Fabtech vs. Donahoe (Edge)
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From: Florida
Fabtech vs. Donahoe (Edge)
I am almost ready now to lift my "Ex"!
Just wanted to make sure that I make the right decision...
It seems like a lot of Excursion owners are happy with the Donahoe Edge Lift kit, which (to my surprise) was never heard of the local 4x4 Superstore???
That really threw me off... where even I thought that Donahoe is one of the biggest brand names when it comes down to lifts.
Fabtech was on their list and they (apparently) installed quite a few of them on F-250/350 and Excursions.
On second thought, I might be better off to find a "knowledgeable" local dealer, who knows what's going on in the world of lift kits. I have yet to find one in the Fort Myers/Naples area. (I know Superduty Headquarters in Arizona swears on the Donahoe Edge and installs the 4.5" in almost every Excursion they lift!)
Any final thoughts or input from you guys (and gals of course)?
What kind of options would you recommend?
Dual shocks in front, etc.?
Any comment or suggestions is appreciated!
Just wanted to make sure that I make the right decision...
It seems like a lot of Excursion owners are happy with the Donahoe Edge Lift kit, which (to my surprise) was never heard of the local 4x4 Superstore???
That really threw me off... where even I thought that Donahoe is one of the biggest brand names when it comes down to lifts.
Fabtech was on their list and they (apparently) installed quite a few of them on F-250/350 and Excursions.
On second thought, I might be better off to find a "knowledgeable" local dealer, who knows what's going on in the world of lift kits. I have yet to find one in the Fort Myers/Naples area. (I know Superduty Headquarters in Arizona swears on the Donahoe Edge and installs the 4.5" in almost every Excursion they lift!)
Any final thoughts or input from you guys (and gals of course)?
What kind of options would you recommend?
Dual shocks in front, etc.?
Any comment or suggestions is appreciated!
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: IL, USA
What size lifts are you considering?
As far as options, I'd go with a adjustable trac bar.....makes install a lot easier and keeps the front end centered.
If you are looking for the best ride possible I'd go with single shocks all the way around.....Donahoe Racing just came out with their own signature line of shocks that are valved for these trucks to replace the Bilsteins that used to come with their lifts.
As far as options, I'd go with a adjustable trac bar.....makes install a lot easier and keeps the front end centered.
If you are looking for the best ride possible I'd go with single shocks all the way around.....Donahoe Racing just came out with their own signature line of shocks that are valved for these trucks to replace the Bilsteins that used to come with their lifts.
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From: Florida
I went to Donahoe Racing's website and got some very good info off there. Apparently they make 4.5" and 5" lift? I heard of the 4.5", but never heard of the 5"? Isn't that supposed to be the 6"? The next higher lift is 7", which I also never heard of before, unless it is a brand new series for '04/'05.
I consider either a 4.5" or 6", but if the 5" really would be available I would opt for that.
I stopped by my local 4x4 shop last night and got some info from them as well. Unfortunately they don't even install dr lifts, but said they would have a very similar product... "SuperLift", which comes with all the components and parts as the dr lift, also with the Bilstein shock upgrade.
I really don't want to go into 37's, but rather would ran comfortably 35's. Right now I have no lift and run 33x16.5x12.5.
Any input? Thanks in advance!
Andy
I consider either a 4.5" or 6", but if the 5" really would be available I would opt for that.
I stopped by my local 4x4 shop last night and got some info from them as well. Unfortunately they don't even install dr lifts, but said they would have a very similar product... "SuperLift", which comes with all the components and parts as the dr lift, also with the Bilstein shock upgrade.
I really don't want to go into 37's, but rather would ran comfortably 35's. Right now I have no lift and run 33x16.5x12.5.
Any input? Thanks in advance!
Andy
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 6,245
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From: IL, USA
The 4.5" is the front spring hanger and shackle....will give 4.5" of lift without affecting spring rate.
The 5" Excursion lift is basically the 4" Super Duty springs......but since the X sits lower than the SD stock the X gets lifted 5" vs. the 4" it would lift a SD.
The 7" Excursion lift is the 6" Super Duty...
With replacement leaf springs the spring rate will increase somewhat. On my SD I have the 4.5" hanger and shackle along with the 4" springs and I like them both....springs are nice and soft and flex really well.
