Comprehensive "Steering Wander" Thread Compilation (and Excursion leaf spring spreadhseet)
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Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
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From: Central Coast of CA
Nope. Unfortunately we're held to the same constraints as a regular user.
Stewart
Stewart
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Leverage Link
Has anyone put a leverage link dual shock system on their X?
Rize Industries LLC - Specializing in custom bolt-on suspension lift kits and accessories.
Rize Industries LLC - Specializing in custom bolt-on suspension lift kits and accessories.
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Has anyone put a leverage link dual shock system on their X? Rize Industries LLC - Specializing in custom bolt-on suspension lift kits and accessories.
Thread Starter
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Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
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From: Central Coast of CA
Talk about "outside the box" thinking!
Very nice!!
Someone hit the lottery and buy me a set for my truck!!
Stewart
Very nice!!
Someone hit the lottery and buy me a set for my truck!!
Stewart
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From: East Meadow
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Joined: Jul 2017
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From: St. Catharines, Ontario
I took an Ex for a test ride the other night and ended up buying it. The wander was noticeable, and I recall reading about it here so thought I'd look more deeply into this thread. Wow, it's daunting. There's just so much.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
It's actually fairly simple but can get expensive.
Basically take it in for an an alignment and ask that they inspect leaf springs for sag, bump stops, shocks, brakes, unit bearings,steering box, TRE's and tires for worn items.
For springs the Stock height 4x4 should be 23" front and 24" rear as measured from hub center to bottom of fender arch.
Once the front end is tight and to spec insist they set caster at 5*
Do not settle on its within "spec" needs to be 5* or find another shop.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
Has anyone put a leverage link dual shock system on their X?
Rize Industries LLC - Specializing in custom bolt-on suspension lift kits and accessories.
Rize Industries LLC - Specializing in custom bolt-on suspension lift kits and accessories.
That said, have used a cantilever setup in other applications where space is an issue.
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: St. Catharines, Ontario
It's actually fairly simple but can get expensive.
Basically take it in for an an alignment and ask that they inspect leaf springs for sag, bump stops, shocks, brakes, unit bearings,steering box, TRE's and tires for worn items.
For springs the Stock height 4x4 should be 23" front and 24" rear as measured from hub center to bottom of fender arch.
Once the front end is tight and to spec insist they set caster at 5*
Do not settle on its within "spec" needs to be 5* or find another shop.
Basically take it in for an an alignment and ask that they inspect leaf springs for sag, bump stops, shocks, brakes, unit bearings,steering box, TRE's and tires for worn items.
For springs the Stock height 4x4 should be 23" front and 24" rear as measured from hub center to bottom of fender arch.
Once the front end is tight and to spec insist they set caster at 5*
Do not settle on its within "spec" needs to be 5* or find another shop.
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: St. Catharines, Ontario
I saw this posted on another wander thread...looks cool. I don't see any prices though.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
Fwiw... caster really is the answer but it can not be set correctly until you have the proper ride height set and no play in the ball joints. The other items I listed all contribute to or set wander in motion but it is caster that keeps a vehicle tracking straight.
Ford set the caster on the Ex at 3.5* and spec is 3.5* +/- 2*
The problem is 3.5* is borderline being enough, when your springs sag and caster is now 3* coupled with a few loose items like wheelbearings and or tie rod ends the Ex starts to wanders like a drunk sailor.
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: St. Catharines, Ontario
Be carful with wander threads, especially the older ones as there were/are many people guessing as to the cause and several companies that make bolt on gadgets to "fix" whatever ails you. Skip the snake oil sales and fix your wander by fixing any worn out items and then set your caster at 5*
Fwiw... caster really is the answer but it can not be set correctly until you have the proper ride height set and no play in the ball joints. The other items I listed all contribute to or set wander in motion but it is caster that keeps a vehicle tracking straight.
Ford set the caster on the Ex at 3.5* and spec is 3.5* +/- 2*
The problem is 3.5* is borderline being enough, when your springs sag and caster is now 3* coupled with a few loose items like wheelbearings and or tie rod ends the Ex starts to wanders like a drunk sailor.
Fwiw... caster really is the answer but it can not be set correctly until you have the proper ride height set and no play in the ball joints. The other items I listed all contribute to or set wander in motion but it is caster that keeps a vehicle tracking straight.
Ford set the caster on the Ex at 3.5* and spec is 3.5* +/- 2*
The problem is 3.5* is borderline being enough, when your springs sag and caster is now 3* coupled with a few loose items like wheelbearings and or tie rod ends the Ex starts to wanders like a drunk sailor.
Oh yeah, I'm in the Navy, but not as drunk these days as I was when a young man
