I have been searching and using the info in this forum for a couple of months. It has been very helpful and I wanted to give back to the community.

Here's my last 2 months of work on my 2000 Excursion. Hopefully this helps someone down the road.

Bought a Black 2000 EX 4x4 Limited with a V10 and 82,000 miles in September. The truck was like new on the inside and very nice on the outside with only a couple of scratches. The frame, doors and floorpan had no rust. It had new tires which I thought was a plus. Boy was I wrong. The truck had a shake and grumble at hwy speeds.

First thing I did was head to the tire shop to get them balanced. That did not work.

Found loose ball joints. Replaced them and the tie rods just for fun. That didn't fix anything except the stiff steering and wandering.

Shocks looked original. Replaced them with Monroe Reflex Monotubes. Truck rode better but still shook and was unbearable after about a couple of hours on the freeway.

Back to the tire shop with a scowl on my face and had them rebalance the tires. Also had them check the wheels for warps or bends. None found. Got 2 miles away still shaking turned around and went back. Saw the manager and discussed the problem.

He told me of a issue called Phase Separation. It has to do with the way a tire is constructed and how the plys flex and move as the tire rolls. Different tires move in different ways and a harmonic can amplify to a vibration. He told me the best construction was in the Michelin LTX M/S load range E and shocked me with the price.

I said no way to expensive. He then said that they would mount them on a set of wheels and let me try them. I got a mile from the store with the new wheels and tires and knew before I got on the freeway that these were perfect. Took the truck up to 60, 65, 70 , 75, 80, 85 and it rode quiet and smooth. Not a vibe anywhere. Problem Solved!!!!!!!!

Needless to say, I am also rolling on new wheels because they looked to good to give back and have sold my old wheels/tires to my neighbor who has a Superduty. The most interesting thing is that when we put my old wheels/tires on his F250 4x4 it did not vibe at highway speeds. I guess the 250 does not respond to the harmonic like the Excursion.

So the lesson learned is: If you think you want to treat your Excursion like a Super Duty when it comes to tires you might not be happy. Get the Michelins even if it is painful. You won't be disappointed.

Ken Wolkens

 

What tires were you running before and what size? Wonder if anyone else has run those and has had a problem.

Another great tire choice is the goodyear wrangler silent armour in load E. I run those and they are right there with the michelins. I personally lioke them better to be honest, but thats just my opinion.

 

The Michelin LTX's are very nice tires. They actually helped dampen the Excursion wander our rigs have, on my Ex.

When I got rid of the Michelins, the inherent wander became a huge grizzly bear, when before, it was barely a hamster.

Stewart

 

I would be interested in hearing what the previous tires were. I may be going shopping for tires in the next few weeks.

 

They were the Pathfinder tires from Discount Tire. Had less than 1000 miles on them.

 

What does anybody have to say about the Pirelli ATR's. Those are the tires I'm considering right now and I like them because in the stock tire size they have an S speed rating compared to the R speed rating. 112 vs. 106

 

I just installed Toyo At "E" load and I love em.......Thought about the Mich, but didnt want to spend the bucks. Truck is a 2000 2wd, V10 with all the goodies..


Kirk

 

I had the same experience with our Mercedes. Tires wore, cupped, alignment balance, nothing fixed the problem Two major brand of tires. switched to Michelins and the problem solved. Harmonics and vibration will drive you nuts. My son runs nothing but Mich on his F250. I have been using the Coopers on my Ex 7.3 with good smooth ride.

 

what coopers are you running????????I get a killer discount on them and I'm getting ready to replace what I have before the snow starts to fly.........

 

Cooper Mastercraft HR

 

Is the Goodyears with the cavlier side walls better that the michelin?

Which tire gives a better quietier and smoother ride?

 

My buddy that works for cooper said that the michelin tire is the BEST tire out on the market because they have crazy tight tollerances and are the most true as far as run out goes

 

I too have to agree on the Michelins. Made a huge difference in my X.

 

i have a 6 inch lifted 2000 and shaked all over the place, 2 piece drive shaft and had to put shims to tilt axles.

 

Pirelli's came on my 05 ex 4x2 dry roted dealer replaced em w/same tires not good in snow !!! my surb 89, had mich ltx m/s 4x2 & it did great in snow !!!

Don