Folks,

I drive a 2004.5 Excursion EB. I have some mods; SCT, AFE, MBRP, ARP, ISSPRO, RCD EGR delete, ITP Reg Ret, AirDog and some custom tunes. Other than 18" Eagle Alloys and 285/70R18 Michelins I have not done anything to the suspension/ride. It is a daily driver and work vehicle, 215,800 miles on the odometer. 50 miles each way to work 1/2 Interstate speed 1/2 City. I occasionaly pull a trailer with a skidsteer, etc. I also travel about 1,000 miles round trip 1.5 times a month. Tires beginning to cup a little and a couple of garages say I need shocks. It does not ride as well as it once did and wanders on the road a little. Probably need to check ball joints too, but the shop that rotates my tires did not mention them yet and they do like to find opportunities for their techs.
All that info to ask what brand shocks? single or twin? Which leveling system? Why? Also considering 3" or 4" lift, so suggestions. I'm not looking to build a monster truck. I just want it to stand up and square up. What about rear air bags? Firestone etc? If I am asking too much, maybe you can tell me where I can research and find the answers???

Construction and real estate development is at an all time low so I may have to do a little as funds become available. I will have to prioritize.

Thanks for reading!!! Thanks for any input.

 

At that mileage, I don't think I'd do anything except new shocks. Suggest either Bilsteins or Rancho 9000s. Bilstein for simplicity--no adjustments. Try the shocks before anything else.

You definitely could use ball joints/tie-rod ends/tighten steering gear, but you may want to decide if it is worth it. If yes, then the RAS can help to sharpen up the 'wander' issue with very little investment or time for installation.

 

While I compiled these links to help people specifically with the wandering aspect of our 4x4 Excursions, there's still a lot of good info here for you too, regarding shocks, springs, RAS, etc.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...s-for-you.html

Stewart

 

Suspention: If you are at 215'000 miles and still on the original springs, I would say that you are past due for new springs. I put new springs on the (2000 Excursion with 185'000) front and rear this spring, the rubber bumpers above the front axle got smashed and half broken off because of lack of spring support. You will have make a desision on suspention before you buy shocks so you get the correct shocks, if you are going to stay with stock height or close to it then you can put shocks on it and see what happens to you ride. One why to check springs is to measure between the top of the spring and the bottem of the rubber bumpers, I only had about .75" of travel.

Shocks: I have Bilstein's on the 2000 X, like them when hauling a load, a little harsh whem empty.
I have Rancho 9000xl's on my f-350 and just installed them on my wifes 05 X this weekend, haven't had much time to test ride the 05 yet, she drove to town and church yesterday and came home a said WOW!
Both Bilstein's and Rancho's are good but on the spendy side compaired to OEM.

How long have you owned the truck?

How many miles have you put on it?


Hope some of this help's!

 

Thanks everyone for responding. It appears that a lot of folks are interested. I had 3 responses but 95+ readers.
I will study the information and let you know which mods I try.

I have owned the Ex since January 2006. I bought it used, from a local dealer with almost 30K on the meter. Before the warranty expired I got a complete new topside, heads, injectors, turbo etc because it was puking and the tech was a good guy. This was around 75k. Then at 150k another turbo and HPOP. That shop just threw parts at it until it ran. At 175k ARP studs and EGR delete, because I wanted to. All numbers estimated.

Runs good except at startup. New injectors somewhere in the future. I plan to keep it so I don't mind working on it or spending money on it. Invest in it rather than a payment on something newer.

When I get another 200k on it I'm going to give it to my grandson who's currently 9 and loves the truck too. Of course it could be the VCR he loves.