Excursion steering
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Excursion steering
I am interested in buying an Excursion, and recently rented a 2003 V-10 4x4 for a weekend of combined highway and city driving. I loved it, except for one thing: THE STEERING. Particularly on the Interstate, it seemed quite numb and wanted to wander constantly. Has anyone discovered an effective aftermarket fix for this inherent factory problem ? Can anyone point me to other websites or sources that might address this issue ? We've owned three Suburbans and I'd like to move up if we can fix this problem in a reasonable way. Thanks for any help anyone can give me with this.
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Brawley USA
Excursion steering
I haven't had my X too long, but have not noticed the same thing...I too rented not one but two Xs before buying...Both had a 5.4L and one was 4X4 the other was 2WD...
I noticed that the rental 4X4 had steering issues but the 2WD did not...I think it is a rental thing....We test drove several 4X4s before buying out 00 Limited...it has 50k on it and 33" tires..No steering issues...
I have noticed in other cars that a good allignment and new shocks will sometimes fix this issue...The shocks part and allignment did the trick on a 93 E150 we had....Tires have a bit to do with it too...Rentals are not known for using good tires....
Hope this helps...
Mel
I noticed that the rental 4X4 had steering issues but the 2WD did not...I think it is a rental thing....We test drove several 4X4s before buying out 00 Limited...it has 50k on it and 33" tires..No steering issues...
I have noticed in other cars that a good allignment and new shocks will sometimes fix this issue...The shocks part and allignment did the trick on a 93 E150 we had....Tires have a bit to do with it too...Rentals are not known for using good tires....
Hope this helps...
Mel
New User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Excursion steering
I just purchased a 2003 Limited 6.0L PSD that had Firestone Steeltex Load D tires and it wandered as well. Did some research and concluded, one, get rid of the Firestone tires, two, get Michelin LTX M/S Load E. Did yesterday at the dealer and drove home 90 miles via interstate and WOW what a difference the Michelins made. The road manners and handling were fantastic. No more wandering around. Thought I had a steering problem at first as well. No, it's the tires!!!!!!!!!
Richard Zue
Roanoke, Va
Richard Zue
Roanoke, Va
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
From: Edmonton, Alberta
Excursion steering
While not performed on a Ford Excursion, two friends of mine have upgraded power steering components in their vehicles. I do not want to claim that this is the solution, as wander is obviously not attributed solely to the power steering setup, but it might help. The thing I miss the most from my Chevrolet Avalanche is the power steering. Say what you may, I have always been impressed with General Motors' power steering.
If someone decides to upgrade their power steering, be sure to reinforce it if you decide to go offroad to any extent. One of my friends didn't and with the wheels bogged down, broke the power steering box right off the frame. Not good.
Just my two cents!
If someone decides to upgrade their power steering, be sure to reinforce it if you decide to go offroad to any extent. One of my friends didn't and with the wheels bogged down, broke the power steering box right off the frame. Not good.
Just my two cents!
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 394
Likes: 6
From: SEVA
Excursion steering
To date, I've left the Firestone tires on. When I fabricated and installed a pair of radius-rods, the wandering stopped. I tend to believe the problem is associated more with the rear axle's weak leaf springs .... which are the weakest of all the Ford Super Duty vehicles. The radius-rods do nothing more than keep the rear axle in a controlled arc, and eliminate the common Excursion ailment of "spring wrap."
When you drive the X over some uneven road surfaces, the rear axle gets a little out of skew (no longer perpendicular to the vehicle's centerline) due to one leaf spring "wrapping" at a diiferent rate than the other side. The blocks mounted between the leaves and the axle only add to this problem because they provide more leverage for the axle to wrap the springs.
In addition to eliminating the wandering, these rods have also smoothed out the felt ride from the rear suspension tremendously. Drive over a bump, and you feel it once .... doesn't keep reverberating when the leaf springs attempt to normalize themselves.
When I install a small lift (only 3 or 4"), I will design, fabricate, and install another pair of radius-rods for the front axle.
