x Code/ATS C with With Extra Leaf Swap
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
You will love the way the truck rides and handles, especially while towing.
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
I wish he was a vendor here and posted here too. Adding his knowledge and experience to the awesome collective we have here at FTE would be incredible.
If I ever re-do my Excursion suspension and I don't follow Tom's path, I may just call Cary and have him set me up so I don't have to go sourcing all the stuff again. I'm getting tired as I get older and one-stop shopping really appeals to me. Amazon has spoiled me like that!
Hopefully Cary isn't older, isn't tired, and will stay in business for a long time.
Stewart
SPONSOR
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 711
Likes: 6
From: Souderton
In re-reading my post, I might have come off as a tad brutish. I don't know Cary, but I know he has an excellent customer service rep, and he really knows his stuff and I wouldn't hesitate to buy from him if needed.
I wish he was a vendor here and posted here too. Adding his knowledge and experience to the awesome collective we have here at FTE would be incredible.
If I ever re-do my Excursion suspension and I don't follow Tom's path, I may just call Cary and have him set me up so I don't have to go sourcing all the stuff again. I'm getting tired as I get older and one-stop shopping really appeals to me. Amazon has spoiled me like that!
Hopefully Cary isn't older, isn't tired, and will stay in business for a long time.
Stewart
I wish he was a vendor here and posted here too. Adding his knowledge and experience to the awesome collective we have here at FTE would be incredible.
If I ever re-do my Excursion suspension and I don't follow Tom's path, I may just call Cary and have him set me up so I don't have to go sourcing all the stuff again. I'm getting tired as I get older and one-stop shopping really appeals to me. Amazon has spoiled me like that!
Hopefully Cary isn't older, isn't tired, and will stay in business for a long time.
Stewart
Cary is a good guy. We supply him with all his Ubolts and center bolts for when he sells the swaps.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
From: Washington
I also bought the track arm and dual steering stabilizer w/Fox shocks from him to complete the front end. I saved the email with his prices and the instructions that he gives out for the B Code mod. If anyone wants them, just PM me.
AT
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
From: Washington
Alex
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
Stewart
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,118
Likes: 4
From: Idaho
Quick update:
Everything is still going perfectly with this! The rear springs were so awesome, it makes me wish I would have just bought my X code fronts from ATS too.
I have the rancho 9000's. Been running 6 all around on the adjustment. I recently just changed it to 4 up front and 6 in the rear and just the little bit of driving I like this setting the best for empty so far. I'm still experimenting.
2.5 ish inch lift doesn't sound like much, but I can really tell that I am up off the ground. I can tell getting into and out of it still. I am super happy with this swap. Like it has been said time and time again on the FTE forum, the Ex's should have come from the factory with the heavier springs.
Can you imagine what the EX could have with an aluminum body?
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,092
Likes: 0
In re-reading my post, I might have come off as a tad brutish. I don't know Cary, but I know he has an excellent customer service rep, and he really knows his stuff and I wouldn't hesitate to buy from him if needed.
I wish he was a vendor here and posted here too. Adding his knowledge and experience to the awesome collective we have here at FTE would be incredible.
If I ever re-do my Excursion suspension and I don't follow Tom's path, I may just call Cary and have him set me up so I don't have to go sourcing all the stuff again. I'm getting tired as I get older and one-stop shopping really appeals to me. Amazon has spoiled me like that!
Hopefully Cary isn't older, isn't tired, and will stay in business for a long time.
Stewart
I wish he was a vendor here and posted here too. Adding his knowledge and experience to the awesome collective we have here at FTE would be incredible.
If I ever re-do my Excursion suspension and I don't follow Tom's path, I may just call Cary and have him set me up so I don't have to go sourcing all the stuff again. I'm getting tired as I get older and one-stop shopping really appeals to me. Amazon has spoiled me like that!
Hopefully Cary isn't older, isn't tired, and will stay in business for a long time.
Stewart
I have thick skin
When I spent hours and hours Google searching and he popped up in nearly all the findings with advise and recommendations I just made the assumption.
I bought used springs, reused my old u bolts and felt I wanted to patronize him somehow.
Yesterday I ordered up a set of Bilsteins all the way around from him.
It was a pain as I wanted to pay with a card from my business and he only takes PayPal and checks but we worked it out. He was nice and responsive in emails, but over the phone wasn't as "chatty" but that's okay with me.
