2003 Excursion First Impressions
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2003 Excursion First Impressions
So I finally found a 2003 Limited Ultimate with 55k on the clock and I just got it registered yesterday. Once I got the plates on it I took it for a good long ride and here are a couple of my observations.
1. I really like the ride quality (much softer than my F350 diesel)
2. I really like the climate control and steering wheel controls for the radio and climate control
3. I like the size of the vehicle (its slightly smaller than my truck)
4. Plenty of power
However, I absolutely HATE the wonder that these vehicle have. The body roll is very pronounced and I am really suprised Ford did not get sued for these things flipping over. I can easily see how it could happen.
In 2003, the rear sway bar was an option, but mine does not have it, so I just placed an order for the Wellwig bar. I really hope that makes it better.
I also do not like not having a boost gauge like I do in my 06 F350. I don't want to chip it so Ford won't deny the warranty, but I also don't want all the gauges on the A pillar. Off to find something discrete and not too invasive.
1. I really like the ride quality (much softer than my F350 diesel)
2. I really like the climate control and steering wheel controls for the radio and climate control
3. I like the size of the vehicle (its slightly smaller than my truck)
4. Plenty of power
However, I absolutely HATE the wonder that these vehicle have. The body roll is very pronounced and I am really suprised Ford did not get sued for these things flipping over. I can easily see how it could happen.
In 2003, the rear sway bar was an option, but mine does not have it, so I just placed an order for the Wellwig bar. I really hope that makes it better.
I also do not like not having a boost gauge like I do in my 06 F350. I don't want to chip it so Ford won't deny the warranty, but I also don't want all the gauges on the A pillar. Off to find something discrete and not too invasive.
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Joined: Feb 2007
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Congratulations on your new X! I have a 2000 Ltd. 7.3 psd that drives as solid as a rock and straight as an arrow. I'm wondering what kind of shape your shocks are in and what kind of tires/inflation you're running? I have the Michelin LTX series E rated stock size tires on mine and love them. My X has the stock front sway bar but none in the back. I also tow an 8500# car trailer with it and it has proven to be an extremely stable and easy to handle tow vehicle.
Some years ago, I put a set of D rated tires on my E350 work van and it wandered all over the road and was downright dangerous. I had them removed the next day and replaced with E rated tires and that solved the problem.
BJ Lexington, KY
Some years ago, I put a set of D rated tires on my E350 work van and it wandered all over the road and was downright dangerous. I had them removed the next day and replaced with E rated tires and that solved the problem.
BJ Lexington, KY
Last edited by whjco; Dec 29, 2007 at 11:25 AM.
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When I took delivery of my Ex the dealer had the air pressure in the tires at 35 psi I suspect to soften the ride. This I believe resulted in the wander you describe. After I pumped the rears to 70 and the fronts to 60 the problem almost went away. Next I tightened the steering box a quarter turn and the beast is as stable as it gets.
More Turbo
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 634
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From: Southern Tier New York
Originally Posted by jbilliel
However, I absolutely HATE the wonder that these vehicle have.
Ah, I know you meant wander... drift... saughter... stray... veer...
Just havin some fun... Welcome to Xville ... The Kingdom of X... Where X marks the Spot...
You're going to love your new X.. do some searching and you'll find all sorts of remedies for you wonder... em, I mean wander.
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Originally Posted by 71-4R3SONS
Oh, dude... I LOVE the WONDER of my X... the awesome feeling driving the true King of all SUV's... It inspires me beyond my wildest dreams...
Ah, I know you meant wander... drift... saughter... stray... veer...
Just havin some fun... Welcome to Xville ... The Kingdom of X... Where X marks the Spot...
You're going to love your new X.. do some searching and you'll find all sorts of remedies for you wonder... em, I mean wander.
Ah, I know you meant wander... drift... saughter... stray... veer...
Just havin some fun... Welcome to Xville ... The Kingdom of X... Where X marks the Spot...
You're going to love your new X.. do some searching and you'll find all sorts of remedies for you wonder... em, I mean wander.
I am currently running 55 psi all the way around. Perhaps I should bump them up? I also have the stock BF Goodrich tires on it still. I will check out the shocks as well, but how can I check the shocks?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 751
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From: May Township, MN
You may be out of alinement.
Do a search on flip over ratios, you'll find the Excursions fit right between the Taurus and Camry.
I started getting road wonder when I put he Revo's on the X, never going to buy that brand again. Really like the BFG AT's and Nitto's. You could try a rear sway bar, if you do a search you'll find a lot of owners of X's that have done mods to the rear end to help with the wonder/sway issue. Thinking Hellwig(sp?) or something is a common product used.
To check shocks push down on the bumper and let go and see how much it goes up and down. Good shocks just go down come up go back to level and stop, if it bounces your shocks are bad.
Sort of laughed today when a guy asked if the X was a half ton (he had a new Avalanche 3/4 ton 6.0 with a Allison although they never came with them). Told him it was based off the Super Duty and is sort of 3/4 ton and 1 ton. Told him on the way there it got 18 mpg, that shut him up!
Do a search on flip over ratios, you'll find the Excursions fit right between the Taurus and Camry.
I started getting road wonder when I put he Revo's on the X, never going to buy that brand again. Really like the BFG AT's and Nitto's. You could try a rear sway bar, if you do a search you'll find a lot of owners of X's that have done mods to the rear end to help with the wonder/sway issue. Thinking Hellwig(sp?) or something is a common product used.
To check shocks push down on the bumper and let go and see how much it goes up and down. Good shocks just go down come up go back to level and stop, if it bounces your shocks are bad.
Sort of laughed today when a guy asked if the X was a half ton (he had a new Avalanche 3/4 ton 6.0 with a Allison although they never came with them). Told him it was based off the Super Duty and is sort of 3/4 ton and 1 ton. Told him on the way there it got 18 mpg, that shut him up!
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2002Expy
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Sep 11, 2002 06:16 PM
