Given up the EX!
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 32
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Given up the EX!
I have had my EX for about 1 year now and I have never been truly happy with it. I have had the infamous wandering problem since day 1 and although it is much better with the mods I have done (see signature) I still dont feel totally safe driving it. I bought it for one and only one reason and that was to tow my boat, family and friends between CA and AZ during the summer months. I never feel totally relaxed when driving as I feel I am always compensating for the constant wandering. If anyone is interested in my pristeen condition EX let me know as it will be up for sale at the end of the summer.
Thanks to all of you who have helped me over the last year in answering my questions that I have posted here.
Chad
Thanks to all of you who have helped me over the last year in answering my questions that I have posted here.
Chad
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,566
Likes: 18
From: The Great White North!
sorry to hear that you are giving up. I am doing research for the spring swap and came across this in the forum about the wandering and thought you might want to read. Cheap fix to try and solve your issue before giving in.https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...-er-done.html#
Good luck either way you go.
Good luck either way you go.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 762
Likes: 7
How sad - no question a "bone stock" heavily loaded EX will scare the heck out of you (unless the basic steps - "level" it with air bags or a spring change) install sway bar, and a proper load equal. hitch).
I know how this guy feels - had a 2500 series Suburban, over a thousand pounds lighter, and didn't have the "sway" problem at all.
Thank heaven I found this forum for the great "tip-offs" you guys provide - on how to fix what CAN be a great tow vehicle, but as Ford kicked em out of their factories, is a MESS!
( P.S. - wonder where this guy lives ? Are we neighbors ? I live in the high country north of Prescott - so that means on MY frequent drives to the coast, or to launch our boat at Lake Mead, I am dealing with long mountain grades, both up and down, and long stretchs of often wind-blown highway. Love my EX (now that I fixed it thanks to the guys who post in here !)
I know how this guy feels - had a 2500 series Suburban, over a thousand pounds lighter, and didn't have the "sway" problem at all.
Thank heaven I found this forum for the great "tip-offs" you guys provide - on how to fix what CAN be a great tow vehicle, but as Ford kicked em out of their factories, is a MESS!
( P.S. - wonder where this guy lives ? Are we neighbors ? I live in the high country north of Prescott - so that means on MY frequent drives to the coast, or to launch our boat at Lake Mead, I am dealing with long mountain grades, both up and down, and long stretchs of often wind-blown highway. Love my EX (now that I fixed it thanks to the guys who post in here !)
Last edited by 6686L; Aug 20, 2008 at 08:54 AM. Reason: added a paragraph
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 626
Likes: 0
From: Ontario, CA
Chad:
If you ahve had it for a year, my guess is you will not get anywhere near what you believe it is worth. I bought mine in November for 16,500, and I'll bet I couldn't get 12,000 for it today! But, after a 5300 mile road trip, averaging 17.99 mpg at 75-80 mph for most of those miles, I was very comfortable!! No problems with wandering or anything!
IMO, keep it and address the wandering issues by following some of the postings here. Just my $0.02!!
If you ahve had it for a year, my guess is you will not get anywhere near what you believe it is worth. I bought mine in November for 16,500, and I'll bet I couldn't get 12,000 for it today! But, after a 5300 mile road trip, averaging 17.99 mpg at 75-80 mph for most of those miles, I was very comfortable!! No problems with wandering or anything!
IMO, keep it and address the wandering issues by following some of the postings here. Just my $0.02!!
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2008
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6686L - I also owned a 2500 suburban which I loved but it got stolen and I replaced it with this X. My X is not bone stock anymore:
So far I have done the following to try an correct the wandering:
DSquared - your right Ill take about a 4000.00 hit to get rid of it - 17 mpg I bet its nice to have a diesel, I average about 8-9 towing
Thanks all Ill check into the camber caster adjusters as my last ditch effort. If that doesnt work its back to Chevy for me (did everyone just cringe
)
So far I have done the following to try an correct the wandering:
- RAS (most improvement was after this mod)
- Nitto Terra Graplers - 285/65-18 (replaced tires due to the fact the original owner but "C" rated tires
helped and added a nice look) - Bilstien Shocks (stock shocks were too soft)
- Front end alignment (factory spec - made no difference)
DSquared - your right Ill take about a 4000.00 hit to get rid of it - 17 mpg I bet its nice to have a diesel, I average about 8-9 towing
Thanks all Ill check into the camber caster adjusters as my last ditch effort. If that doesnt work its back to Chevy for me (did everyone just cringe
)
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
Just curious if you've ever tried tightening your steering box on the Ex.
I and lots of others have done this and it's helped out with the dreaded 'wander' the Ex can have.
You got a nice looking ride, hate to see you give it up.
I and lots of others have done this and it's helped out with the dreaded 'wander' the Ex can have.
You got a nice looking ride, hate to see you give it up.
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2008
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Yeah I forgot to mention that I did adjust the steering box, it didnt help.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 5,955
Likes: 9
From: Ohio
You dont have a hellwig sway bar listed in your mods. Try that, they arent expensive and take alot of sway out of ur truck since the rear of the truck doesnt come with a sway bar.
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Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2008
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I have a factory sway bar installed.
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2008
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I installed the RAS instead, most people on this forum agree they both provide a solution, in my case limited solution, to the problem.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 12,782
Likes: 2,142
From: N.GA Mountains
I'll make you a sweeeeet deal on a beautiful '99 K2500 Suburban 4x4 w/a 7.4l Vortec. Its black, w/8 spoke alum wheels, dvd players, tv's, remote start, alarm - LOTS more upgrades. I can even deliver it in a few weeks...
I officially have 'too many vehicles' right now and this one is currently driven the LEAST. Wifey prefers the minivan and now the Excursion... I love it so I'm in no hurry to sell it!
Sit. Stay.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 18,308
Likes: 20
From: Washington State
OFF TOPIC!!
SkySkiJason, can you post pics of your new 38 gallon tank and how it is mounted? That's a mod I've always want to do so that I can get rid of the 44 gallon tank and hang my spare tire there. I didn't see pics in the thread in your signature.
SkySkiJason, can you post pics of your new 38 gallon tank and how it is mounted? That's a mod I've always want to do so that I can get rid of the 44 gallon tank and hang my spare tire there.
I didn't see pics in the thread in your signature.
