soft tail on 2003 Exc
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New User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 13
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From: South Carolina
soft tail on 2003 Exc
Right now I have 61,500 miles on my PSD 6.0. I pull a 25 foot boat with a dual tire trailer. My issue is recently I cannot maintain my trailer level to my Excursion to keep even trailer tire pressure and wear. When I place the boat on the hitch the rear end of my Excursion drops between two to three inches. I have looked at replacing the rear shock with factory shock, however I have also investigated into shocks with leveling coil springs, or leaf spring help kit or a set of air lift leveling shock kit. Right now I'm favoring the air lift leveling shock kit for a cost of $286.95. I have talk with others who has done this on non ford trucks and SUV's. Have yet to find a person with Ford Excursion. Has any one experienced this and provide some insight.
Thank you
Thank you
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 152
Likes: 1
I have the same problem with my 2005 4x4 V10 Ex. when towing my 7klb travel trailer, but I haven't fixed it yet. When I get around to it, I was going to add the Firestone bags since they seem to be what the majority rely on. I had always heard that the air shocks put stress on the shock mounts they were never designed to bear. Shocks damp motion, the springs support the weight right? The way I see it, the air bags just effectively increase your spring rates. Maybe someone else can chime in here and tell me if I'm full of it or not. 
Doug
Doug
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 347
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From: Boca Raton, Florida
Rear Sag
I was pulling a heavy 16k GVW two car trailer and the Firestones worked 100% only problem after the sag was gone was the stock tires.The sidewalls couldn't take the weight so I went to a 14ply 245/70/19.5 Goodyear gsa and it towed like a dually. They wear like iron and I took them with me when I sold the 2000 . They are now on my 2005 Ltd 4X4
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
From: Northwest Indiana
Cheng, these guys are steering you right. The Firestone bags work perfectly for us pulling our boat. The truck does so much better when the suspension is properly loaded front to rear.
The kit is pretty easy to install in an afternoon.I would rate it at about a 4 beer job!!
I got a clean look without having to drill additional holes by mounting the valve stems in the lower 2 license plate screw holes.
The kit is pretty easy to install in an afternoon.I would rate it at about a 4 beer job!!
I got a clean look without having to drill additional holes by mounting the valve stems in the lower 2 license plate screw holes.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,483
Likes: 1
From: SE PA
I suppose a weight distributing hitch has been tried?
I pull a 7000lb enclosed trailer with a WD hitch, only the slightest drop in ride hieght.
I also have a Roadmaster Active Suspension installed. Made a nice difference in handling without hurting the ride. Easy install and very reasonable price...bolts on.
I pull a 7000lb enclosed trailer with a WD hitch, only the slightest drop in ride hieght.
I also have a Roadmaster Active Suspension installed. Made a nice difference in handling without hurting the ride. Easy install and very reasonable price...bolts on.
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: South Carolina
soft tail on 2003 Exc.
Guy,
The type of hitch I have is the drawtide, adjusts up and down in height. I have it set a the highest postion right now. My boat/trailer together is 4,000 lbs. What I'm hearing the firestone bag is a type of air shock supspension kit. Right? Where can I find this kit. By using the firestone bags would I need a weight distributing hitch. Local auto store around hear are very limited. Oh, the tires I run are Michelin LTX M/S LT265/75R16 E load rating.
Thanks cheng.
The type of hitch I have is the drawtide, adjusts up and down in height. I have it set a the highest postion right now. My boat/trailer together is 4,000 lbs. What I'm hearing the firestone bag is a type of air shock supspension kit. Right? Where can I find this kit. By using the firestone bags would I need a weight distributing hitch. Local auto store around hear are very limited. Oh, the tires I run are Michelin LTX M/S LT265/75R16 E load rating.
Thanks cheng.
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
From: Northwest Indiana
Cheng, you can try one of the site sponsors to the left. If you have no luck that route, JC Whitney carries the Firestone and the Air Lift brands.
If you set the bag pressure so the Ex rides level with the trailer atttached, then level the trailer with your adjustable hitch, you will not need a w/d hitch.
If you set the bag pressure so the Ex rides level with the trailer atttached, then level the trailer with your adjustable hitch, you will not need a w/d hitch.
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Bremerton, Wa.
I have the ride rites and have had them on my '98 Yukon and my '98 Burb and they help a lot.. I am in the process of determining just how much air I need in them for my 900# tongue weight.. I am carrying 45# and have a small compressor and will be playing with the ride this weekend as we're going out for four days..On the Suburban and this TT,I started at 60#,but finally got down to about 35# as the suspension is much stiffer on the Burb..
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Wyandotte, Michigan
I added a Air Lift kit to the front of my 00 X when I added the snowplow, the weight of the plow just nose dived the truck. Once those were on the front was higher than the back of the X so I added a Firestone kit to the rear with a compressor under the hood and the gauge/switches incab.
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New User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 13
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From: South Carolina
soft tail on 2003 Exc.
Guys, I will look up the firestones. When I'm finished and running I will let you all know how things turn out. As for the tongue weight, I believe that will not be and issue. The boat is 25 ft pontoon boat so it set back to keep balance the tongue weight to some point. My issue is just get it level to place even balance on the duel tires. I also pull a 7,000 lbs dual tire PACE trailer for hunting cross country. I do have this issue with this specfic trailer. I think that may be do to the placement of the dual tires under the trailer. It only happen with the boat. Guys thanks for all the input and education it really help me. If you think of anything else just let me know.
Thank you
Cheng
Thank you
Cheng
