2000 Ford Excursion as expedition vehicle
- Thread starter RKraft
- Start date
daddyusmaximus
Explorer
Still on the fence about a RTT v sleeping in my camper shell... That is a sharp looking rig. What kind of front bumper is that? I'm wanting to add a winch someday. You got the rear bumper I want too, get my spare off the roof. That's the Aluminess isn't it?
bjm206
Adventurer
Thanks, I slept in the back for several years but in the desert it gets stuffy inside so instead of trying to figure a way to rig up some screens I just got the tent. With ventilation I imagine the camper shell would be fine.
The front bumper is an ARB (same as Roudy's) and yes the rear is Aluminess. The Aluminess folks were real nice to work with.
The front bumper is an ARB (same as Roudy's) and yes the rear is Aluminess. The Aluminess folks were real nice to work with.
bjm206
Adventurer
V codes are front springs from the F250/350 trucks. They lift a diesel Excursion about 1.5". The truck will ride like an F350 up front. Much firmer but not too bad.
X codes are snow plow prep package front springs from the F350. They lift a diesel Excursion about 2.5". The truck will ride fairly rough without extra weight up front (bumper, winch..etc.).
B codes are rear springs from the F250/350 trucks. They can be installed on Excursions as long as the overload spring pack is not present (interference issue). They do not lift the Excursion but do firm things up and significantly eliminate spring wrap. Most folks use the larger F350 spring block to level the truck after a V/B swap. Some folks will also use part of the Excursions original rear spring pack to achieve the ride height/quality they want. B codes ride nice.
There are also a number of other spring options (C,D,S,T,U,W) from the F250/350 trucks that can be used on Excursions.
X codes are snow plow prep package front springs from the F350. They lift a diesel Excursion about 2.5". The truck will ride fairly rough without extra weight up front (bumper, winch..etc.).
B codes are rear springs from the F250/350 trucks. They can be installed on Excursions as long as the overload spring pack is not present (interference issue). They do not lift the Excursion but do firm things up and significantly eliminate spring wrap. Most folks use the larger F350 spring block to level the truck after a V/B swap. Some folks will also use part of the Excursions original rear spring pack to achieve the ride height/quality they want. B codes ride nice.
There are also a number of other spring options (C,D,S,T,U,W) from the F250/350 trucks that can be used on Excursions.
gavan
Observer
Actually you really really want a lift. Not really a lift, but returning it to the stock f-series height ford designed that chassis around. The ex springs are too flat and you only have about 3/4 of an inch to the bumps... When the springs are new. Add a couple years of abuse and you are closer to just .5 inches from the stops, and that can make it a really rough ride. V code springs "lift" the ex, but in reality it just restores it to the "proper" height and gives the axle some breathing room.
Roudy
Observer
Hey BJM, Roudy here.
Are you running V or X codes with your ARB bumper? Me and Joneseyy are doing the Vermont Overland Trophy and I'm thinking I need the Super Duty spring mod to give me a little more lift. For the event, I'm thinking about disconnecting the front and rear sway bars for added articulation.
Currently I have a 2" Ready Lift mini spring pack up front (which probably only gave me 1.5" with the ARB bumper and winch) and the replacement lift block that came with the kit. This clears my 35's with no rubbing. The only thing I had to do to make it work was trim some of the front plastic inner fender well.
My initial plan is to replace the Ready Lift front with the X codes then fine tune the height in the rear with one or two of the four mini leafs sourced from the front end. (if needed)
FYI - the Ready Lift kit parts are also used to lift 2004 and earlier Super Dutys so I think I'm safe with combining parts. Just have to make sure my u-bolts are long enough.
If disconnecting the sway bars gains a lot of articulation I may just sit the X or V/B mod directly on top of the Ready Lift pack and blocks. What do you think?
Hope you followed my logic :Wow1:
Roudy
Observer
Hey the Ex is BIG but it will fit in all but the tightest spots. Trails probably don't get much tighter than Vermont and I've run those a few times. It fits in a parking space...right? It's no taller than a lifted jeep...right? It's really the length that gets you on a trail. Once you are comfortable with your parameters you can finesse it through more than you or anyone else would think.
