Adding Steering Stab, '01 2WD Ex

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Nov 15, 2015 | 10:31 AM

GregA

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Tuned

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From: Connecticut

Adding Steering Stab, '01 2WD Ex

Deet dah dee.

So I was driving the '01 2WD Excursion earlier in the week and noticed the steering was still a little vague, kinda like it was in my prior '00 4WD Ex when the steering stabilizer was dead. So I went to Amazon Prime (Nemesis!!!) and one-click-ordered a new Bilstein stabilizer.

Went to install it just now and...the truck is not equipped with a steering stabilizer! Deet dah dee.

Anyone know what's involved in installing one of these, and/or where I can snag the parts used? I imagine ordering all-new stuff from Ford ain't cheap.

GA

Nov 18, 2015 | 10:54 AM

GregA

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Tuned

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From: Connecticut

Anyone? Beuhler...?

How about an aftermarket add-on steering stabilizer for the Excursion?

Nov 18, 2015 | 11:00 AM

Sous

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From: Lake Hartwell, GA

There is a ton of information on this subject in the 99-03 7.3 forum and the Excursion forum. If you are looking for an OEM type set up, the parts below will help out. The list is from my own notes, so don't take it too seriously without doing your own research. Of course, there are many aftermarket setups as well to choose from.

Try the advanced search feature, it has helped me sort through the BS to get to what I need to know.

F81Z-3E652-AA $1.00 Bracket
N811656-S426 $2.00 U-bolt
N620482-S301 $4.00 U-bolt nuts - 44 ft lb
F81Z-3E651-DA $75.00

Amazon.com: Bilstein 24-158848 Monotube Steering Damper, Front 46mm: Automotive

N606084-S426 $1.00 dampers bolt
N606083-S426 $1.00 damper bolt
N620483-S301 $2.00 damper nuts 66 ft lb

Nov 18, 2015 | 11:27 AM

GregA

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Tuned

Joined: Jun 2003

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From: Connecticut

Thanks. Using those numbers I actually came across a Ford TSB for the '99-04 F-350:

Fulltext TSBs - Ford-Trucks.com

Frames are the same? The 4x2 U-bolts are, unfortunately, no longer available from Ford. and parts are different between 4x4 and 4x2.

You note there are "many aftermarket setups" for the truck, problem is, all the ones I've found are for the 4x4 trucks, and usually lifted. I've yet to find one that specifically lists the 2WD Excursion or F-250. Direction appreciated on that one.

Appreciate the response!

Nov 21, 2015 | 07:48 AM

GregA

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Tuned

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From: Connecticut

Just an update for anyone that may find this thread...I have yet to find an aftermarket add-on steering stabilizer for an unlifted 2WD Ford Excursion (or F-250). The only thing I've found is the above TSB, and as noted the u-bolts are no longer available.

For now I've returned the stabilizer damper to Amazon, might consider picking this up in the Spring. Otherwise...buy a 4WD truck!

Nov 21, 2015 | 11:34 AM

Sous

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From: Lake Hartwell, GA

Sorry about the late delay, was it not possible to go to Fastenal or Tractor Supply to try and match the size/diameter of the u-bolts? I don't see this as a show stopper, but a minor speed bump in the road to success.

Just my .02...

Nov 22, 2015 | 08:19 AM

GregA

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Tuned

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 465

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From: Connecticut

Thanks. It's not just the u-bolts issue, that could be easily addressed. More importantly, I can't find anyone else that has installed one of these in either a 2WD Excursion or F-250, and it's not obvious from the TSB that these F-350 parts will work on those (and it's not obvious from looking under the truck). With winter approaching I'm a bit hesitant to spend the money and time in the cold right now to pursue this.

Might take it up again in the Spring when it comes times to start towing to race tracks again. Or maybe I'll come across another option? I think one of these would certainly be useful when towing.