When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Hey all,
I have 190k on my '03 6.0 diesel Ex and am loving it (bought it at 176k summer of '14). I tow up to 90% of the max (I was at 19k pounds fully laden on my first trip with her) and have a quick question. I was replacing the rear brakes and I noticed what I would call 'bump stops' between the springs and the chassis. They are pretty much shredded and need to be replaced. When I'm loaded up with the trailer she does squat a bit in the rear and I'm wondering if that's the reason why.
What are my options here? Can someone provide me with the right part name/number (improved over OEM version appreciated, if it exists) or other options to take care of this issue?
I apologize for the ignorance but I'm not really sure what to be searching on as some very different looking parts come up with I search on "Excursion Bump Stops".
Just to be clear are you talking about the frame mounted bump stops that would contact the arm off the lift block at full suspension compression OR the bump stops that are mounted to the front of the factory traction bar (thick half leaf on the bottom of the spring pack) that would contact the bottom of an upper spring leaf near the front spring mount. It's pretty common to see the traction bar bumpers completely shredded on these wagons.
I think Matt M PA recently replaced his traction bar rubbers and posted pics of the part numbers.
If you're at 19k and have shredded bump stops, you need a weight distributing hitch....but honestly the stock springs have such short travel and soft rates that you may still want to upgrade.
190k as opposed to 19k.
So the bump stops I'm describing are directly above the rear axle, keeping it from hitting the chassis/sub-frame or so it appears.
The driver's side one is gone, the passenger side one is falling apart.
The one I'm talking about is the yellow foam stop that attaches to the chassis, not a suspension part. Is this normal?
I'll try to get out tomorrow and check the other ones that I think are forward of the leaf springs from what I can tell in the picture referenced above.
What are you towing that has your gross WT at 19k lbs? Do you use a WD hitch? If yes, is it setup correctly with the front axle weight fully reloaded to its non towing weight? We regularly tow at about 19k combined and my rear bumps are healthy. But I have also upgraded to modified B code pickup truck springs out back and modded X codes in front, the spring swap transformed the EX into a much, much better tow rig.
The frame mounted rear rubber bump stops are actually a part of the suspension system, however keeping them from bearing the weight is one of the goals of a well setup tow rig. We can help get you there.
Sweet, that's what I'm looking for. I have a toy hauler that I tow a race car in. The 19k was fully laden with 100 gallons of water and a full tank of diesel. I think I came in at 189xx at a truck stop. I don't know about weight on the front axle, but I do use a WD hitch. Regardless of what chain link I put it on, the truck still sits the same - probably 2-3" lower in the rear. It has big wheels and tires on it (tires are Nitto 305/55 20's) so it sits up a bit higher I think than stock. It appears to have no lift. The photo from the previously referenced thread looks nothing like mine. Perhaps that one is a 4x4? I don't have anything in the back other than leaf springs, and no 3rd bump stop in front of the axle on the passenger side like in the photo.
I really appreciate the help. I'm willing to spend a few bucks to make certain I get some long life out of her, both under the hood and in the suspension department.
Thanks!
So your EX is 2WD then?
Changes to the WD hitch should have some impact on the weight transfer to the front axle of the tow rig and the amount of rear suspension squat.......if the WD is sized correctly and setup properly.
Do you have a picture of the rig all hitched up with the trailer loaded? (What kind of race car? We need to know the fun info too! ). What WD hitch do you have and what weight rated spring bars does it have? When you hit the scales did you make the needed passes to calculate the trailer tongue weight?
Getting a hitch setup well to handle a heavy trailer can be a challenge, but getting it properly dialed in makes such a big difference in towing performance!
The more info and pictures you can supply us with better we can help you!
Hey all, apologies for the delay in responding. Just been caught up in other things. Here's a video of my latest racing escapades (this is what I tow with the toy hauler).
To your questions. Yes, 2WD. I don't recall the make or specs on the WD hitch unfortunately. I might have the box at another location but it was the cheap one from Cabela's I think (bought it pre-big trailer). I've attached a pic of the rig all hooked up. Note the ~3" droop in the rear of the Ex. This is fully laden after an 1100 mile tow from Dallas to Sebring. I'd estimate the total weight at this point at close to 19k.
I did not get to weigh so that I could calculate tongue weight, etc. unfortunately.
I'm looking at a 2200 mile round trip full laden (including family) to Road America in June and would love to make it as smooth a trip as possible.
Goals are:
- Upgrade radio if possible - any suggestions? I'd like satellite and some way to feed my phone through it (aux or Bluetooth)
- Most importantly I need to replace those bump stops that I mentioned
- any other suspension work recommended for a 190k 2003
Can someone point me in the right direction so I can start making the appropriate changes ASAP?
Much appreciated!
Pic below (sorry it's not great, but it's the only one I have)
you are correct in that they are called bump stops and they are an important part of your suspension system. they are also a wear item much like leaf spring bushings and need to be replaced occasionally.
I use these from Energy suspension on my Ex as they are more durable.
( you may want to verify the stock bump stop height and make sure they are close as my suspension is not stock )
The way your rig is sitting and the look of it you might need to upgrade your springs/stops/shocks. That trailer should not be putting the rig in that position its not that big you might need a WD hitch and weigh on the scales to spread the load and air bags.
The way your rig is sitting and the look of it you might need to upgrade your springs/stops/shocks. That trailer should not be putting the rig in that position its not that big you might need a WD hitch and weigh on the scales to spread the load and air bags.
not that big ? he is at 19,000 lbs, assuming his Ex is about 8,000 that puts the trailer and cargo at 11,000, figure he has aroud 15% tounge weigh or about 1500 lbs. 1500 lbs of payload on the excursion spring that are a 430 lb in rate would sag the rear end 3 1/2 inch. ( he estimated the sag at 3" )
no we know the Ex has around 5 inch of rear wheel travel and he is using 3 1/2" supporting his cargo so that leaves him about 1 1/2 inches of travel. if memory serves me the stock rear bump stops engage the 2" or so of travel. in other words he has been ridding on the bumps....or what is left of them
me thinks air bags are in order as well as new bump stops.
on another note.... what are the trailer axles rated for ? you wouldn't be the first guy to blow out a toy hauler axle setup. they are easy to overload.
That trailer should not be putting the rig in that position
Camo beat me to it but, you gotta remember Ted, that's a toy hauler he's got hooked to the Ex. Those bad boys can carry a crap ton of water, gas, as well as the toys that fit in the back.
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.
). What WD hitch do you have and what weight rated spring bars does it have? When you hit the scales did you make the needed passes to calculate the trailer tongue weight?