Here's mine at last year's VT Overland Rally. It was much tighter than it looks, as always. All the other vehicles were standard small types. The other bigger ones took the bypass trail. Kuddos to Peter Vollers of Vermont Overland for the impressive spotting!
BTW, the reason there are so many people watching is because the 20 plus truck caravan heard the "Ex" was going to try the waterfall. So everyone gathered to watch the carnage! Sorry to disappoint :smiley_drive:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=bTnhXbSOnqU
bjm206
Adventurer
Roudy,
I am running a 3.5" shackle lift with stock springs up front and modified B codes in the rear. I wish I had used V codes or custom springs up front as the shackle lift doesn't have any big advantages, is harder to install and it limits approach angle gained with the bumper.
I like your plan for the front. Removing the front sway bar is easy once you get there (30 minutes) and it makes a difference. To get the full advantage of this you will need longer range front shocks (Bilstein 33-187297 for 0-2.5" lift or 33-185545 4-6" lift) and maybe even longer brake lines. X codes are really stiff and may not allow the axle to droop or compress as much as a softer spring like the V code. An adjustable track bar may also be required if you use X codes with ready lift.
The stock Ex rear spring is really prone to distorting (wrapping) under power so anything you can do to tame that will help. I never had a rear sway bar so I cannot say for certain it will help but it should. A lot of folks run B codes modified with stock Ex leaf packs and F350 blocks without wrapping issues. Once again longer range shocks (bilstien 33-151656 3-5" lift) and brake lines may be needed to get the full advantage.
Modified or not based or previous experience my moneys on your team to win the trophy!
I am running a 3.5" shackle lift with stock springs up front and modified B codes in the rear. I wish I had used V codes or custom springs up front as the shackle lift doesn't have any big advantages, is harder to install and it limits approach angle gained with the bumper.
I like your plan for the front. Removing the front sway bar is easy once you get there (30 minutes) and it makes a difference. To get the full advantage of this you will need longer range front shocks (Bilstein 33-187297 for 0-2.5" lift or 33-185545 4-6" lift) and maybe even longer brake lines. X codes are really stiff and may not allow the axle to droop or compress as much as a softer spring like the V code. An adjustable track bar may also be required if you use X codes with ready lift.
The stock Ex rear spring is really prone to distorting (wrapping) under power so anything you can do to tame that will help. I never had a rear sway bar so I cannot say for certain it will help but it should. A lot of folks run B codes modified with stock Ex leaf packs and F350 blocks without wrapping issues. Once again longer range shocks (bilstien 33-151656 3-5" lift) and brake lines may be needed to get the full advantage.
Modified or not based or previous experience my moneys on your team to win the trophy!
gavan
Observer
I have an arb bumper and have a good ride with the v springs. If I had a winch I would seriously consider the x springs.
My ex was nearly undriveable at highway speed without the rear sway bar. To be fair, that was with the stock spring and I added the rear sway when I added the modified b springs, but what a difference. Before the sway bar the rear would steer (from the sway and subsequent axle wrap) if you did any sort of steering input at speed because the springs were just junk. We had be same problem on the work excursions. They were actually scary to maneuver at speed. We used them as emergence response trucks, so my standards of driving at speed may be different, but my truck with the modified rear spring and rear sway is night and day different from a stock truck.
I have a couple jeeps I would take for serious off roading, but my ex has never let me down, even with both sway bars still attached. I would add a pair of lockers long before I disconnected a sway bar, but it could just be the way I wheel. In fact, I am adding a sway bar to the front of one of my jeeps and to the rear of a fiends just because they are a little tippy off road. I would rather carry a wheel over a hole than drop it down in 90% of the time... But wheeling always seems to come down to terrain and personal style/comfort.
Just don't forget to connect that sucker back up. It is so heavy and a mess with only 1 sway, I would not even want to try anything at speed with no sways!
