I just bought a 00 EX 6.8L V-10 4x4 Limited.

Couple questions I have are:

1) Trying to figure out what gears I have. I have looked at the sticker on the drivers side and from what I can tell the axle code is rc-11. When driving at 55-60 my rpm's are at about 2000 rpms, and when I was on the interstate running 74mph I was at 2500 rpms or so. Will these gears be adequate for pulling a 900# +/- TT?

2) I have been reading alot about the wandering and the axle wrap. I have ordered new shocks all ready and will be putting them on as soon as they arrive. Was thinking about putting on airbags and was wondering if those alone will prevent the axle wrap and wandering or if I will need sway bar, new springs, etc?

3) I have already checked the fuse, and it is good. The problem is my dome light and my running board lights don't work could this be caused by a switch in the door area? The map lights work when you manually turn them on, just not when you open the door?

This forum is amazing!! I have already been able to learn so much here!! Just want to say thanks for all your answers in advance!!

 

Sounds like you have 4.30 gears. I run under 2k RPM with 3.73s. For axle wrap, try the Roadmaster Active Suspension. RAS essentially adds a coil to your rear springs to keep them from flattening out and are designed specifically for axle wrap and body roll. I have a set and they are great.

 

Check the sticker on your door jamb and see if you have any of the following codes:

Axle Type
31 — 3.73 non-limited slip, F-250/Excursion
C1 — 3.73 limited slip, F-250/Excursion
C2 — 4.10 limited slip, F-250/Excursion
C3 — 4.30 limited slip, F-250/Excursion

 

Mike,

First off...WELCOME to FTE...a great place to talk and learn about Excursions!

Second...I am also crappie_fisherman from RV.net!

Third...I notice you are from Quincy...my in-laws have had a cottage up on Archer Lake since the mid 50's so I travel up there very frequently!

Forth...seeing as you are so close...are you aware that we are about to hold our THIRD ANNUAL Excursion Diversion and this year it is down in Santa Claus Indiana at Lake Rudolph Campground which is right next to Holiday World Amusement/Water parks?...I happen to have two sites I am holding for anyone that would like to join in the fun late in the game...I hope you consider it and if you want to learn more...PM me...we'd love to have you and your family there!

I agree with kershman and based on the info you supplied it sure sounds like you have 4.30's. Typically when running 65mph on the interstate in 4th gear if you are under 2000RPMs you have 3.73's and if you are over 2000RPMs you have 4.30's. So the RPM information you give...I would say 4.30's.

I assume you meant to write 9000# TT and not 900# TT?...

For your info...I tow a 9000# TT with my 4.30 geared Ex. I have towed this TT all over the country in the last few summers. I have tackled the Rockies twice with this Ex...once when I had 3.73's and a 7500# TT and the second time with 4.30's and thhis 9000# TT...both times were NO ISSUE for this little ole V10!

Going with the assumption that you are talking about a 9000# TT...I will answer in that vain.

A 9000# TT will present anywhere between 900 and 1350#'s. On mine with the way I load it I have 1100#'s typically and 1200#'s when I haul fresh water (rarely). You need to keep in mind a few things though.

1) Your '00 Ex receiver may only have a 1000# WD mode tongue weight maximum...check the label on the receiver.
2) Ex's do have somewhat softer rear springs and there are a few ways to help them out.
a) Air bags
b) RAS
c) F250/350 springs

While air bags will add rear end lift...they do nothing to assist with the potential axle wrap/wander.

Both RAS and F250/350 springs however will add rear spring capacity AND add resistance to axle wrapping.

My preference is the RAS only because they are slightly easier for the DIY to install. Also the RAS is much cheaper than the springs and about the same as the air bags...so the RAS in my mind gives you the best bang for the buck in a short period of installation time for most to do themselves!

To answer your question...Air Bags typically will do NOTHING for axle wrapping so I'd suggest something else.

If you go RAS...you may find that to be your only modification...however having a Hellwig rear sway bar added is relatively inexpensive and adds more to the party too...

In my case I added the Hellwig when I pulled my 7500# TT and tghen added the RAS when I upgraded to my 9000# TT...so I already had the Hellwig installed.

I hope this helps some.

Also I really hope you consider joining the Excursion Diversion in July down in Santa Claus...let me know if you have any questions on this thread or the rally!

Good luck,
Joe.