I did not upgrade the rear springs. I simply added the blocks to level it. I am totally happy with the combo. I added Monroe Reflex shocks a month ago. To be honest, I didnt tell a difference over stock.

 

Hey Dave91GT. So, by doing the front springs, it helped the steering wander? I thought that all had to do with just the rear? Do you have 305/70/16 tires? Thanks.

 

Way back when I did my research on the spring upgrade, there were some people who only upgraded the fronts, and some that only upgraded the rears. Those that only did the fronts, or just the rears, had mixed results. But those that upgrade all four springs usually hit a homerun when it came to eliminating the steering wander, especially when a rear steering stabilizer bar was included.

So, when going the route of the V code/B code spring upgrade to eliminated steering wander, the general feeling has always been to replace all four springs, not just the fronts or the rears.

Stewart

 

So what you are saying is that replacing the springs (front & rear) will reduce or eliminate the swaying to almost nothing... that being the point would you still recomment installing the RAS to the equation?

And if someone installs the RAS first, should they follow up with spring replacement?

Please advise, want a safe ride for my little ones.

 

I'll say this first, check out this thread listing a compilation of the most prevalent steering wander threads over the last couple of years. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/789595-attn-dup-steering-wander-search-results-for-you.html

Now, armed with that info (hours and hours of reading and research all compiled in one thread), you can decide for yourself which way you should tackle your steering wander problem. It will also help you ascertain whether or not you have a something mechanically wrong with your rig that has failed, or is failing.

You mentioned "sway" in the above post I quoted. Sway is different from the steering wander that plagues these big beasts. Body sway can be reduced to an acceptable limit by replacing worn out shocks and adding a rear sway bar if you don't already have one.

The Excursion steering wander is traced directly back to the springs Ford used. Even though the platform the Excursion was built on was the same as the F250/350, Ford decided to use different springs than those found on the trucks. Some have chosen to use the Roadmaster Active Suspension as a way to brace the rear springs, which helps them overcome the side loading, which causes the spring wrap that causes the rear steer/wander problem. Since all four springs are suspect, and "bracing" the springs with the RAS doesn't eliminate the problem, it just reduces the effects on the springs, I chose the more common V-code/B-code spring replacement to completely eliminate the steering wander.

The V-code/B-code springs also raise the Excursion just under 2", which a lot of people like.

Check out that thread and you'll be able to figure out which path you want to take.

Stewart

 

I have a 2003 X EB V10 2WD. Are the V codes for leaf springs only?

 

I will say that the steering wander was improved with just the V codes. Is it perfect? no. Tightening up the steering box helped probably the most on mine for wander. I could not afford to do rear springs at the same time. I will likely add RAS later. But the ride is now normal as it is not banging the bump stops.
I do have 305 70 16 all terrains. They fit with the stock springs with zero rubbing. They were not the size of choice, but I bought it and it had 4 ply 265's on it and I got the 305's used from a coworker. They look good, but the stock rims are a bit narrow for them. I will change to 295's next go around.

 

Correct. The spring swap is for 4-wheel drive vehicles only. The 2-wheel drive rigs have a coil spring up front.

Stewart

 

Thanks Stewart, I now have some late nite reading material that the wife will find appealing, hey if I gotta listen about Bob & Shirley and their cat mits she can listen to me for a while

 

Question about the 2wd rear springs on an X. I tow a few trailers quite a bit and am getting a little sag. Could I use X or V code springs on the rear or a 2WD X ?

 

If you need a hand with someone more local to order stuff like the rear stabilizer, shocks, etc, let me know. I have upgraded a few things in the last year I have owned the X and did not want to order most things from down south so have ordered out of Alta.

 

The x and v codes are front only. The B codes are for the rear.

 

Thanks Stewart,
Are the 2003 2wd under sprung?

 

As a straightforward question, I'd have to say I don't know, because so many things need to be factored in. Are you refering to the PSD Excursion or the gasser? If it's the gasser, do you mean the 6.8L V10 or the 5.4L V8? As well, what do you consider under-sprung? Fatiguing and losing a half inch or an inch over 50k miles? 75k? 100k?

But if you're asking if the 2-wheel drive front coil springs are under-sprung as it relates to the topic of steering wander, then you need to realize you're comparing apples to oranges because the 4x4 Excursions that are plagued with steering wander don't have coils. It's a leaf spring problem.

Stewart

 

Thanks for the reply and excuse my vagueness. I am a new owner and new to the forum. I have a gasser 6.8L V10 2wd with 96k miles. It sits level when empty but looks like it should be alittle higher in the rear. Maybe it's just me.

The steering seems to be OK but might wander a little at highway speeds. I don't drive it full time (it's my wifes) and I am used to my 2001 F150 2wd Supercrew so it may just be me as well.

Ball joint condition.....I have not check yet but I should I guess.

thanks
Vic