FordExcursions.com Forums
wct_ny
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• Rochester, NY, USA |
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• Registered on 3/4/2004 |
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• 22 posts |
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 Posted:3/25/2004 18:07 |
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ok gang.. I brought home an "X" to try overnight.. It is a 2002 XLT with ALL the extras.. build is (May '02) It is VERY clean, and only 17K miles.. The deal I have so far is $26,500. How does that sound?
Here is the main issue:
The whole family feels the ride is so truck-like as to be bothersome on a long trip. My wife sat in 3rd row seat and was going nuts feeling "jounced". The kids were scattered and all felt some degree of irritation.. I also felt the bumps and road dips with a sharp shock response.. the type that bounces your belly
One daughter felt a bit car sick...
I have read tons about many of you adding a rear stabilizer and new bilstiens (or comparable brand) shocks.. Will this mod HELP the situation or make the ride even more harsh...
please let me know if suspension mods will cure or worsen the problem of a harsh ride sensation.. The "jounce" and corresponding belly sensation may be a deal breaker!!!
btw we drive a 91 Chevy 3/4 ton conversion van with 168k miles.. It rattles and moans and the X is clearly a step up.. but may still not get the family vote.. My wife seems to prefer the suburban in terms of comfort..
your advice may help save My "X".!
thanks
Bill
Bill T
Rochester NY
2002 "X" V10- 4x4
3 teens, 1 wife, 1 great dane, 2 cats |
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JohnBoy
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• DFW, TX, USA |
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• Registered on 9/3/2002 |
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• 972 posts |
• 2 Vehicles
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Posted:3/25/2004 18:54 |
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Let's narrow the scope a bit...
What was the tire pressure at ? if at 70 or 80 it would ride like a birck...
Where you doing interstate or side roads ? Long trips are rarely on side roads...
Our stoock spring 03 rides very well as far as I'm concerned... but granted - I really don't know how the back rides  Never back there....
And yes, the Hellwig WILL eliminate MOST side to side sway or dipping you feel...
and all reports are that the stock shocks are suspect....
2005 6.0L 4x4 Eddie Bauer Ex
2003 6.0L 4x4 Limited Ex - traded in (BooHoo )
"The Republicans should back off and let men marry men, women marry women, and legalize abortion. In three generations there would be no Democrats." |
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wct_ny
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• Rochester, NY, USA |
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• Registered on 3/4/2004 |
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• 22 posts |
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Posted:3/25/2004 19:08 |
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Johnboy
so glad you replied.. thanks! I am getting a bit nervous over loosing this truck..
I drove on main roads and highway.. on smooth highway. all was fine.. on poor quality highway, the jouncing and hard bump-like feel was pronounced.. the more the shocks responded, the more the family noticed the sensation..
not sure about tire pressure.. will check it out.. the tires are newly installed and dealer would have set at or near proper inflation.. I assume...
can I talk to you thru IM's?
Bill
Bill T
Rochester NY
2002 "X" V10- 4x4
3 teens, 1 wife, 1 great dane, 2 cats |
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wct_ny
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• Rochester, NY, USA |
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• Registered on 3/4/2004 |
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• 22 posts |
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Posted:3/25/2004 19:12 |
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yahoo messanger id is wct_ny
aim id is wctny
Bill T
Rochester NY
2002 "X" V10- 4x4
3 teens, 1 wife, 1 great dane, 2 cats |
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RS-TX
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• Little River, TX, USA |
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• Registered on 11/22/2002 |
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• 298 posts |
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Posted:3/25/2004 21:47 |
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Is it 4x4? PSD or V10/V8?
I hate to say it, but if mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy.   If she and the kids don't like the X, and do like the Suburban, your choice is clear. No amount of modification is going to make the X ride like a car/Sub. It can be improved, but the fact remains that it is still a heavy-duty vehicle, and will ride like one.