If you are comparing Donahoe and Superlift many people are very happy with both. The main difference between the two is that the Deaver springs Donahoe uses are made in the USA and the springs used by Superlift are made in India.....some other differences between the actual components themselves as well.
Just my $.02
The 5" Excursion lift is basically the 4" Super Duty springs......but since the X sits lower than the SD stock the X gets lifted 5" vs. the 4" it would lift a SD.
The 7" Excursion lift is the 6" Super Duty...
With replacement leaf springs the spring rate will increase somewhat. On my SD I have the 4.5" hanger and shackle along with the 4" springs and I like them both....springs are nice and soft and flex really well.
If you are comparing Donahoe and Superlift many people are very happy with both. The main difference between the two is that the Deaver springs Donahoe uses are made in the USA and the springs used by Superlift are made in India.....some other differences between the actual components themselves as well.
Just my $.02
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: East TN
OK - here's my .02. I've run a 6" Skyjacker - all spring, 5.5" Fabtech - all spring and 4.5 " Donahoe hanger lift. Both Skyjacker and Fabtech offered superior off road performance. Edge ride is superior on the road while still offering room for bigger tires and good off road clearance. With twin bilsteins the Edge is the all around handling, performance and comfort winner.
FYI - Skyjacker and Fabtech lifts handle like giant go carts on pavement - quick and fast, but they hurt my back.
FYI - Skyjacker and Fabtech lifts handle like giant go carts on pavement - quick and fast, but they hurt my back.
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From: Florida
Thanks DCSpecial and Spartan! I really appreciate the input from you guys.
THe local strore recommended though not to go with the dual Bilsteins in the front or the rear as you lose a tremendous amount of spring rate and the truck will most likely handle like you said - a go cart with no shocks. ;-)
As the compression rate is pretty high with Bilsteins (so I was told) a single 5100 would be probably enough...
Any thoughts on that one?
THe local strore recommended though not to go with the dual Bilsteins in the front or the rear as you lose a tremendous amount of spring rate and the truck will most likely handle like you said - a go cart with no shocks. ;-)
As the compression rate is pretty high with Bilsteins (so I was told) a single 5100 would be probably enough...
Any thoughts on that one?
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 6,245
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From: IL, USA
On the SD specific Bilsteins the Rebound is high and the compression is really low......compared to the standard valving options of 255/70 and 170/60.
Donahoe Racing has recently developed their own line of signature series shocks where they have improved on the valving that they used with the Bilsteins....I'm told that the DR shocks have even less compression valving than the Bilsteins that they were using previously.
The softest ride would be from a single shock.....but since everyone has different tastes some will prefer the duals, basically comes down to personal preference IMO.
Hope this helps.
Donahoe Racing has recently developed their own line of signature series shocks where they have improved on the valving that they used with the Bilsteins....I'm told that the DR shocks have even less compression valving than the Bilsteins that they were using previously.
The softest ride would be from a single shock.....but since everyone has different tastes some will prefer the duals, basically comes down to personal preference IMO.
Hope this helps.
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From: Florida
DCSpecial... I thank you again for all your information and support in this matter.
I am looking for a better than stock ride, a little softer, but not a plush ride such as you find in a Towncar. I still want some good handeling in the corners, and not the feeling that you will tip over any minute. Still if you are going over speed bumps or on an uneven gravel road with pot holes, the stock suspension is just a little rough in my opinion - you'll feel it all. Not that I am going into the deep woods, but still, taking the speed bumps with more than just 15 mph would be nice, considering the size of the truck.
Do you have any experience with sagging? Donahoe even gives the guarantee against sagging for life? Should that be a concern with the SuperLift (or their springs)?
I am looking for a better than stock ride, a little softer, but not a plush ride such as you find in a Towncar. I still want some good handeling in the corners, and not the feeling that you will tip over any minute. Still if you are going over speed bumps or on an uneven gravel road with pot holes, the stock suspension is just a little rough in my opinion - you'll feel it all. Not that I am going into the deep woods, but still, taking the speed bumps with more than just 15 mph would be nice, considering the size of the truck.
Do you have any experience with sagging? Donahoe even gives the guarantee against sagging for life? Should that be a concern with the SuperLift (or their springs)?
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From: Dallas
Originally Posted by ExcursionUSA
Do you have any experience with sagging? Donahoe even gives the guarantee against sagging for life? Should that be a concern with the SuperLift (or their springs)?
