Excursion steering
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 12,237
Likes: 22
From: Florida
Try this link...click the image below and you will see a few more photos with some captions describing the install.
Let me know if you have any questions...oh wait...look at that shiny object over there in that thread...
Let me know if you have any questions...oh wait...look at that shiny object over there in that thread...
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Provo Utah
Well, now I am a bit confused. I've spent hours (literally) reading posts and forums on this subject, and my brain is fried. I would appreciate your help:
Many recommend the "V CODE" front springs, and it sounds like a good idea. However, if I do that, with the RAS installed (thank you), and new Bilsteins, do I
(a) need the B code springs in the rear?
(b) need the blocks in the rear springs to even out the leveling?
(c) What is the best tire combo for this setup, in terms of size?
Gads, I'm confused, and would appreciate you straightening me out.
Thanks,
Helopilot, norman the new guy.
Many recommend the "V CODE" front springs, and it sounds like a good idea. However, if I do that, with the RAS installed (thank you), and new Bilsteins, do I
(a) need the B code springs in the rear?
(b) need the blocks in the rear springs to even out the leveling?
(c) What is the best tire combo for this setup, in terms of size?
Gads, I'm confused, and would appreciate you straightening me out.
Thanks,
Helopilot, norman the new guy.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Provo Utah
Well, now I am a bit confused. I've spent hours (literally) reading posts and forums on this subject, and my brain is fried. I would appreciate your help:
Many recommend the "V CODE" front springs, and it sounds like a good idea. However, if I do that, with the RAS installed (thank you), and new Bilsteins, do I
(a) need the B code springs in the rear?
(b) need the blocks in the rear springs to even out the leveling?
(c) What is the best tire combo for this setup, in terms of size?
Gads, I'm confused, and would appreciate you straightening me out.
Thanks,
Helopilot, norman the new guy.
Many recommend the "V CODE" front springs, and it sounds like a good idea. However, if I do that, with the RAS installed (thank you), and new Bilsteins, do I
(a) need the B code springs in the rear?
(b) need the blocks in the rear springs to even out the leveling?
(c) What is the best tire combo for this setup, in terms of size?
Gads, I'm confused, and would appreciate you straightening me out.
Thanks,
Helopilot, norman the new guy.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 647
Likes: 0
Well, now I am a bit confused. I've spent hours (literally) reading posts and forums on this subject, and my brain is fried. I would appreciate your help:
Many recommend the "V CODE" front springs, and it sounds like a good idea. However, if I do that, with the RAS installed (thank you), and new Bilsteins, do I
(a) need the B code springs in the rear?
(b) need the blocks in the rear springs to even out the leveling?
(c) What is the best tire combo for this setup, in terms of size?
Gads, I'm confused, and would appreciate you straightening me out.
Thanks,
Helopilot, norman the new guy.
Many recommend the "V CODE" front springs, and it sounds like a good idea. However, if I do that, with the RAS installed (thank you), and new Bilsteins, do I
(a) need the B code springs in the rear?
(b) need the blocks in the rear springs to even out the leveling?
(c) What is the best tire combo for this setup, in terms of size?
Gads, I'm confused, and would appreciate you straightening me out.
Thanks,
Helopilot, norman the new guy.
Norman, usually the stock rear springs are a good match for the V code fronts. Yes, you may want to put the rear blocks in to level it. If you need more tongue weight capacity or a stiffer ride in the rear, then you may want to change them.
If you are going to tow with it, the RAS system is awesome. If you want one, there is one left on eBay for an awesome price: eBay Motors: Brand new in box Roadmaster active suspension system ! (item 140304060292 end time Mar-27-09 17:37:08 PDT)
Do a search for steering box adjustments. Takes 10 minutes to do and is a huge improvement for wandering.
Do a search in this forum for tire preferences. There are probably 4-5 different makes/models of tires that the guys here really like.....
I have 265/75/16 Michelin LTX's on my X. Make sure you get an E rated tire. When towing, I have found that around 75 rear/65 front psi is a great combo. When not towing, I run them 10 psi less both front and rear.
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Provo Utah
Bob,
thanks for your advice. My Bilsteins arrived today, and I will have a chance to install them this weekend. The RAS system that I got on eBay will be here next week. I will have a shop put those on, since I don't have any way to jack my truck up enough, and my mechanical skills are tested when it comes time to get the hood latch opened. Then, I am going to order the V code springs, get those put on have the front end re-aligned to 250HD specs and take her for a trial run. If that doesn't work, then I guess I'll either cry or go bowling. I'll keep you posted, thanks.
thanks for your advice. My Bilsteins arrived today, and I will have a chance to install them this weekend. The RAS system that I got on eBay will be here next week. I will have a shop put those on, since I don't have any way to jack my truck up enough, and my mechanical skills are tested when it comes time to get the hood latch opened. Then, I am going to order the V code springs, get those put on have the front end re-aligned to 250HD specs and take her for a trial run. If that doesn't work, then I guess I'll either cry or go bowling. I'll keep you posted, thanks.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,566
Likes: 18
From: The Great White North!
Thanks for the tip. I paid a little more, but they are on the way as I type this. Now, I am considering installing Bilsteins all around, adjusting the tire pressure, re-aligning to F250SD specs, and hoping for improvement. Also considering a Fabtech 3.5" hanger/block only lift, but not sure about that. Any ideas here?
I really appreciate how you folks jump in and help. Really refreshing and fun.
Jim
I really appreciate how you folks jump in and help. Really refreshing and fun.
Jim
On the hanger/block lift. I was considering myself, and decided to just replace springs front and back to 250 springs. The hanger gives the lift, but the old saggy springs stay put and in my view not good. Cheap, but just not right.
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Provo Utah
Well, today I installed the Bilsteins and the RAS system. All in all, it took about two hours. With the shocks, BE5-6208-HO (front), and BE5-6209-HO on the rear, installed first, then the RAS. After finishing all adjustments, etc. I noticed that the rear sits a little higher. I hope that the installation of the V code springs will re-level the truck. Or, maybe after a while it will settle a bit, I don' know. It's not at all objectionable, but it is a bit higher now in the rear than it was before.
I then took her for a spin, and found a nice difference in the ride overall. Also, the wandering is not so noticeable, either. I have not done the steering adjustment yet, because I found where Ford has issued a Service Bulletin on the 2000-2001 Ex's, and I'm a bit nervous about doing anything other than the long list that Ford sets out in the SB. With the new installations, re-checking the tire pressure ( 50 front and rear within .5 lbs), she handles nicely, corners REALLY good, and doesn't wander as much. Still some, but not nearly as much.
Anyway, just for everybody's information.
I then took her for a spin, and found a nice difference in the ride overall. Also, the wandering is not so noticeable, either. I have not done the steering adjustment yet, because I found where Ford has issued a Service Bulletin on the 2000-2001 Ex's, and I'm a bit nervous about doing anything other than the long list that Ford sets out in the SB. With the new installations, re-checking the tire pressure ( 50 front and rear within .5 lbs), she handles nicely, corners REALLY good, and doesn't wander as much. Still some, but not nearly as much.
Anyway, just for everybody's information.
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Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Provo Utah
Just for everyone's FYI, I have now installed new Bilsteins, a new RAS. Monday, I am installing an additional leaf on each spring on the front , and adjusting the steering box. So far, I have seen a dramatic improvement in wandering (steering). The ride is far superior, more stable and more solid particularly on turns and curves. The rear end is lifted as a result of the RAS, maybe 2 inches or so, but I am hoping the addition of the extra leaf will cure that. Thanks to everyone for your help.
Jim
Jim