Hey guys
I just dropped off my 2002 V10 4X4 Excursion at the dealer for a spring swap on the front axle. code U. Of course no one there had ever heard of anyone changing the front springs to other ford springs. I talked to the guys at the parts counter and then the "front end guy" in the service dep't John. I didn't ask who the back end guy was Anyway john says that he doesn't see why we can't change them. I was explaining about spring travel and bump stops. He is looking under the front and says man you've only got about 3/4" travel to the bump stops! So hopefully U codes will work out well . Maybe I'll get some good shocks soon. The dealer allready had some V codes in stock, I was tempted to get those but I was worried they might be too stiff.
On my way out I was looking at the new super duties, 2003. I was surprised to se the bump stops were completely different than mine. MUCH smaller. maybe 1/3 the size and consequently significantly more travel before bottoming out. Those Exc bump stops have to be for rollover protection for soccer moms. What other reason could there be?

 

A smoother ride.

The bumpstops are actually part of the dampening system for the front suspension rather than a travel limiter like on other systems. That way they were able to keep the ride height down, the ride smoother and spring travel more controlled.

Did it work? Well.............

 

>A smoother ride.
>
>The bumpstops are actually part of the dampening system for
>the front suspension rather than a travel limiter like on
>other systems. That way they were able to keep the ride
>height down, the ride smoother and spring travel more
>controlled.
>
>Did it work? Well.............


Ok I got my Exc back from the dealer with U code springs. As far as I'm concerned the front spring upgrade is a no-brainer for all truck guys. Get it done sooner or later! Now have right at 2 3/4" travel to the bump stop/dampener. Before I had 3/4". That's a noticeable diff in height; actually a little higher than the back by 3/8" according to dealer measurements. Kind of got ripped a new A hole to the tune of $580, but I just have too consider it money well spent because the Exc has a much better personality. I really don't think any of you guys would consider U springs too harsh(i have V10).
What it does;
It does transmit much more road feel thru the steering. You will feel those smallbumps and road ripples more too( think expansion joints in a bridge). Stock springs are fine on a smooth road. What irritated with OEM springs is that anything larger than a very small bump would hit the stops and shudder harshly. Large bumps with the new springs are much smoother because you're not hitting that freakin stop/dampener all the time.
If your shocks are still relatively new, keep um and go for the springs. You'll be pleased. If you're worried about too stiff get S code or T code but I like U with V10 and I don't think V codes would have overly harsh!

 

Oh forgot to mention. It has less body roll around corners and such.
Also, I had 3/4" to the stops.... I've seen another bone stock Exc(2000) that had 0" clearance on drivers side and only maybe 2/5" clearance on passenger side. I bet his Excursion rides like !




But now I need to raise the back a little!!
Who has a good add a leaf or helper spring??
I can't afford more Ford springs!