Killing wander while staying low(yes, another spring thread)
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More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Central Va
Killing wander while staying low(yes, another spring thread)
Readers digest.
02 limited 4x4 with 7.3,115K miles... the usual "wander" that has continued after new steering boxes, multiple sets of tires/pressure, new rear sway bar, new shocks.
I need to stiffen up this ride.
I do not want to lift it, I have my off road rig if I want tall.(plus the wife is not happy about that idea, AND I just put on 285's less than 5K miles ago and can't afford to upgrade those to make it look right.
Those that have used airbags, will it allow you to stiffen the ride, without a height increase?
Any other ideas for maintaining the height, but stiffening? All the solutions I have seen will add a couple inches off the bat, and a tire upgrade will net me a couple more, and I'm not ready for that.
02 limited 4x4 with 7.3,115K miles... the usual "wander" that has continued after new steering boxes, multiple sets of tires/pressure, new rear sway bar, new shocks.
I need to stiffen up this ride.
I do not want to lift it, I have my off road rig if I want tall.(plus the wife is not happy about that idea, AND I just put on 285's less than 5K miles ago and can't afford to upgrade those to make it look right.
Those that have used airbags, will it allow you to stiffen the ride, without a height increase?
Any other ideas for maintaining the height, but stiffening? All the solutions I have seen will add a couple inches off the bat, and a tire upgrade will net me a couple more, and I'm not ready for that.
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Joined: May 2014
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From: Dustbowl, NV
There used to be a product called LandYot that was like a set of traction bars. Everyone raved about them, but they haven't been made in many years... they cured the wander. I'd call Cary at CT Performance, he is the Excursion suspension wizard. He's tried everything available and is very helpful with questions.
At least he may be able to keep you from trying something that DOESN'T work!
At least he may be able to keep you from trying something that DOESN'T work!
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,174
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From: Flat Rock, MI
Try changing the spring eye bushings. I've never been able to confirm but I suspect Excursion bushings are softer than super duty. An old coworker had a brand new Excursion and all he did to the rear was change to a Urethane bushing and he said the wander went away. If you don't want to change springs, I'd try that. The rear spring rate is plenty stiff...
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Joined: May 2014
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From: Dustbowl, NV
That's true, and I wonder if he can make a spring that's stiffer but still has the negative arch... BUT, that won't gain any travel (which is another issue).
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More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Central Va
Try changing the spring eye bushings. I've never been able to confirm but I suspect Excursion bushings are softer than super duty. An old coworker had a brand new Excursion and all he did to the rear was change to a Urethane bushing and he said the wander went away. If you don't want to change springs, I'd try that. The rear spring rate is plenty stiff...
I'm not worried about travel, this is pretty much on-road only, towing a camper, and just general driving, the goal is to make it easier to drive, while still being able to ALMOST get it in the garage for the moments I need a good surface to work on it(still have to let the air out of the tires, but for now it'll fit)
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From: Dustbowl, NV
BUT, after driving it for a while, the way the vehicle upsets when you hit railroad tracks or road irregularities is downright dangerous. Especially if you get a side wind while hitting any bump, you'll feel the problem. If you look between the axle and the bumpstop in front, you'll SEE the problem! I felt like I could handle it while driving, but it worried me if anyone else was driving. After a spring change, it's a different vehicle. Awesome!
Anyway, at least you can make informed decisions if you have all the facts! Good luck!
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More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Central Va
I hear ya, I was thinkin' the same thing when I first got mine- my wife and daughter are just over 5' tall and didn't want to have to have a ladder to get into it!
BUT, after driving it for a while, the way the vehicle upsets when you hit railroad tracks or road irregularities is downright dangerous. Especially if you get a side wind while hitting any bump, you'll feel the problem. If you look between the axle and the bumpstop in front, you'll SEE the problem! I felt like I could handle it while driving, but it worried me if anyone else was driving. After a spring change, it's a different vehicle. Awesome!
Anyway, at least you can make informed decisions if you have all the facts! Good luck!
BUT, after driving it for a while, the way the vehicle upsets when you hit railroad tracks or road irregularities is downright dangerous. Especially if you get a side wind while hitting any bump, you'll feel the problem. If you look between the axle and the bumpstop in front, you'll SEE the problem! I felt like I could handle it while driving, but it worried me if anyone else was driving. After a spring change, it's a different vehicle. Awesome!
Anyway, at least you can make informed decisions if you have all the facts! Good luck!
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Flat Rock, MI
The front spring swap is nice because you get increased spring rate, which they need in my opinion, and that helps with ride. I thought my Vs might be too stiff but next time around I may go Ws. The Vs feel like it should have been from the factory, firm but still have travel, just without bottoming on the stops. Since your stops are gone, you may ultimately break your factory springs since they can over travel now.
Last edited by RobRoss; Apr 7, 2015 at 11:54 AM. Reason: added content
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From: Central Coast of CA
Or am I reading it wrong and you're just saying in your opinion it won't look right WITHOUT swapping for bigger tires?
Stewart
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Joined: Jul 2011
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I'm in exactly the same boat...
Leaning toward:
ATS Front V code
ATS Rear C code (not modded xl)
Bilstein 5100's all around
ICON Dual steering stabilizer with 2 Bilstein 5100's
18" x 9.5" wheel
285/65/18 Toyo AT2's (32.6" dia x 11.5 wide)
No front hangers
No adjustable track bar.
Goal is maximum stability when towing +/-9,000 lbs on the highway.
One concern with approach above is wheel and tire weight and their impact on durability and braking...
Any input would be much appreciated...
Leaning toward:
ATS Front V code
ATS Rear C code (not modded xl)
Bilstein 5100's all around
ICON Dual steering stabilizer with 2 Bilstein 5100's
18" x 9.5" wheel
285/65/18 Toyo AT2's (32.6" dia x 11.5 wide)
No front hangers
No adjustable track bar.
Goal is maximum stability when towing +/-9,000 lbs on the highway.
One concern with approach above is wheel and tire weight and their impact on durability and braking...
Any input would be much appreciated...
Thread Starter
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More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 609
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From: Central Va
Cosmetics, I cannot stand the look of an unfilled fender well, if I wanted that, I would have purchased a dodge
I'm not ruling it out, but if I did, I'd have to go with 35's or I'd go nuts
If I were you, I'd change the front springs to Vs or Us, and upgrade the rear spring bushings. The new front springs would get you close to level. Mine still fits in my garage (standard, 7' door) with 285/75/16 tires and V/SRW Cs.
The front spring swap is nice because you get increased spring rate, which they need in my opinion, and that helps with ride. I thought my Vs might be too stiff but next time around I may go Ws. The Vs feel like it should have been from the factory, firm but still have travel, just without bottoming on the stops. Since your stops are gone, you may ultimately break your factory springs since they can over travel now.
The front spring swap is nice because you get increased spring rate, which they need in my opinion, and that helps with ride. I thought my Vs might be too stiff but next time around I may go Ws. The Vs feel like it should have been from the factory, firm but still have travel, just without bottoming on the stops. Since your stops are gone, you may ultimately break your factory springs since they can over travel now.
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
Reps!
Stewart