v8 5.4 versus the V10 and diesels -- Is the front end suspension the same in all of them? I'm planning on dropping a 5.9l cummins (1100 lbs) in an Excursion that currently has a 5.4 gasser.

Thanks!

David

 

Nope...well at least not on the 4x4's...the spring rates are different depending on the engine...

I'm sure the coil spring rates are also different in the 2wd versions depending on motors but I don't have my data book handy with me...sorry...I know the 4x4 leaf spring rates are differnt though...

A question...what's with the fascination lately of everyone wanting to mix a cummins and an Excursion?...there are a few threads with this thought...just curious really...why not simply find a nice 2000-2003 Ex with a 7.3L PSD if you are worried about the 6.OH?

Joe.

 

I own a cummins in my other vehicle. Have you ever had one?

So it sounds like I would need to swap the leaf springs in the front to another set. Maybe something out of an F-350 or F-450 if they're compatible?

 

an ex forum user dropped the 5.9 into his superduty and from all reports uses it as a dialy driver....

he moved onto another site a while back...

 

If you price a Cummins vs. Powerstroke then you will see why the Cummins is so popular. Cummins motors are very reasonable and cheap to do mods to, and have a greater HP potential vs. the powerstroke.

 

Yes but what is the price of completely modifying an Excursion to accept one including all the electronics/etc...versus just buying a 7.3 Ex and chipping it?

I guess I still don't understand all the modifying people like to do on trucks...I think these motors are pretty darn stout from the factory for what we need to do (i.e. tow)...now if you want a one of a kind custom and aren't concerned about the price...well that is a different issue I guess and in that case...have fun!

I'm just getting old I guess...

Joe.

 

Plus Cummins is FORD verses PSD is International

 

If you spend some time scouring cummins.com, somewhere on their site you'll be able to find a FAQ that says that they're not part of ford. I lost the link, but have seen it before.

Anyhow, I'm certainly not interested in a 6.0, and the 7.3 fills up the engine compartment and is more difficult to upgrade. The Cummins is simple to upgrade and will leave a good amount of space under the hood in the end. Upgrades are easy. My other truck is a 512hp Cummins with 934# of torque at the rear wheels with 35's.

All of the 7.3's that I found that weren't just expensive had too many miles on them. I got a 2004 5.4 with 130k miles for $8k. So, I get a cummins (probably with a 48re) with a newer truck for about the same price as a nice 7.3. But... I get exactly what I want. Of course my labor is free.

Is the suspension change just a simple spring swap? What springs do you guys recommend for going to the larger engine? I've never owned a Ford before (other than an 89 escort that I would rather not talk about). Height changes don't matter. I want something that will support the weight of the engine, handle well, and ride descently as well. Suggestions?


Thanks!

David

 

I would suggest U, V or X-code front springs. Even with the Cummins you'll have to raise the rear ride height to match. You may even be able to use the standard "D" code springs that were underneath the 7.3 Excursion.

Currently you have "B" code front springs. They have a capacity of 4100lbs.

Ds have a 4700lbs capacity.

U = 4800
V = 5200
X = 6000 (These springs were found under F350s with the snow plow prep package)

All Excursion rear springs are the same. I would suggest an add-a-leaf before I'd suggest a taller block.

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Which Cummins are you using? There's a few 12V Cummins Excursions floating around on the web and at least one 24V that I know of. Me, I'd use a 12V just cause I like things simple.

 

I'm not sure which one I'm going to use yet. Anything up through the 2004 is an option for me. I have a 2003 now and am pretty familiar with those. It may come down to finding a good deal on one.