When you drive the X over some uneven road surfaces, the rear axle gets a little out of skew (no longer perpendicular to the vehicle's centerline) due to one leaf spring "wrapping" at a diiferent rate than the other side. The blocks mounted between the leaves and the axle only add to this problem because they provide more leverage for the axle to wrap the springs.
In addition to eliminating the wandering, these rods have also smoothed out the felt ride from the rear suspension tremendously. Drive over a bump, and you feel it once .... doesn't keep reverberating when the leaf springs attempt to normalize themselves.
When I install a small lift (only 3 or 4"), I will design, fabricate, and install another pair of radius-rods for the front axle.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
From: British Columbia, Canada
Excursion steering
All good advice in the threads above. You might also check the lower ball joints. For whatever reason, some of these last only 60 - 80,000 kms (40-50,000 miles) especially in dusty conditions and especially in fine quartz dust that comes from granitic and some volcanic terrains. Just a thought...from personal experience
New User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Excursion
Have the same problem with 2005 Excursion wandering around the road. Would Landyot contact Frank Reed, abreed1@prodigy.net to obtain a set of radius rods from him when available.
Thanks, Frank Reed
Thanks, Frank Reed
Originally Posted by Landyot
To date, I've left the Firestone tires on. When I fabricated and installed a pair of radius-rods, the wandering stopped. I tend to believe the problem is associated more with the rear axle's weak leaf springs .... which are the weakest of all the Ford Super Duty vehicles. The radius-rods do nothing more than keep the rear axle in a controlled arc, and eliminate the common Excursion ailment of "spring wrap."
When you drive the X over some uneven road surfaces, the rear axle gets a little out of skew (no longer perpendicular to the vehicle's centerline) due to one leaf spring "wrapping" at a diiferent rate than the other side. The blocks mounted between the leaves and the axle only add to this problem because they provide more leverage for the axle to wrap the springs.
In addition to eliminating the wandering, these rods have also smoothed out the felt ride from the rear suspension tremendously. Drive over a bump, and you feel it once .... doesn't keep reverberating when the leaf springs attempt to normalize themselves.
When I install a small lift (only 3 or 4"), I will design, fabricate, and install another pair of radius-rods for the front axle.
When you drive the X over some uneven road surfaces, the rear axle gets a little out of skew (no longer perpendicular to the vehicle's centerline) due to one leaf spring "wrapping" at a diiferent rate than the other side. The blocks mounted between the leaves and the axle only add to this problem because they provide more leverage for the axle to wrap the springs.
In addition to eliminating the wandering, these rods have also smoothed out the felt ride from the rear suspension tremendously. Drive over a bump, and you feel it once .... doesn't keep reverberating when the leaf springs attempt to normalize themselves.
When I install a small lift (only 3 or 4"), I will design, fabricate, and install another pair of radius-rods for the front axle.
Trending Topics
New User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Drifty Excursiion
I have a 2005 Ford Excursion that wanders. I would like Landyot contact me at abreed1@prodigy.net, to arrange purchase a set of the radius rods he fabricates when they are available. Thanks, Frank Reed
Originally Posted by Landyot
To date, I've left the Firestone tires on. When I fabricated and installed a pair of radius-rods, the wandering stopped. I tend to believe the problem is associated more with the rear axle's weak leaf springs .... which are the weakest of all the Ford Super Duty vehicles. The radius-rods do nothing more than keep the rear axle in a controlled arc, and eliminate the common Excursion ailment of "spring wrap."
When you drive the X over some uneven road surfaces, the rear axle gets a little out of skew (no longer perpendicular to the vehicle's centerline) due to one leaf spring "wrapping" at a diiferent rate than the other side. The blocks mounted between the leaves and the axle only add to this problem because they provide more leverage for the axle to wrap the springs.
In addition to eliminating the wandering, these rods have also smoothed out the felt ride from the rear suspension tremendously. Drive over a bump, and you feel it once .... doesn't keep reverberating when the leaf springs attempt to normalize themselves.
