Spring Question
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
Spring Question
I'm sure there are old threads regarding spring changes. It seems that most of those threads have to do with towing capacity, etc. Anyone know that springs to use in the front to stop the hard rattle over small bumps? I have new shocks and ball joints. I'm thinking the springs must be worn. Any advice?
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
If it's an early model 4x4, I wonder if you're hitting the bump stops.
The early model Excursion had longer bump stops, severely limiting the travel of the front suspension. Some guys, when doing the F250 spring swap, will also replace the bump stops (called bumpers at the dealership parts counter) with ones Ford put on the newer Excursions.
When I did my spring swap, I just cut two ribs from my bump stops.
What year Excursion do you have? Gasser or PSD? 4-wheel or 2-wheel drive? Modified?
If you put that info in your sig, it will help us whenever you post questions.
Stewart
PS - The spring swap doesn't address towing capacity, but is mainly done to eliminate the steering wander inherent in the stock suspension of the 4x4 Excursions.
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Akron, OH
My front end clunks when I hit bumps also. I can almost feel it right under the pedals. I looked around under there and can see anything loose. Figured I would just live with it. I don't have the spring swap. It has leafs on all four corners.
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
Check your ball joints.
Stewart
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
Thanks, Stewart. Still haven't figured this site out enough to add a sig, etc. I have an 01 7.3 4wd. I guess the suspension feels like there are no shocks. Small bumps seem to be magnified. My wife's 03 Grand Cherokee has a much smoother ride, even with the much shorter wheelbase. Where are the bump stops located? It should be easy enough to tell if they are making contact if I know where to look. I'm new to these trucks, so any help is appreciated.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 111,873
Likes: 153
From: Wharton, NJ
Thanks, Stewart. Still haven't figured this site out enough to add a sig, etc. I have an 01 7.3 4wd. I guess the suspension feels like there are no shocks. Small bumps seem to be magnified. My wife's 03 Grand Cherokee has a much smoother ride, even with the much shorter wheelbase. Where are the bump stops located? It should be easy enough to tell if they are making contact if I know where to look. I'm new to these trucks, so any help is appreciated.
This post should help you.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
OK, my bump stops are toast. Does this necessarily indicate that I need new springs? Also, is there any benefit to changing the stops to the new ones over the 2001 type or cutting them down like Stewart did? I guess I can't just change the bump stops to new style and be on my merry way. That would be too simple.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
Stewart
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
Stewart
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
Thanks, my signature should be updated now. It's kind of embarassing that I really don't have much to list. If I can get this other stuff ironed out and still have some money, maybe I can start modding. Anyway, are you suggesting that I reuse the old bumpstops even though they're damaged? Or are the 2001 version cheaper than the newer version from the dealer?
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
If they are damaged, I would replace them with the '03+ Excursion stops, or an aftermarket set from a company like Energy Suspension.
Stewart
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
Stewart, thanks for all you help with this. The brand you suggested for bump stops are available at the local auto parts store. Do you have a part number for the front bump stops? Or is there a certain measurement I should be looking for. Again, thanks for your help. I am traveling about 1000 miles this weekend and would love to keep my teeth from rattling out. Also, if I'm hitting the bump stops to degrade them, is it time for new springs? I do have the wandering problem as well.
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
No problem on the help. 
I have no clue. Maybe if you call/contact Energy Suspension directly they can help you with what you need.
If you had purchased the Ex brand new, I would have said the time for new springs occurred when you drove it off the lot. But since you just got it, I'll just say yes, it's time! 
Stewart
The brand you suggested for bump stops are available at the local auto parts store. Do you have a part number for the front bump stops? Or is there a certain measurement I should be looking for.
Also, if I'm hitting the bump stops to degrade them, is it time for new springs? I do have the wandering problem as well.
Stewart
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 451
Likes: 0
From: sw mich
radius arm/control arm bushings worn?