I replaced all the ball joints up front, including all the steering arms. I have already tightened the steering box a couple times. I think I'm in for some check/recheck operations on the front end to see if the steering box is shot. Given the condition of everything else when I got it, it wouldn't surprise me. I'll have to save up for the redhead though.

 

Pete, call Junior at ATS he will talk you through the options with what you are trying to accomplish. They are a sponsoring vendor on FTE.

FYI, I used them delivered to my door.

 

Sweet! My old '77 CUSTOM was totally parts compatible with it too!

The Ex's is a little beefier, but otherwise the same.

 

Thanks! I always seem to be in rep jail with you.

 

Have checked into the modded B codes for the rear springs?

 

I haven't really looked into much yet. It looks like F2/350 springs from ATS range from $120 up toward $200 each. Seems like more money = bigger/badder springs. Salvage B codes seem to be $75-100 on car-parts.com. Don't know what the apples-apples comparison is there. If ATS has something I don't have to mod, that would be ideal and worth some money to me (shiny new too).

I'll probably do more research around here and get more serious about doing some real wrenching in a couple months.

 

Go ahead and spray some PB blaster on there now.

 

There's a lot of great info in this thread - but it just might take you a couple of months to digest it all.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...ml#post6722938

The modded B codes in the rear & V codes up front resolved my suspension problems, not sure how it compares to ATS though.

 

Yeah, I've dug around quite a bit in the past. Most is 4WD and most people are looking for a lift. Very difficult to find info on a simple replacement for a 2WD to minimize ride height change. Even most of the 2WD guys seem to want a lift for bigger wheels/tires. I do realize that the rear of the 2 and 4WD is the same and results will be the same. But, again, it seems like ride height gain is a positive for most. Right now, the rear is a little saggy on mine. So, an inch or so of gain is probably reasonable to level things out. But, I don't want 3-4" gain that gives me a big rake and wind up having to figure out how to level the front (which seems to be the most common 2WD question).
Air bags might be a solution. I like the concept of air bags, but not so much the price. I'm not sure if adding air bags to worn springs is a great idea or not. Would I still have the "axle wrap" problem? New A codes with air bags, or B codes without? The local diesel guy said he likes air bags on the Ex and was sure that would cure my problems while maintaining a nicer ride. Sounds great, but I am still hesitant to put the bags on saggy old springs. B codes without bags would be cheaper and easier to deal with. But, will it make the front bounce since the rear is sprung so much tighter? Do I need beefier F250 front coil springs also?
Those are the questions I've had trouble finding info on.

 

I would give Cary (OBSWIZ on the forums) a call, he would know your 2WD options - he's the one that came up with the modified B codes and the 2010 Superduty suspension conversion for Excursions. He made my Excursion's wabble, sway, waddle & nauseating driving characteristics go away 4 years ago - still can't thank him enough for his help.

CT Performance - OBSWIZ

Great guy to talk with and willing to take the time to help folks out.

 

Just a side note on what was mentioned about having to mod springs to clear the rear AC, that's just in regards to the stock B code upper overload spring, which comes off anyway. Anything ATS can hook you up with won't be an issue for clearance and fitment.

 

I took my 16 year old son to driving school twice last week. First time, a deer ran across the road and slammed into the side of my car. Second time, I was driving the Ex and started hearing weird sounds coming from under the hood. Great!



The belt was shredding and jumping grooves on the pulleys. I got out my knife and cut off the flopping parts and drove home. By the time I got home, there were drumbeats coming from under the hood again.
I think it was my power steering pump had too much play. So, I drove all over the area collecting parts from stores that each had some of what I needed. I wound up getting the PS pump, belt, and several of the PS hoses as they were looking kind of old. I also got a new upper radiator hose that goes around the belt so I wouldn't have to drain the coolant next time I need to remove the belt.
As usual, the thing fought me every step of the way. When I pulled the upper radiator hose, a big chunk of the water outlet came with it. So, off to the store again. Once everything was back together, the PS pump did not want to bleed. It preferred to barf its fluid all over the driveway instead. I finally figured out the microscopically slow rate the steering needed to be turned to avoid the barfing and the thing cleared up and bled normally from then on. I think he toxic waste dump from the diesel leak had finally cleared off the driveway, so the truck had to replace it. Of course, the new cheapo water outlet didn't want to seat right and leaked all over until I loosened and retightened it.
Done ... I hope ...

 

Great thread -- you certainly show a lot of tenacity! I just bought a 2004 with 106K -- 4wd, 6.0 diesel. Great shape all things considered. Now I have to take it in Monday morning to get a definitive answer on over pressurization (it seems to me) of the cooling system. Once that is resolved, I expect many years of good service. I am very confident that they way you are addressing the issues as they surface, you will have a great truck for many years to come.
I, too, have a vibration issue I am chasing. It is at 75-76 MPH. Had the tires rotated and balanced and did not change at all that I can tell. My next look will be U-joints and then wheel bearings. Have you resolved yours or is it tolerable and you are on to bigger things?
Again, nice job.

 

Check your pully/belt tensioner when you get the chance. When they go it tends to cause the belt to jump around and cause what you described. The belt part that is.

Sounds like you had a long day, hopefully you can chill and enjoy Christmas now!

 

Sounds like a possible head gasket leak from the EGR failing. Puking some coolant from the degas bottle?