Now, all that said, I really like my X and my kids do, too. The upside for me is that the kids are ages 1, 2.5, and 5. They like the "bouncy" ride and enjoy riding in the third row. My wife is usually in the passengers seat with the bun warmer on, so she logs very little time in any other seat.
My advice would be to evaluate your wants vs. the family's wants and go from there. The deal sounds pretty good, but not great. Best of luck to you.
Rick
2004 VW Jetta TDI |
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EXGator
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• Orlando, FL, USA |
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• Registered on 9/30/2002 |
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• 5 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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Posted:3/25/2004 22:15 |
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I have a 2002 EX 4x4 PSD. Yes, the ride is a bit rough at times, but overall, no complaints from the family. They love it. We've logged long trips, and I drive it every day. My wife loves the drive (I find myself reminding her that it is a 4 ton truck, and 85 to 90 is usually fast enough!). Complaints? The turning radius is too big. Other than that, I can't say enough good things about the EX. What sold me was a side by side comparison with the burban. I drove the Ex to a chevy dealer, and parked them side by side, climbed in and out of every seat. The difference in leg and headroom in the 2nd and 3rd seats was amazing. For me, Texas Big is what it all came down to. |
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wct_ny
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• Rochester, NY, USA |
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• Registered on 3/4/2004 |
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• 22 posts |
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Posted:3/25/2004 22:38 |
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rs_tex
It is a V10... although I have been looking for PSD, I havent been able to find any used ones.
The 17K miles and the fact that the previous owner is an employee of the dealership along with remaining factory warranty were all positives.. The burbs seem to run $3-$4 K more for similar mileage and year.. so It seems my money was better spent with this nice looking "X"...
Thanks for your imput..
Bill
Ps can you comment on how ride improves with new shocks and anti sway bar? typically, what changes?
Bill T
Rochester NY
2002 "X" V10- 4x4
3 teens, 1 wife, 1 great dane, 2 cats |
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RS-TX
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• Little River, TX, USA |
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• Registered on 11/22/2002 |
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• 298 posts |
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Posted:3/25/2004 23:01 |
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| Quote: | | Ps can you comment on how ride improves with new shocks and anti sway bar? typically, what changes? |
I didn't notice much of a change when I put on my Bilsteins, other than they reduced the side-to-side bounce when turning and hitting a bump. I can't comment on the sway bar since I don't have one, but I've never heard of anyone complaining about it. Landyot's radius-arms seem to be all the rage right now. Those would probably help considerably.
I don't have any real complaints about the ride. I had no illusions about it when I purchased the X. My dad has a 2000 F250 4x4 with the PSD, and it rides very harsh. The X is much improved over it. I am satisfied with my ride and handling. Everything is relative.
Rick
2004 VW Jetta TDI |
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Posted:3/26/2004 10:04 |
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Bilstiens helped out mine enourmously, also re-positioning the lower shock mount helped too. |
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E. Long
 
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• Subscriber since 1/1/2001 |
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• Atlanta, GA, USA |
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• Registered on 1/23/2001 |
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• 2,229 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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Posted:3/26/2004 12:32 |
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Installing different shocks (I use Rancho RS9000 adjustables) and different tires will make the ride more comfortable. Tires will make a big difference. I'm assuming it has Firestone Steeltex's or something similar on it which are very hard tires. If you were to go with BFG AT's it would soften up the ride as those tires are softer and have a little more sidewall flex. Shocks are a no brainer -- the factory shocks aren't very good quality.
As far as the roads you're driving on...if you cruise on the interstate for long trips, the X will be a breeze. it does become somewhat of a battle on the 2-lane roads that aren't as well kept.
The $26k price tag is excellent.
-Eric
'67 Galaxie 500 - 390 FE, .030" over, FE to AOD adapter, disc brake conversion. The Daily Driver.
'00 Excursion - 7.3L PSD, LANDYOT Gen-II Radius Rods, Factory Tech Valve Body, 200K+ miles and going |
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