Need a 'little' Excursion help pls

[jluck]

Hello-It sounds like our builds are going to be very similar. I have a 2000 Excursion with the 5.4L motor. I wanted the 7.3 because I had one in the past but they are hard to fine and expensive. And in truth loud, when we wheeled it through AZ it was a little noisy for the family-wife and two little girls-so I went gas this time since my goal is to cross the arctic circle in Alaska gas will not gel in those temps. I scrapped the Dana 50 upfront for a Dana 60 out of a 2002 Ford F350 DRW truck, its much stronger then the 50 and since I wont be rock crawling it is fine. I didn't want a lift so I opted for "X" code springs out of an F350. They are the heavier Diesel springs the truck gained about 2" up front and the ride is now solid. I am going to put in a 12K LBS. Winch and bumper so I wanted heavier springs. I am also going a little bigger on tire size with Michelin XML 38" because you can get them under the truck with now lift just flares. I am in love with the "Arctic truck" look of big tires small lift. Also heavier tires and wheels will lower the center of gravity as well, I am in the middle of building a roof rack that will span the entire truck for my fluids, gas water etc and a roof rack.

Let's see a build thread when you get going on it! I am planning similar with a suburban as I could not find a decent excursion for a fair price and the car lot nearly paid me too take the (very good condition) suburban I ended up with.

 

[UnfrozenCaveman]

Wait...you have a set of 8.25x16's?! Let me know when to come pick them up.

...back to your regular programming...

 

[Rovertrader]

Wait...you have a set of 8.25x16's?! Let me know when to come pick them up.

...back to your regular programming...

Set of six actually, and they could be yours for a price... Also have a set of 9.0 XCs...

 

[UnfrozenCaveman]

Yerkillin' me here

Email when I get to a real computer.

Keith

 

[Rovertrader]

Hello-It sounds like our builds are going to be very similar. I have a 2000 Excursion with the 5.4L motor. I wanted the 7.3 because I had one in the past but they are hard to fine and expensive. And in truth loud, when we wheeled it through AZ it was a little noisy for the family-wife and two little girls-so I went gas this time since my goal is to cross the arctic circle in Alaska gas will not gel in those temps. I scrapped the Dana 50 upfront for a Dana 60 out of a 2002 Ford F350 DRW truck, its much stronger then the 50 and since I wont be rock crawling it is fine. I didn't want a lift so I opted for "X" code springs out of an F350. They are the heavier Diesel springs the truck gained about 2" up front and the ride is now solid. I am going to put in a 12K LBS. Winch and bumper so I wanted heavier springs. I am also going a little bigger on tire size with Michelin XML 38" because you can get them under the truck with now lift just flares. I am in love with the "Arctic truck" look of big tires small lift. Also heavier tires and wheels will lower the center of gravity as well, I am in the middle of building a roof rack that will span the entire truck for my fluids, gas water etc and a roof rack.

Found some new 'X' code springs- does your truck sit level, or did you have to do anything to the rear (add a leaf or block)? I may be rethinking the Procomp, and do the X code spring, add a Helwig rear antisway bar. I am fitting a lighter winch bumper/winch also, so I may be fine with the X (aka snow plow springs).

I am staying stock front axle for now, but on the look out for a D-60 also. Want it as bombproof as possible. Where did you find the XMLs? Are they 16 or 20's?
Thanks for the help!!

 

[jluck]

Found some new 'X' code springs- does your truck sit level, or did you have to do anything to the rear (add a leaf or block)? I may be rethinking the Procomp, and do the X code spring, add a Helwig rear antisway bar. I am fitting a lighter winch bumper/winch also, so I may be fine with the X (aka snow plow springs).

I am staying stock front axle for now, but on the look out for a D-60 also. Want it as bombproof as possible. Where did you find the XMLs? Are they 16 or 20's?
Thanks for the help!!

Skip the Pro-Comp garbage. I'd personally go with factory ford springs or better yet have some really good quality ones built. (Alcan,Deaver etc.). Spring choice is going to be number one factor in ride. Oh yea.... Good shocks with reservoirs are worth every penny for extended back country driving IMO too.

 

[98GP]

:lurk:
Sub'ed...I am here to learn.
I picked up an '05 V10 in Dec '12. and I have very similar build ideas as listed above.