For what it is worth I settled down after a 100 miles and am sitting about a 1/4" below my initially posted results.
Very happy with the ride.
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
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,678
Likes: 1
From: Central Tx.
I have thick skin
When I spent hours and hours Google searching and he popped up in nearly all the findings with advise and recommendations I just made the assumption.
I bought used springs, reused my old u bolts and felt I wanted to patronize him somehow.
Yesterday I ordered up a set of Bilsteins all the way around from him.
It was a pain as I wanted to pay with a card from my business and he only takes PayPal and checks but we worked it out. He was nice and responsive in emails, but over the phone wasn't as "chatty" but that's okay with me.
For what it is worth I settled down after a 100 miles and am sitting about a 1/4" below my initially posted results.
Very happy with the ride.
When I spent hours and hours Google searching and he popped up in nearly all the findings with advise and recommendations I just made the assumption.
I bought used springs, reused my old u bolts and felt I wanted to patronize him somehow.
Yesterday I ordered up a set of Bilsteins all the way around from him.
It was a pain as I wanted to pay with a card from my business and he only takes PayPal and checks but we worked it out. He was nice and responsive in emails, but over the phone wasn't as "chatty" but that's okay with me.
For what it is worth I settled down after a 100 miles and am sitting about a 1/4" below my initially posted results.
Very happy with the ride.
I'll reuse my U-bolts as well BUT only till I'm dialed in. As I'm sure you already know it is HIGHLY recommended that they be changed out as well. What did you use as the spring center bolt (pin) on the B mod as it's thicker than the X & you had the overloads which make that one to long ??
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 12,064
Likes: 1,574
From: Media PA
I'll reuse my U-bolts as well BUT only till I'm dialed in. As I'm sure you already know it is HIGHLY recommended that they be changed out as well. What did you use as the spring center bolt (pin) on the B mod as it's thicker than the X & you had the overloads which make that one to long ??
Just go to the local hardware store and buy the correct length and diameter bolt once you have the new spring pack mocked up with big C clamps. I used Grade 8 bolts on mine but that is overkill as once the springs are all bolted in place and U bolts tight the center bolts don't have any force applied to them.
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,118
Likes: 4
From: Idaho
I'll reuse my U-bolts as well BUT only till I'm dialed in. As I'm sure you already know it is HIGHLY recommended that they be changed out as well. What did you use as the spring center bolt (pin) on the B mod as it's thicker than the X & you had the overloads which make that one to long ??
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,092
Likes: 0
I'll reuse my U-bolts as well BUT only till I'm dialed in. As I'm sure you already know it is HIGHLY recommended that they be changed out as well. What did you use as the spring center bolt (pin) on the B mod as it's thicker than the X & you had the overloads which make that one to long ??
I talked to my local spring shop and they said they didn't think it really is necessary to replace them, I've read otherwise though.
I will more than likely swap out the rear stock blocks to a higher one. And add a mini pack under the front if I feel. Once I do will more than likely replace the u bolts.
Has anyone seen a u bolt failure or firsthand repercussions do to reusing FACTORY u bolts?
Last, I went to the local auto parts store and got new 7/16 center bolts.
SPONSOR
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 711
Likes: 6
From: Souderton
It only makes sense to replace the U-bolts. The way I look at it is that you are already under there replacing everything else, what is a few more bucks going to cost to do everything right.
The problem is that U-bolts stretch over time. When you try to re-torque a used U-bolt you may not be getting the proper torque because it is stretched (Used as in has been on the vehicle for some time). We have seen people try and cut corners with old U-bolts and it sometimes results in a broken spring because there is movement where movement shouldn't be.
BUT, we have also seen people use used U-bolts and have no problems what so ever. Whether we are working on a customer's vehicle or just selling parts we always suggest getting new ones, better safe than sorry.
The problem is that U-bolts stretch over time. When you try to re-torque a used U-bolt you may not be getting the proper torque because it is stretched (Used as in has been on the vehicle for some time). We have seen people try and cut corners with old U-bolts and it sometimes results in a broken spring because there is movement where movement shouldn't be.
BUT, we have also seen people use used U-bolts and have no problems what so ever. Whether we are working on a customer's vehicle or just selling parts we always suggest getting new ones, better safe than sorry.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,993
Likes: 16
From: Colorado
Personally, the peace of mind I got with all new hardware, from ATS of course, was well worth the money spent. We sometimes do crazy stuff in the Ex.
