Suspension Questions
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2006
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Suspension Questions
Looks like its time to replace the upper and lower ball joints on my 2000 7.3L 4x4 and I'm also planning on replacing the shocks with some Bilstein HDs. How much higher does the stock 4x4 sit than the 2x4? I'd like to bring the height down a bit and if I can achieve this with 2x4 suspension specs then Ill go that route otherwise Ill have to look at a lowering kit. Has anyone seen one advertised? Also the X has a quarter million miles on it so what else should I consider replacing along with the ball joints? Lastly I thinking I will go with OEM ball joints as heard there are issues with the Moogs and other brands. Also heard you don't really get much more life out of greasables over sealed. Any thoughts? Thanks guys!!!
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,948
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Those neg arch springs will not go any lower than it is right now. The bumpstops are almost hitting now. Take a look at how close the top of the spring plate is to the rubber bumpstop. A 2wd Ex uses a coil spring front suspension, and is an entirely different creature.
If you got 250K miles out of your ball joints, you should feel lucky, and install exactly the same ones.
If you got 250K miles out of your ball joints, you should feel lucky, and install exactly the same ones.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,198
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From: Tulsa, OK
I installed Moog ball joints on mine. Much better than OE ball joints. The OE joints only went to 80K on mine and replacement improved steering control greatly.
It is a pretty big job to do it yourself. Took me a weekend. I recommend that you replace everything at the same time--tie rod ends, track rod (with new ends), and ball joints.
It is a pretty big job to do it yourself. Took me a weekend. I recommend that you replace everything at the same time--tie rod ends, track rod (with new ends), and ball joints.
New User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 21
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From: Porvoo, Finland
I changed mine last summer and got a good package from bbaumann@wabashfordsterling.com. I agree, that it is better to change everything at the same time. About the ball joints - would be better to have greasable joints, you rather grease than change them after a while.
There is a good page of the job
I changed the chocks as well. I bought Rancho 9000 and I have been very pleased.
Jukka
There is a good page of the job
I changed the chocks as well. I bought Rancho 9000 and I have been very pleased.
Jukka
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 157
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is the rear spring package different on the 2000 limited 4x4, vs the rear springs on the 2x4 X's?????
are the towing and handleing problems on both?????
it is a given i need to at least install the hellwig rear sway bar, before i even hook up to the camper?????
what made up the HD trailer towing package, it is supposed to have?????
what else is a absolute must have for towing with the X?????
i thought ford built these things as a tow vehicle to compete or out do the burb. but most people i know with a burb and tow package, just hook up and go camping, and seem relaxed and happy when they get there.
heck my 95 G20 van has pulled my big butt and camper around for 167,000 miles with all most no problems at all, and i thought i was upgrading with the X. but after reading post here and the v10 forum i am not sure i made a good choice.
i will be pulling a 10,000# 33'6" ball to bumper travel trailer with it. i hadn't counted on spending thousands of extra dollars to make it tow worthy.
before spending a lot of money readying this, would i be better off spending my money on something different?????
it seems some have had to install sway bars, radis rods (whatever they are), springs all around, expencsive shocks all around, and still aren't totally satisfied with it.
are the towing and handleing problems on both?????
it is a given i need to at least install the hellwig rear sway bar, before i even hook up to the camper?????
what made up the HD trailer towing package, it is supposed to have?????
what else is a absolute must have for towing with the X?????
i thought ford built these things as a tow vehicle to compete or out do the burb. but most people i know with a burb and tow package, just hook up and go camping, and seem relaxed and happy when they get there.
heck my 95 G20 van has pulled my big butt and camper around for 167,000 miles with all most no problems at all, and i thought i was upgrading with the X. but after reading post here and the v10 forum i am not sure i made a good choice.
i will be pulling a 10,000# 33'6" ball to bumper travel trailer with it. i hadn't counted on spending thousands of extra dollars to make it tow worthy.
before spending a lot of money readying this, would i be better off spending my money on something different?????
it seems some have had to install sway bars, radis rods (whatever they are), springs all around, expencsive shocks all around, and still aren't totally satisfied with it.
Last edited by jjbirish; Jul 17, 2007 at 11:03 AM.