 

[Rovertrader]

Agree shocks are key, especially on long (ie: hundreds of miles a day) washboard graded gravel roads. While not a Trophy truck or Baja support/chase truck, keeping the bounce/jolt under control is paramount. Not sure on need for reservoir shocks, but certainly realize high quality HD, like Bilstein or better, are needed. By the same token, I feel the dual shock front setup is too much for this application.

Once the springs are chosen and installed, I am also replacing the track bar with new HD version, and new steering stabilizer as well. Both front hubs were recently replaced just prior to my purchase

 

[gavan]

I feel the dual shock front setup is too much for this application.

Oh its not, at least for the diesels. I run dual Bilsteins on the front of my Ex and its nice. I would run duals with ressies if I were doing a lot of off road driving.

I got mine from caryt, they are valved correctly for dual shocks and they are GREAT.

 

[jluck]

Agree shocks are key, especially on long (ie: hundreds of miles a day) washboard graded gravel roads. While not a Trophy truck or Baja support/chase truck, keeping the bounce/jolt under control is paramount. Not sure on need for reservoir shocks, but certainly realize high quality HD, like Bilstein or better, are needed. By the same token, I feel the dual shock front setup is too much for this application.

Once the springs are chosen and installed, I am also replacing the track bar with new HD version, and new steering stabilizer as well. Both front hubs were recently replaced just prior to my purchase

The more oil the better, The more weight (energy) to dampen the more shock, oil and reservoir needed to resist shock fade. Dual 2.0 or 2.5's could even be over heated on extended high speed gravel, washboard, pot hole roads. I plan on single 2.0 Sway-a-Way RaceRunners on my suburban when the Dana 60 front goes in. I feel that will be sufficient for my usage. YMMV.

 

[TKSC01]

The rear needs a little attention because it sags a little. I don't have the XMLs yet, a little hard to find but out there. If you by a Dana 60 for your rig MAKE SURE it is out of a F350 DUALLY! THe F350 single wheel trucks are Dana 50s too just like your Excursion now.

Found some new 'X' code springs- does your truck sit level, or did you have to do anything to the rear (add a leaf or block)? I may be rethinking the Procomp, and do the X code spring, add a Helwig rear antisway bar. I am fitting a lighter winch bumper/winch also, so I may be fine with the X (aka snow plow springs).

I am staying stock front axle for now, but on the look out for a D-60 also. Want it as bombproof as possible. Where did you find the XMLs? Are they 16 or 20's?
Thanks for the help!!

 

[bjm206]

The Dana 60 was available on SRW (Single Rear Wheel) F250/350s. I put an upgraded 2004 SRW Dana 60 out of a F350 in my Ex. You should also get the shorter front driveshaft that the Dana 60 trucks use. Housings on Dana 50s and 60s look similar but are different.

If I remember correctly all 2003 and 2004 4x4 Super Duty F250/350s use Dana 60s. Before 2003 you can see both Dana 50s and 60s depending on configuration.

 

[jluck]

The Dana 60 was available on SRW (Single Rear Wheel) F250/350s. I put an upgraded 2004 SRW Dana 60 out of a F350 in my Ex. You should also get the shorter front driveshaft that the Dana 60 trucks use. Housings on Dana 50s and 60s look similar but are different.

If I remember correctly all 2003 and 2004 4x4 Super Duty F250/350s use Dana 60s. Before 2003 you can see both Dana 50s and 60s depending on configuration.

Long story short, Pull cover and look. I have personally never seen or heard of a 60 in SRW rigs. LOTS of people think they bought a 60 because all is near identical other than necked down axles and Dana 44 size ring, pinion and carrier.

 

[Rovertrader]

Update:

Almost went with caryt, as he seems to really know the best setup for the big EX, but ended up going BDS 4" kit with all upgrades available- new rear springs, dual Fox 2.0s in front, single 2.0 rear, dampener, etc. So far so good- cured most of the issues, but may still add the rear anti-sway bar. Going to put on a few miles and reassess.
I had a set of 35" M/T's but they are loud, so ordered a set of Toyo A/T-II's today, as I have them on other vehicles and really like them- great all around tire, and whisper quiet. 35s fit perfect, and likely room for 37's but not spending the extra for wheels, and the huge increase in dollars for 37's- been there, done that, and wished I had taken them off before selling the last SD...

Now, winch bumper and winch ;-) And a Tiregate spare carrier too!!

 

[BushHead]

Very nice, I've considered that route as well. I would love to come by sometime and look at your X if thats ok with you. Drop me a pm when would be a good time for you and I'll be sure to get there


Thanks

Matt