a couple questions and maybe we can sort out the issue.

1. what tire pressure are you running front and rear ?

2. what shocks did you have on before?

3. Can you post a pic of your front springs and the shock ?

while I certainly appreciate everyone has their own ride preference a KYB monomax should not transform a Ex into a rattle trap.
a ride that is to stiff for your liking ? Sure but not a rattle trap. Me thinks there is something else going on.

i have my hunches but a pic would help.


edit… all 4x4 excursion trim models have identical suspension, the trim levels are just that… the frilly bits not the suspension or powertrain

 

Thanks. I will snap a pic this weekend, I have the truck at another house, and I will check the tire pressure. I keep the rear pretty high at 70-80; I load about 1200 lbs of horse feed into the back every other week.

 

I’ll keep an eye out for the pics.

for the stock size tires the pressures listed on your door jamb are the correct pressure for a fully loaded Excursion,
the front is 50 and the rear is 55 psi.

Ride quality is highly tire pressure sensitive but since payload is also pressure sensitive i would just run them at the maximum on your door jamb.

at 80 psi the 265/75/16 can support 6800 lbs.

at the factory rated rear 55 they support 5200 lbs

your rear axle is only rated to support 5200 lbs.

in other words the extra payload you are getting by such a high pressure is wasted since its far past the excursions payload and your ride quality is suffering because of it.

but that isn’t what i think may be your biggest issue. Pics should tell that story.

 

Here ya go.

I was thinking about the tires pressures and think maybe I should start by adjusting it down.

I have always ran high pressure, but failed to consider the stock shocks are not the same as the KYB's, and may require less pressure for the smooth ride I am looking for.

 

If you are interested in finding the correct tire pressure for each tire you will need a pyrometer. It can be a new laser like devise or a meat thermometer. If tried a bunch and always come back to my tried and true tire probe that has a steel pointed needle that you stick slightly into the tread. I used it successfully in SCCA racing back in the mid 1990s, before kids.
The way it works is as follows:
1) find a stretch of highway where you are able to bring your tire temps up to their max.
2) pull over at safe place to check your temps.
3) quickly take tire temp readings on each tire by sticking your probe (or point your laser) onto three points of the tire tread (the outside/center/inside).
4) record your three (3) readings for each tire.
Ideally, you want the readings to be the same across each tire. The readings may vary between tires, but on each individual tire, the readings should be the same.
If the outside and inside temp readings are higher than the center, your pressure is too low.
If the outside and inside temp readings are lower than the center, your pressure is too high.
If you have a different reading across the tread at each point, you need an alignment.
In auto racing, this is how they get the most tire on the pavement to maximize grip. For our purposes, it not only provides the most grip, but it also provides the longest tire wear.
Hope this helps.

 

As i suspected, you are missing the bumpstops which are critical to the stock front suspension or it will indeed rattle your teeth out.

The bump bolts to frame, i can just make out the remains of the mounting plate, circled.

there are 2 varieties ford used on the Ex.
a small and large2C7Z-3020-AA Small
YC3Z-3020-AA Larger
If it were mine, i would also remove each front shock and check to make sure they are still functioning at the same time you are replacing both bumps.

 

Thank you for the tip. Much appreciated.

 

Good evening, everyone. I'm new here so please be patient with me. Similar to the original poster, I'm seeking opinions for shocks for my 2004 SD, King Ranch, 4 x 4, off-road package, crew cab, short bed, 6.0 diesel. 155,000 miles, original condition. No lift kit. Occasional towing but nothing extreme. I want durability but still a comfortable ride. The stock feel is fine. Still has the original shocks and steering dampener. It came OEM with Rancho's. When I look at the Rancho site, multiple models come up as fitting. The right front shock top bushing is shot and has started hitting hard on even the least little bump so I've parked her until I can get things ordered and spend a Saturday replacing everything. Does anyone have any thoughts as to what I want to replace them with? I want to replace all four plus the dampener. I am not clear on the point earlier on mono-tube vs dual tube??? What did mine come with and what do I want to replace them? All opinions are very much appreciated. Thanks for your time!

 

I’m a big fan of Bilstein. I like them because they give me more feedback from the road and has more roll resistance resulting in better control in corners. It also helps when you need to avoid stuff in the road. It’s like a safety devise. At least that is my take.
I have Bilsteins on every vehicle I own. 4600s are the same length as stock. There might be a softer shock out there that simulates your OEM feel, but remember, your shocks are old and worn out.

 

Thank you so very much! That is very helpful and gives me great direction. I sincerely appreciate the response. I'm headed to the parts store this weekend. RJS