When I install a small lift (only 3 or 4"), I will design, fabricate, and install another pair of radius-rods for the front axle.
When you drive the X over some uneven road surfaces, the rear axle gets a little out of skew (no longer perpendicular to the vehicle's centerline) due to one leaf spring "wrapping" at a diiferent rate than the other side. The blocks mounted between the leaves and the axle only add to this problem because they provide more leverage for the axle to wrap the springs.
In addition to eliminating the wandering, these rods have also smoothed out the felt ride from the rear suspension tremendously. Drive over a bump, and you feel it once .... doesn't keep reverberating when the leaf springs attempt to normalize themselves.
When I install a small lift (only 3 or 4"), I will design, fabricate, and install another pair of radius-rods for the front axle.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
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
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,620
Likes: 3
From: WARRINGTON, PA
landyot gone?????
frank, it seems that this post is from 9-16-2003.. i dont think that he will reply. and sorry, i dont know how to get hold of him either...
it appears that 11-07-2004 was his last post here on this forum.
it appears that 11-07-2004 was his last post here on this forum.
Last edited by RACERX7775; Nov 20, 2006 at 12:03 AM.
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
Good gravy, this was a three year old thread!!
Frank, do a search using "wander" as your criteria and you get a ton of reading that will give you other options along with Landyots radius rods.
Stewart
Frank, do a search using "wander" as your criteria and you get a ton of reading that will give you other options along with Landyots radius rods.
Stewart
New User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Wandering Excursion
The thread that I responded to was three years old, but the problem's the same. Definately keeps you on your toes when your traveling at highway speeds (70). Other than that, I love the truck. Sure beats the GMC products that I was driving previous to this. I appreciate the responses and will do more research from the angle presented.
Thanks again, Frank Reed
Thanks again, Frank Reed
Tuned
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 499
Likes: 20
From: Laguna Hills and Payson
I have a 2005 EX with 42K SERIOUS miles on it.
I have all the other fixes for steering, the GOOD Bilstiens, front/rear sway bars yadda-yadda. Radius Rods are the big difference.
LandYot got chased off here for some reason, but he is on other boards, of which there are many and informative.
Google is your friend.
<IMG SRC="http://www.martialartsacademy.org/meandlevi2.JPG">
_____________________
Quietman
www.roenation.com
2005 EXCURSION LIMITED-options (everything) equipped Eddie Bauer edition 4X4 PSD
4" FabTech lift/level, Bilstein $$ mono-gas shocks, Rancho Steering Stabilizer
Silverstar 9005 fog and H13ST headlights + wiring mod to run high beam and fogs together,
BFG 315/75/16 AT KO's on Factory Mags, 22" front and 18" rear rain-x wipers,
LANDYOT Generation II Radius Rods, Ford factory hood insulator
I have all the other fixes for steering, the GOOD Bilstiens, front/rear sway bars yadda-yadda. Radius Rods are the big difference.
LandYot got chased off here for some reason, but he is on other boards, of which there are many and informative.
Google is your friend.
<IMG SRC="http://www.martialartsacademy.org/meandlevi2.JPG">
_____________________
Quietman
www.roenation.com
2005 EXCURSION LIMITED-options (everything) equipped Eddie Bauer edition 4X4 PSD
4" FabTech lift/level, Bilstein $$ mono-gas shocks, Rancho Steering Stabilizer
Silverstar 9005 fog and H13ST headlights + wiring mod to run high beam and fogs together,
BFG 315/75/16 AT KO's on Factory Mags, 22" front and 18" rear rain-x wipers,
LANDYOT Generation II Radius Rods, Ford factory hood insulator
New User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Wandering Excursion
Thanks for the reply. Some of the things that you have on your vehicle, I probably wouldn't do. Others are a definate plus. I use my Excursion primarily as a truck with a built-in canopy. Makes hauling building materials easy, dry and secure. My lab likes the idea as well - he has lots of room.
Appreciate, Frank Reed
Appreciate, Frank Reed
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Kelticbear
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
21
Jul 23, 2014 10:52 AM
