OK...first I know I should search for these but for some reason I keep getting a search error when I try to search for these pictures...so...if someone could post pictures, or links to threads with pictures, of a stock Excursion rear end, an Excursion rear end with a Hellwig sway, and pictures of an Excursion with a RAS...

Thanks in Advance!

Splash

 

Not sure what you are looking for, I assume what these mods will do to the height and look of the truck? Here is mine, with the Hellwig, RAS and Rancho's. The back end raised 1.5" with the RAS installation. All worthy modifications.

 

Not sure what you are looking for either...but here is my link to my pictures of my install of the RAS...

My Public Shoebox pictures from friends & fun photos on webshots

FWIW...I also have the Hellwig rear sway bar under there as well...

Good luck,
Joe.

 

Nice looking truck bwindell...but what i was actually looking for is pictures of the underside of the rear end of a truck with each of the modifications to see how they install and just to make sure that I know what the stock rear end looks like. I bought the truck used so I also need to see a stock rear end to be sure that mine is actually stock.

Thanks!

 

hey Joe...

Those are exactly what I was after in the way of pictures...

Are you anywhere close to Indy? I'm just going to put basic OEM replacement shocks on the front for now, because I want to do a spring swap, 2-4 inch lift, RAS, HellWig and better shocks later. Need to save the funds to do it all first. When I'm ready to do the RAS and the Hellwig I may have to look you up.

Where were you when you took the picture of all the Excursions? Was that last year's Excursion camping trip?

Thanks!

Splash

 

Splash,

I'm up in Fort Wayne...

I'm more than willing to help with the RAS and Hellwig if it works out...it is a very easy install!

The picture of all the Ex's was at the 2008 Excursion Diversion in Gatlinburg TN...we just had our 3rd annual one in Santa Claus Indiana a couple of weeks ago...I'm in the process of generating a video of that one...we're also in the process of planning for the 2011 Ex diversion...we've got 3 places I have to research before going public...those at the Ex Diversion have first choice in voting priority...but the three choices are good ones for next year so stay tuned!

Let me know if I can help.

Joe

 

Thanks, we like it. Here is a shot with the hellwig installed, you should get a good idea from this pic. I don't have a before shot. The 2002 did not come with a stock rear SB and I am not sure if the 04 did. Hope this helps.

 

Can you reuse the U-Bolts when you install a RAS?

 

According to Ford, no. They are a torque to yield design and cannot be retightened.

 

Did you have to drill a hole in the frame to attach the sway bar links, or was there a hole already?

 

On my '05...no drilling of the frame was needed...now...the stock U-bolt brackets that you have to re-use were for a 3/8 U-bolt from the factory and Hellwig sent me a 1/2" U-bolt to use...so I did have to drill out that shock bracket...not a big deal.

I did end up taking OFF the shocks from the lower mounts and it made the install MUCH easier...even though the instructions from Hellwig don't tell you to do it...in my experience...remove the lower shock bolt from the mount, bolt up the brackets to the axle and then recompress the shock...MUCH easier.

Joe.

 

Joe, So there is already a hole in the frame where you can attach the top of the sway bar link into? You said you had to drill out the shock bracket...you basically made the hole bigger to a 1/2" from the 3/8"?

 

jh818,

Yes there was already a hole for the sway bar link bolt in the frame (i.e. NO drilling needed there)...and yes...I made the shock bracket hole bigger to accomodate the 1/2" U-bolt from Hellwig. Both of these were on my '05.

Hope that helps.

Joe.

 

this is one of the better threads that I have seen on these modifications. Thanks Joe. In your honest opinion, are the RS9000's better than the Bilsteins. I know it is a matter of opinion. I have a stock Anti Sway bar on the 04 Excursion. I think that I will go with the Helwig as soon as funding supports. I need shocks now though.

 

joenmell,

Most of the guys go with either the Rancho 9000XL's or the Bilsteins.

The advantage of the Rancho's is if you don't tow (I tow primarily with my Ex and rarely drive any distances unloaded with her)...but if you use your Ex as a daily driver...the Rancho 9000XL's allow you to soften the ride either manually or automatically thru a switch in the cabin. I've read great things from those that went Rancho 9000XL's because they can really soften the ride up when not towing.

For me...my Ex is my snow and tow vehicle...so the Bilsteins work great for my application...and at the time I got 4 Bilsteins delivered to my door for ~$250 and the Rancho 9000XL's would have run me about $420-$440...so for me...I save some $$$ and got a great towing shock.

Now that said...I drive my truck 4 miles one way to work all winter long...it rides like a truck since I think I bought a truck so I am fine with the ride...if I wanted a floaty cadillac ride...I would be driving a cadillac...so I'm okay with how my Ex rides and I would buy the Bilsteins again in a heartbeat...but that is one man's $0.02 so take it for what you paid I guess...

Hope this helps.

Joe.