I've been reading some of the threads on suspension upgrades. I don't have the tools or the time (too much work and 9 year-old twins) to DIY.

I contacted a local suspension/spring shop to see if they're familiar with the problems and solutions with Excursions. They told me that they know the problems, however they don't use OEM parts and won't use customer-supplied parts, even factory new parts. They will replace mine with "USA-made quality springs". I have some reservations about whether or not they can really match the X and B Ford springs or not. How confident would you be that aftermarket springs that are supposed to have the same load rating would work the same as X and B springs?

Oh, and they want $1200 per axle to do the swap.

Has anyone gone this route??

 

I've used mt local spring shop a few times. They did good work. Ask around and see if others in your area liked what they did. Have they been around for years? Most likely you'll be fine.

 

The price sounds high to me. If you do the math, it should take a good shop 2-3-4 hours for each spring. Ask them what their time costs. I would assume labor is about $80 an Hour for a smaller shop since it’s around $100/hour at the dealer. Figure 3 hours at $80 times 4, that’s $900. Does that mean they’re charging you $1500 for the springs and U bolts and everything? Look on General Spring’s website and compare. You can get a set of their ‘x code’ 43-818 springs for $120 each. Doesn’t add up. Basically they’re charging you $800 in labor just for the front. Is the front going to take 8-10 hours?

 

This shop has been in business for years. I’ve had them do some work for me several times before with good results. And they charge something like $105/hr. Big city prices - I’m in the Phoenix metro area.

I’m more concerned with the parts rather than their work. I suppose there’s no voodoo in Ford springs. A leaf spring with the same load rating should perform the same, right? I’m trying to make sure that I end up with the same great results with the handling that I’ve read about on here, along with the 2” or so of lift.

FYI - I’m looking for 2-3” of lift so I can put on some 35s - I may have to go with some cut out flares- I’d like to do it without a lift if possible.

 

load rating is nothing more then the spring rate x spring travel.

yes a usa spring manufactur can and probably does make a better quality spring then the ones ford has mass produced in mexico by subcontractors.

 

That makes sense. Thanks!

The only thing they won’t do is the modification to the B codes. Is there a way to make up for that with a different load rating maybe?

 

I would still purchase the springs from ATS. There is no guessing and they are proven. The rake will be correct and you can rest assured Junior will set the springs properly for your Excursion. You can then take the springs to any mechanic of your choice. Springs are not rocket science and any half competent mechanic will knock leafs out in no time. Also, don't forget there are many mechanics doing side work in the evening and they are a dime a dozen on Craigslist. Many of these guys turn wrenches all day at large shops and dealerships and are just doing side work for extra money to help ends meet. The shipping will be offset by the savings of local tax on the springs. You will pay around $40 to $50 an hour for a guy doing side work. Sometimes a lot less.

 

Sorry, but what is ATS? (It’s still early here - my brain’s not fully functional).

I have checked with with a couple of guys and they said it should be no problem. It would be nice if they had done it a time or two....🤫

 

ATS is the spring shop who most use. Call and ask for Junior. He will discuss your plans for the truck and get you everything you need for the job, including shocks. Link below....

Leaf Springs and Suspension Parts by Auto and Truck Springs

Also, go into the sub forum here for your area and post a request for shops in Phoenix or guys doing side work. There are lots of guys here who turn wrenches and many of them do side work.

 

Ah, ok. Cool, thanks!

 

Anytime my friend. You will be in good hands with ATS and won't gamble "if" they will set the springs up correctly. Finding a person to do the work will just be a matter of a few phone calls. Go this route and you will save some serious $$$, which can go to other Ex upgrade goodies.

 

ANother vote for "Call ATS, ask for Junior". I had then do mine last year. I am lucky in that they are pretty local to me, and they did they install too. Great shop. Off the top of my head $1200/ axle sounds high, but that was a year ago and I may be wrong. One small piece advice is don't get too hung up on the parts everyone else is using ie. V/ mod B. I spoke with ATS several times, told them what I wanted out of the Ex, and they recommended the right parts. Then they told me why they would use those parts based on my desired result. V/ mod b may be the solution, it also may not. At the very least give them a call and get some expert advice.

 

Agreed. That is why I mentioned calling Junior and discussing the plans for the truck. Different duties require different setup.

 

I will also echo the ATS call. It was easy for me since they're right down the road and they were great to speak with. I started down the road of changing springs since my fronts were shot and every minor pothole would hit the bump stops in the front. So I researched the heck out of it and found that the cheapest option for me was to go with 43-818 springs. I priced out ordering some from an online vendor before I even thought of ATS. Got my online price and then called my local spring shop. They gave me a good price. Then knew that I would need new shocks to go with the springs and hit up Amazon for some Bilsteins (went with stock f250 shocks. The front took a while since I was by myself and wanted to make sure that the truck didn't fall on me. I was very happy with the front and haven't touched the bump stops since.

I had no intention of doing the back but I didn't like the way it looked even after letting the front settle for a few weeks. I looked like I had a few kegs in the back at all times. So, I went looking for rear springs. I priced out new Ex springs and with the cost of those, the ATS springs were the way to go. When I called Junior and told him what I had up front, he recommended I go with his version of the C spring. He worked with me on the price and I drove down and picked them up. I did the drivers side myself no problem but when I went to tackle the passenger side, I was dealing with frozen bolts, and worried about the AC lines. So I called them up and they fit me in and did the passenger side for me at their shop. They were awesome. The ride is great now and their springs just bolted right in. No worries about Moding the spring pack or anything.

Now I have all new springs and shocks that are heavier duty than stock and cost less than just putting new stock springs in. Definitely call ATS. Especially for the rears. Worth it for the ease of the change.

Now I'm on the hunt for 2004 18' wheels to fill out the wheel wells.