My ex was nearly undriveable at highway speed without the rear sway bar. To be fair, that was with the stock spring and I added the rear sway when I added the modified b springs, but what a difference. Before the sway bar the rear would steer (from the sway and subsequent axle wrap) if you did any sort of steering input at speed because the springs were just junk. We had be same problem on the work excursions. They were actually scary to maneuver at speed. We used them as emergence response trucks, so my standards of driving at speed may be different, but my truck with the modified rear spring and rear sway is night and day different from a stock truck.
I have a couple jeeps I would take for serious off roading, but my ex has never let me down, even with both sway bars still attached. I would add a pair of lockers long before I disconnected a sway bar, but it could just be the way I wheel. In fact, I am adding a sway bar to the front of one of my jeeps and to the rear of a fiends just because they are a little tippy off road. I would rather carry a wheel over a hole than drop it down in 90% of the time... But wheeling always seems to come down to terrain and personal style/comfort.
Just don't forget to connect that sucker back up. It is so heavy and a mess with only 1 sway, I would not even want to try anything at speed with no sways!
Roudy
Observer
Great info on the shocks, I knew I could count on you for the engineering details! I think I will go this route and post up the results. About the rear, my Ex came with both front and rear anti sway bars. I have a Bully Dog programer that puts out serious HP and have never had axle wrap. Since the springs are the same for most of the Ex's years I would submit that this may be a good upgrade for the axle wrap I have heard of. Also heard Helweg makes an even beefier unit for those interested.
Sweet pic, thanks!..... ooo that's where I dented the passenger side rear piller, on that tree.
Also when I dropped into the creek, minor damage to driver side rocker. You can't see it unless you are under the truck but it does illustrate the need for all long wheelbase, the Ex is 137", vehicles to concentrate on protection first, function second, and bling last.
I will hit you up for more info on the skid plate mod you did as well. Doing that first is the plan, second is rock sliders then a Detroit to replace the rear limited slip. That will give me a fully locked vehicle with the selectable Ected electric up front. Somewhere in that timeline I will be running the VOT, hopefully after!
Sweet pic, thanks!..... ooo that's where I dented the passenger side rear piller, on that tree.
Also when I dropped into the creek, minor damage to driver side rocker. You can't see it unless you are under the truck but it does illustrate the need for all long wheelbase, the Ex is 137", vehicles to concentrate on protection first, function second, and bling last. I will hit you up for more info on the skid plate mod you did as well. Doing that first is the plan, second is rock sliders then a Detroit to replace the rear limited slip. That will give me a fully locked vehicle with the selectable Ected electric up front. Somewhere in that timeline I will be running the VOT, hopefully after!
Roudy
Observer
Good points Gaven....I agree with you on the lockers....I have selectable front and stock LS rear.
I will add the following:
For all those pre 2005 Excursion owners: Stock from the factory I have front and rear sway bars. It drives really nice and I was surprised to hear about this debate on this and other forums about bad handling. At least for 2005 I think Ford nailed it.
Based on what I've read I would say front and rear sway bars plus the lift of your choice should be the ticket. Good luck and post up your mods!
Keep posting Ex fans! We need your ideas and mods!
Roudy
I will add the following:
For all those pre 2005 Excursion owners: Stock from the factory I have front and rear sway bars. It drives really nice and I was surprised to hear about this debate on this and other forums about bad handling. At least for 2005 I think Ford nailed it.
Based on what I've read I would say front and rear sway bars plus the lift of your choice should be the ticket. Good luck and post up your mods!
Keep posting Ex fans! We need your ideas and mods!
Roudy
Great write ups everyone. I always enjoy seeing an Ex owner putting it to work. Mine is an 03 6.0. Not much done to it yet. V/F codes and f350 blocks are in the garage, just slowly getting the parts. Next will be the 30 mm rear sway bar to replace the stock one. Love my Ex, wife, 3 boys and the Rockies as my playground. I see most everyone removed the stock steps for more clearance. Has anyone put the Amp or Bestop power ones on or any sliders?
