Hello,
I'm new to the site and had a few questions. I have a 2002 2wd EX 6.8L with 110k on it. I bought it two years ago with 99k and have had zero problems. Needless to say I love my excursion. I use it to tow (cars) 12-14 times a year.

I'm looking to upgrade the suspension, wheels, and tires but want it to still be usable for towing. I do have the RAS that I installed last year. Right now I just have the stock wheels and tires on it. I just want to customize it with a new look that is still very functional.

I'm thinking either the V/B spring swap with 20's or a procomp 6 in lift. Has anyone done either on a 2WD that still tows with it? I keep reading if I add wheel spacers I shouldnt tow with it?

any ideas? or Help would be greatly appreciated. Also which would be the most cost effective? Thanks

 

Might get more replies once folks are off work, but beings as us 4x2 guys are heavily outnumbered here, I haven't found a currently active member with a lifted 4x2 to reference you towards.

I haven't looked much into lift kits (I just went with bigger tires for now), but I do remember finding the following thread from back in 2009 that makes a really good case for a X/B swap with rear sway bar and shock upgrades:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...n-upgrade.html

I think a 6" Pro Comp lift would be cool, but I wouldn't be surprised if the end result is a leveled rig that sags in the back when you tow.

 

One of our intrepid moderators has a lifted 2WD. Toreador_Diesel

 

As Eric pointed out Toreador_Diesel runs a lifted 2WD EX, it looks very nice too. The V/B swap is a 4X4 thing, the V code front springs are leaves and your 2WD front has coils. If you want to run late model SD rims ('05+) you will need spacers, decent quality Hub-Centric spacers should be OK with your car towing chores. That is if we are talking about single cars on open tandem trailers and not some massive enclosed multi-car mobile shop. I wouldn't be comfortable towing heavy (like I do at 11k) with spacers but I think lighter pulls are within the safety margins of good Hub-Centric spacers. Of course you have other wheel options too, the '04 SD 18" rims (rare) like several guys here and I run fit our EXs without spacers being needed and then the aftermarket has many choices too in proper offset and backspacing. Just be sure to check the wheels weight ratings and try to find Hub-Centric rims. Many lift kits that use an all spring rear setup as opposed to blocks aren't so great for towing, they tend to sag under load. Modified SD rear spring packs tend to be a bit stronger and should handle the trailer's tongue weight better, my 4X4 has modded X/B codes for a 4" lift and it tows our 41' 11k travel trailer with 1400lbs tongue weight very well.
Good luck, keep us posted on your choices and post lots of pics of the work, we love pics and watching other people work!

 

See Post #15, https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...af-spring.html the 2wd spring I refer to is the same that is in the link below.

 

2wd here... several of us gave up on lifting. Toreador is not only a mine of knowledge but a good level head that will talk you out of it unless you are dead set on it Between him and ExxWhy you have the best help possible

 

Agree - mostly.
I do dream about upgrading to the 05-07 SD 4x4 front end (coil spring version) suspension vs. lifting and remaining 2wd.

See a full front-end suspension on CL for < $900 in Tampa right now.. Just got other priorities at the moment.. would have to find a manual transfer case and get new front/rear driveshaft, wheels (since brakes are too big for stock 16" wheels). And the story goes on and on..

sigh.

 

I don't see any reason to give up. Just know there isn't any cheap/quick way to do it. There will be some negative impacts to towing due to the higher center of gravity as with any vehicle. Are you towing near the max limits? If so, then I would reconsider, but no reasons special to being 2wd. Do your homework, there are some threads on this forum, you just have to dig deeper since most lifts are 4wd. The biggest difference being the adjustments needed to get the radius arms and front axle back into alignment. The rear has the same springs as the 4wd but does not have the blocks under them.

 

Thanks so much everyone on all the good advice. Not sure what I'm going to do now. Maybe just run some bigger wheels and some new shocks and customize the rest of it.

 

Look at this way, a 2wd EX can get into parking garages easily, if you lift it well you will be parking on the street with the other 4wd trucks.

 

Where we go!