Good luck... and as a side note, superlift now offers bilstein shocks with their lifts. I upgraded my shocks to bilstein after i installed my lift and it was truly a day and night difference. Don't go cheap on shocks.. thats where its at.
<-- doesn't really fit in anywhere... i just wanted to use this smiley. 
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From: Florida
Superstroker:
Thanks for the input... I really appreciate it. I certainly calculated quality shocks as upgrades in this investment anyhow. I only heard good responses from Bilstein users, so I had my mind set on Bilstein's anyway. (I think it's the 5100-Series).
Do you have any other options installed on yours? (Steering stabilizer, anti-sway bar, etc.)??? How much of an effect do those items have?
(As you can tell... I am pretty clueless)
Thanks for the input... I really appreciate it. I certainly calculated quality shocks as upgrades in this investment anyhow. I only heard good responses from Bilstein users, so I had my mind set on Bilstein's anyway. (I think it's the 5100-Series).
Do you have any other options installed on yours? (Steering stabilizer, anti-sway bar, etc.)??? How much of an effect do those items have?
(As you can tell... I am pretty clueless)
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From: Dallas
I was runing a skyjacker dual steering stabilizer, but have since taken it off. The reason I did this was because the location was crap-tacular and they always got beat to hell. So now when I get some free time I will be making my own mount for it, however I will only be putting one of them back on.
The second thing I added was a set of ladder bars. You can see the old ones in my gallery, but I have since taken those off also, and built myself some new ones. The new ones are single 1.5" tube, 1/4" thick. Pretty stout units. I am using a bushing joint up front and heims in the back. I really love my ladder bars, they make a big difference in the rear. I know that they are for axle-wrap, however I have found that they in general help to keep the rear solid, and have helped termendously in reducing the "Bounce" after bumps, or any shaking that occurs on a bumpy road. They also smooth out any rough shift felt from the rear end. Plus they look cool
At any rate, I am also going to be hacking away at my exhaust on friday (as long as I get my parts on friday) so will hopefully be able to update my gallery this weekend with pictures of the new ladder bars and my exhaust modifications.
So.. hmm.. kinda long response.. sorry about that.
The second thing I added was a set of ladder bars. You can see the old ones in my gallery, but I have since taken those off also, and built myself some new ones. The new ones are single 1.5" tube, 1/4" thick. Pretty stout units. I am using a bushing joint up front and heims in the back. I really love my ladder bars, they make a big difference in the rear. I know that they are for axle-wrap, however I have found that they in general help to keep the rear solid, and have helped termendously in reducing the "Bounce" after bumps, or any shaking that occurs on a bumpy road. They also smooth out any rough shift felt from the rear end. Plus they look cool
At any rate, I am also going to be hacking away at my exhaust on friday (as long as I get my parts on friday) so will hopefully be able to update my gallery this weekend with pictures of the new ladder bars and my exhaust modifications.
So.. hmm.. kinda long response.. sorry about that.
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From: Dallas
Oh and to answer the rest of your question... I am running the anti-sway bar in the front, however I do not have one in the rear. Other than the bilstein 5100's, the suspension is pretty much to superlift specs.
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From: East TN
FYI - I went with twin Bilsteins in front to stiffen it up a bit. It's still nothing like a 10 leaf lift pack though. Somewhere in between. I also added a rear Hellwig anti sway bar, single Bilstein 5100's and the crowning touch - Landyot radius rods in the rear to stiffen everthing up back there. Handling is really good; even better since I went to 295's from 35" X 12.5" tires.
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From: Florida
Alright... I ordered my lift last night!!!
Went with the 6" Superlift, Bilstein upgrade all around, dual steering stabilizers and 35x12.5x16.5 BFG All Terrain (same tire which I currently run as 33's).
So that should get me all set for a new ride experience. Will be installed on October 21, and I really can't wait to take the truck out for a ride after that!
I'll give you an update on how it rides!
Went with the 6" Superlift, Bilstein upgrade all around, dual steering stabilizers and 35x12.5x16.5 BFG All Terrain (same tire which I currently run as 33's).
So that should get me all set for a new ride experience. Will be installed on October 21, and I really can't wait to take the truck out for a ride after that!
I'll give you an update on how it rides!
