Emergency ford excursion x code swap
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 26,410
Likes: 6
From: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 871
Likes: 0
From: Kenner LA
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 871
Likes: 0
From: Kenner LA
Well got it figured out. Gonna cut the trac bar in half and weld a sleeve on it to get the truck out the shop. Bar needs to be about 4 inches longer cause the truck is being lifted by the x codes. I can't believe nobody has run into this issue before. I know my truck cant be the first one that needs a longer trac bar unless nobody has every done an x code swap. Also where can I get a cheap adjustable trac bar? And do I order lifted shocks or shocks for a f350?
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 466
Likes: 0
Really need pics for this thread to see what happened and some mesurments of how much the front is lifted with tire sizes
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
Well got it figured out. Gonna cut the trac bar in half and weld a sleeve on it to get the truck out the shop. Bar needs to be about 4 inches longer cause the truck is being lifted by the x codes. I can't believe nobody has run into this issue before. I know my truck cant be the first one that needs a longer trac bar unless nobody has every done an x code swap. Also where can I get a cheap adjustable trac bar? And do I order lifted shocks or shocks for a f350?
In searching for the post quoted below, I found a thread where you slid off of the road, doing some damage to your front end. I know you stated in that thread that the track bar was undamaged, but if you're having this much trouble, there's obviously something out of whack, because Tom has modded X codes (the Ex sits even higher than stock X codes) and he's still running with a stock track bar.
WOW! Great deal on those springs.
This is about the best deal I've seen for an adjustable pan/trac bar Amazon.com: Zone Offroad 99-04 F250/350 ADJUSTABLE TRACK BAR: Automotive I still use my stock one but this is on the to do list.
I had a coworker give me my X/B's, 20k take-offs looked new! I took the B's single top overload leaf off and added it to the bottom of the X pack (3 leaves now). I did the B code mod with 2 of the EX's short leaves and spacers. I also swapped up to the 4" tapered blocks. Saw about 4" all around (don't have my notebook with me now), I see a lot less squat when hitched to our ToyHauler (1400#+ tongue). It does ride like a truck, not brutally harsh but firm for sure. I did have to use a ratchet strap to mate up the second front spring so I know the pan/trac bar is under tension somewhat from the added ride height. The axle doesn't look offset but I'd still rather have the adjustable bar in place. I had a local spring shop make all new U bolts so my total cost was about $60. I'm very happy with the swap and I sure don't miss bottoming out the front on every bump in the road! Those stock tires and wheels really look tiny now.
I have before/after/install photos on the computer, now I just have to have my 14 year old son show me how setup a photobucket account and post them up here........
This is about the best deal I've seen for an adjustable pan/trac bar Amazon.com: Zone Offroad 99-04 F250/350 ADJUSTABLE TRACK BAR: Automotive I still use my stock one but this is on the to do list.
I had a coworker give me my X/B's, 20k take-offs looked new! I took the B's single top overload leaf off and added it to the bottom of the X pack (3 leaves now). I did the B code mod with 2 of the EX's short leaves and spacers. I also swapped up to the 4" tapered blocks. Saw about 4" all around (don't have my notebook with me now), I see a lot less squat when hitched to our ToyHauler (1400#+ tongue). It does ride like a truck, not brutally harsh but firm for sure. I did have to use a ratchet strap to mate up the second front spring so I know the pan/trac bar is under tension somewhat from the added ride height. The axle doesn't look offset but I'd still rather have the adjustable bar in place. I had a local spring shop make all new U bolts so my total cost was about $60. I'm very happy with the swap and I sure don't miss bottoming out the front on every bump in the road! Those stock tires and wheels really look tiny now.
I have before/after/install photos on the computer, now I just have to have my 14 year old son show me how setup a photobucket account and post them up here........
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 871
Likes: 0
From: Kenner LA
Many have done the X code springs on the Excursion.
In searching for the post quoted below, I found a thread where you slid off of the road, doing some damage to your front end. I know you stated in that thread that the track bar was undamaged, but if you're having this much trouble, there's obviously something out of whack, because Tom has modded X codes (the Ex sits even higher than stock X codes) and he's still running with a stock track bar.
Stewart
In searching for the post quoted below, I found a thread where you slid off of the road, doing some damage to your front end. I know you stated in that thread that the track bar was undamaged, but if you're having this much trouble, there's obviously something out of whack, because Tom has modded X codes (the Ex sits even higher than stock X codes) and he's still running with a stock track bar.
Stewart
Truck was put on a frame machine and checked out. The frame was as straight as it was when it left the factory. They told me my leaf springs were twisted and I should replace those. So here I am replacing them. Nothing else was bent or messed up besides the springs. Had 2 shops check out the frame and both said the springs were twisted.
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
Truck was put on a frame machine and checked out. The frame was as straight as it was when it left the factory. They told me my leaf springs were twisted and I should replace those. So here I am replacing them. Nothing else was bent or messed up besides the springs. Had 2 shops check out the frame and both said the springs were twisted.
Stewart
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 871
Likes: 0
From: Kenner LA
Then what could it be?? Im scratching my head on this one. Just ordered the entire moog kit for this truck that includes everything new for the front end of this truck, plus new axle seals 2 new hubs, front end u joints, front driveshaft u joints, 2 x codes springs, 2 drop down brackets. Did the brakes 2 months ago(green stuff pads and ford rotors). Everything is new.
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
I wish you lived local to me so I could hop in my wife's Ex and drive it over to your place so we could park next to each other and just start comparing.
Diagnosing something like this is really difficult to do without looking, because it's hard to see what might be out of whack, or what the mechanic might have done to cause you more problems. All I know is, while using an adjustable track bar is a good idea, it isn't necessary since the OEM bar will fit.
I don't mean to be adding to your frustration level, just trying to be logical and think outside of the box.
Stewart
Diagnosing something like this is really difficult to do without looking, because it's hard to see what might be out of whack, or what the mechanic might have done to cause you more problems. All I know is, while using an adjustable track bar is a good idea, it isn't necessary since the OEM bar will fit.
I don't mean to be adding to your frustration level, just trying to be logical and think outside of the box.
Stewart