Spring Question
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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?
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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.
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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.
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Check your ball joints.
Stewart
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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.
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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.
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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.
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From: Central Coast of CA
Stewart
Super Moderator
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From: Central Coast of CA
Stewart
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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?
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If they are damaged, I would replace them with the '03+ Excursion stops, or an aftermarket set from a company like Energy Suspension.
Stewart
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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.
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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
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From: sw mich
radius arm/control arm bushings worn?