
Last edited by Stewart_H; Sep 11, 2013 at 09:01 PM.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 26,410
Likes: 6
From: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Sorry to all. Honestly didnt know I was being racist. Sorry about being such a dick. I was just really pissed off the swap wasn't working. I understand it was my fault. But I thought the truck was truely stock. Sorry for calling everyone liars. I appreciate all the help I was given from all of you.
Just to let everyone know the truck is finished(the front anyways) in order to make a 3 inch lift kit work with x codes, I needed adjustable track bar, track bar relocation bracket,(stock track bar was 1 inch too short even with the bracket) drop pitman arm, and longer shocks. Thanks to all and I understand if y'all think I'm still an *** hole cause I am.
Just to let everyone know the truck is finished(the front anyways) in order to make a 3 inch lift kit work with x codes, I needed adjustable track bar, track bar relocation bracket,(stock track bar was 1 inch too short even with the bracket) drop pitman arm, and longer shocks. Thanks to all and I understand if y'all think I'm still an *** hole cause I am.
It's easy to be a dick, it takes much more of a person to admit it! Glad it all worked out for you.
Thank you for posting this.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 658
Likes: 0
From: Parker, CO
Sorry to all. Honestly didnt know I was being racist. Sorry about being such a dick. I was just really pissed off the swap wasn't working. I understand it was my fault. But I thought the truck was truely stock. Sorry for calling everyone liars. I appreciate all the help I was given from all of you.
Just to let everyone know the truck is finished(the front anyways) in order to make a 3 inch lift kit work with x codes, I needed adjustable track bar, track bar relocation bracket,(stock track bar was 1 inch too short even with the bracket) drop pitman arm, and longer shocks. Thanks to all and I understand if y'all think I'm still an *** hole cause I am.
Just to let everyone know the truck is finished(the front anyways) in order to make a 3 inch lift kit work with x codes, I needed adjustable track bar, track bar relocation bracket,(stock track bar was 1 inch too short even with the bracket) drop pitman arm, and longer shocks. Thanks to all and I understand if y'all think I'm still an *** hole cause I am.
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 871
Likes: 0
From: Kenner LA
Ok. What should I do for the rear? I'm thinking blocks with big ladder bars or road master active suspension. Or should I go with B's in the back with short blocks? Ride is everything.
Drove the truck 160 miles since I picked it up from the shop. X codes and bilstein 5125's were the best mod I've ever done. The front has never rode this smooth. I'm blown away. Wish I did this 6 years ago. The back on the other hand rides terrible now. I know the shocks that are too short has something to do with it. But the back has always been the smoothest in my truck compared to the front.
Going to get some pics and mearsurements to see how much lift I have over stock.
Also another thing I forgot to add to make this combo work. The stock track bar was too short by about an inch. The adjustable track bar was too long by 1 inch. We cut both threaded ends by about 1 inch and cut 1/2 inch off each side of the sleeve. Worked perfect. I was really nervous cutting up a $276 track bar not knowing if it would work or not.
Drove the truck 160 miles since I picked it up from the shop. X codes and bilstein 5125's were the best mod I've ever done. The front has never rode this smooth. I'm blown away. Wish I did this 6 years ago. The back on the other hand rides terrible now. I know the shocks that are too short has something to do with it. But the back has always been the smoothest in my truck compared to the front.
Going to get some pics and mearsurements to see how much lift I have over stock.
Also another thing I forgot to add to make this combo work. The stock track bar was too short by about an inch. The adjustable track bar was too long by 1 inch. We cut both threaded ends by about 1 inch and cut 1/2 inch off each side of the sleeve. Worked perfect. I was really nervous cutting up a $276 track bar not knowing if it would work or not.