Notices
Excursion - King of SUVs 2000 - 2005 Ford Excursion
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

X code install fun on a 4x4 Ex

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 7, 2017 | 03:15 PM
  #16  
thor363's Avatar
thor363
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Loved
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 103
From: TN
Anyone else have issues with the track bar pushing the axle over so it's near impossible to align both front and rear shackles?
 
Reply
Old Sep 7, 2017 | 03:19 PM
  #17  
05MilMachine's Avatar
05MilMachine
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,066
Likes: 4
From: North Texas
Yes. I used ratchet straps to pull it in line to install but in the end it pulled my leaf bushings off center and I had to get an adjustable Trac bar. With x code springs the axle is not in the center with the stock bar.
 
Reply
Old Sep 7, 2017 | 03:28 PM
  #18  
thor363's Avatar
thor363
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Loved
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 103
From: TN
Thanks for that info. I'll try a ratchet strap set first but which bar did you get?

edit: Nevermind it's in your sig!
 

Last edited by thor363; Sep 7, 2017 at 03:50 PM. Reason: Reading glasses installed...
Reply
Old Sep 7, 2017 | 04:14 PM
  #19  
Tylus's Avatar
Tylus
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Veteran: Navy
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,607
Likes: 151
From: SE Georgia
Club FTE Silver Member

Gonna post this here so others can see a solution if they need help. I've done this install a few times and it's easy to forget things that can make the install go easier

Every X is different. You won't always need an adjustable Trac Bar/Drop bracket. I didn't need one until I put my lift shackle in.
Originally Posted by Tylus
Originally Posted by thor363
I am having a problem getting the rear shackle to align. The srping end is inbound a bit. I think it's due to the trackbar and axle orientation. Not sure it moved but how did you ever get it all lined up again. Did you have to drop the other side first before you could assemble the first side? Thanks, Dave
You have to leave everything loose. Run the nuts for U-bolts on axle only enough that they keep the alignment pin centered on leaf pad. Make sure front bolts are in, but not tight either.

It should be super wobbly and loose. That will give you enough flex to align the rear leaf eyelet to shackle

It can be a bear. Also make sure stabilizer is completely removed. Any tight bolt is gonna fight you
 
Reply
Old Sep 8, 2017 | 11:06 PM
  #20  
thor363's Avatar
thor363
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Loved
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 103
From: TN
So the new X codes put the Ex at 26.25" from hub center to lip of wheel well (with Eddie Bauer cladding). Rear is sitting at 24" until I get done with that. Looks like a few ways to get a desired rake.
 
Reply
Old Sep 9, 2017 | 01:16 PM
  #21  
Stewart_H's Avatar
Stewart_H
Super Moderator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
Club FTE Gold Member
Originally Posted by thor363
Yes, that one. Seriously??? I read somewhere it had to come out!


Originally Posted by thor363
Bumper is off, agreed much easier access.

Any tricks with the rear shackles?
Thor, c'mon buddy! You're no longer a rook here...and you know your way around this forum...and you know about the tech folder...and you know how we cover suspension tech here ad nauseum...yet you didn't peruse the many links for spring swaps before you tackled this? Oh dang, 20 demerits for you!

Stewart
 
Reply
Old Sep 9, 2017 | 03:39 PM
  #22  
thor363's Avatar
thor363
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Loved
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 103
From: TN
Only 20 demerits, well... bless your heart!
 
Reply
Old Sep 9, 2017 | 04:40 PM
  #23  
Stewart_H's Avatar
Stewart_H
Super Moderator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
Club FTE Gold Member
Originally Posted by thor363
Only 20 demerits, well... bless your heart!
Tip the bouncer at the door and he'll get you some replacements.

Stewart
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

 Brett Foote
story-2

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-6

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-7

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-9

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Sep 9, 2017 | 09:29 PM
  #24  
thor363's Avatar
thor363
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Loved
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 103
From: TN
Stewie, with all the threads on springs, I haven't yet seen one definitive answer to whether to use the 3.5 taper blocks to get the correct pinion angle. What say you moderator king?
 
Reply
Old Sep 9, 2017 | 10:36 PM
  #25  
Stewart_H's Avatar
Stewart_H
Super Moderator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
Club FTE Gold Member
Originally Posted by thor363
Stew, with all the threads on springs, I haven't yet seen one definitive answer to whether to use the 3.5 taper blocks to get the correct pinion angle. What say you moderator king?
I've said it many times, but contained in posts so far back in the early threads that they're probably lost somewhere, buried deep in the forum. But to answer your question, yes, short of doing it the correct way, the general rule of thumb when swapping in V's or X's, is to use either the tapered blocks, or the modded B codes in order to minimize the risk of drive line vibration caused by pinion angles being too far out of spec.

Stewart

PS - Stew or Stewart, please.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
93nighthawk
Aerostar
1
Sep 23, 2015 06:35 PM
nagetech
Excursion - King of SUVs
3
Aug 27, 2015 05:39 AM
shaneinga
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
22
Feb 16, 2013 05:29 PM
bigslurrp
Excursion - King of SUVs
10
Mar 22, 2004 11:26 PM
FTE Ken
1978 - 1996 Big Bronco
4
Sep 25, 2001 09:45 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:56 PM.

story-0
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

Slideshow: 10 ways Ford is losing to the competition

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 09:52:01


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

Some great targets in today's expensive world.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 09:35:19


VIEW MORE
story-2
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-4
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-6
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-9
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic 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.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE