Allhallows
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• Rockford, IL, USA |
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• Registered on 5/4/2004 |
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• 13 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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 Posted:5/4/2004 12:34 |
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Sorry if I'm missing the post(s) answering these questions.
I am a proud owner of a 2000 X Ltd V10 4x4 but it's all stock. I love the size and space but absolutely hate the ride (and I'm willing to live with the MPG). BTW 11-12 city/ 13-14 hwy.
I'm not looking to spend tons of money but am willing to do what is needed to improve that ride. Use the X for street driving only and little/no towing (yet). What will give me the most bang for the buck? I'm ready to replace tires, also (stock Steeltex, but not the ones recalled). Also, if there is any other upgrades/replacements mechanically let me know. I'm not a mechanic so I'll be passing this info on to my mechanic.
Thanks.
2000 X Ltd V10 4x4 |
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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:5/4/2004 17:36 |
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New shock absorbers are always good. I have Cooper tires and have been pleased enough to buy them again when these wear out. $116/tire for 285/75/16. Good price. I don't have a rear anti-sway bar, but those that do swear by them. LandYot's radius arms are also popular. I can't say that my X rides a lot different than it did before the new shocks and tires, but I was already satisfied with the ride. No complaints. I'm easy I suppose.  
Rick
2004 VW Jetta TDI |
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LANDYOT
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• Subscriber since 11/23/2003 |
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• Newport News, VA, USA |
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• Registered on 7/15/2003 |
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• 1,110 posts |
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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:5/6/2004 20:11 |
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I am by no means one of the experts around here.. but I can tell you what I just did.. I bought my 2002 (17K miles) about 5 weeks ago and did the following based on this and other forum's recommendations along with my own research..
1. Hellwig rear anti sway bar
2. Rancho RS9000x adjustable shocks
3. Used the tire recall on steeltex "d" stock tires to upgrade to Bridgestone REVOS
4. "Catch-all" carpeted floor mats all the way around and rear cargo tray
5. Putting some cash aside secretly for LANDYOT's radius rods
6. Every night I stand outside, having a smoke, gazing at it.. and planning for a future grill guard or bull bar with fog and driving lights, and wondering how it might perform if I "chipped" it.. 
The first 3 items had a big effect on handling and sense of stability. I highly recommend them. From all I have read about the radious rods I have even more to gain from installing them as well.
Welcome to the forum.. !
Bill
Bill T
Rochester NY
2002 "X" V10- 4x4
3 teens, 1 wife, 1 great dane, 2 cats |
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cwbyinjeep
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• Atlanta, GA, USA |
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• Registered on 8/5/2003 |
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• 47 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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Posted:5/6/2004 20:40 |
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Essential upgrades that come to my mind are upgrading the transmission pan to a Mag-Hytech tranny pan which has more capacity and aides in cooling the tranny fluid. If you get stuck in any kind of traffic the stock set up with run overly hot. If you decide to tow I definitely recommend getting a real tranny temp gauge like autometer or something of the sort. Rancho 9000 shocks are doing well on my ride. Other then that dont know much about the V10
Bobby Wooldridge
BMW Motorcycles of Atlanta
2000 Ford Excursion LTD 4x4/ TTS Performance 3way chip/ Suncoast Transmission& Torque Converter/4"exhaust&downpipe/Autometer/K&N air charger kit/ 33"BFG AllTerrains/Rancho9000's/149k/dual yellow top optimas
1991 Jeep Wrangler/4.0L/Ford HP Dana 60fr/ff dana 60rear/nv3550/AtlasII 4.3/40"boggers/Beadlocks/5.13 gears/Detroits front&rear/dual yellow top optimas/WarnHS9500I/and too many custom doo dads to list |
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Allhallows
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• Rockford, IL, USA |
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• Registered on 5/4/2004 |
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• 13 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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Posted:5/7/2004 12:39 |
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Thanks all for the response! Further reading on the forum does indicate these definite "to do's":
1. Helwig anti-sway bar
2. New shocks - I keep hearing the Rancho 9000s but will this improve the ride? I'm looking for comfort here and not a stiffer ride.
3. New tires but which ones? Again looking for low road noise, improved handling & ride.
4. Landyot radius rods. These sound like a must do. Landyot I'll be contacting you via email to see the instructions. I don't know if this is something I can do myself. I've heard others having to use a torch and/or grinder to remove equipment to get them on. I did determine that I have the late 2000 model Excursion (rear brake calipers are on the rear side of the axle).
I see others talking about a chip for the engine. Would this improve gas mileage?
cwbyinjeep: That tranny pan upgrade. You think that's something needed even for typical street driving. Will in lengthen the life of the tranny under normal driving conditions?
2000 X Ltd V10 4x4 |
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Allhallows
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• Rockford, IL, USA |
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• Registered on 5/4/2004 |
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• 13 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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Posted:5/7/2004 12:47 |
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Oh, yeah, I forgot to add the following:
5. Tighten those body bolts to stop that popping noise.
6. Replace the front (stabilizer?) bushings with poly-e (Autozone) ones to tighten up the front end.
What else am I missing?
2000 X Ltd V10 4x4 |
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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:5/10/2004 10:31 |
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Remove your cross bars on your roof rack... unless they've already rubbed the paint off :-(
I never use them anyway, and u can only put about 100 lbs up there, so no big loss !
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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gomobius
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• Granger, IN, USA |
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• Registered on 4/2/2003 |
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• 42 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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Posted:5/13/2004 09:59 |
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Welcome to the forum, sounds like you and I have the same X. Here are some upgrades I have found a must.
Helwig rear sway bar
upgrade the front sway bar bushings to poly
fix or replace the body mounts
check your ball joints!!!!!! ford put non-greaseable, maintenance free ball joints in. They are not maintenance free! Mine were so bad they were about to fail and cause an accident. I had good greaseable ones installed.
grease the slip yoke on your driveshaft
when you need new tires get a set of brigestone revos, they are excellent.
when its time for brakes get a quality set of rotors.
I cannot comment on LANDYOT's radius rods yet (I will get some when he restarts production), but they sound like a must.
If your going to do alot of towing get your tranny upgraded with a shift kit and/or torque converter.
gomobius
2000 LTD 4X4 V10, Transgo Tugger Shiftkit, Auburn limited slip, poly bushings, helwig anti sway bar, ranchos, centermatics,kevlar brake hoses,and a cool looking SUPERFORD.ORG sticker |
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Allhallows
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• Rockford, IL, USA |
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• Registered on 5/4/2004 |
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• 13 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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Posted:8/31/2004 11:51 |
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Update: Well, I replaced the Firebombs. I must say I am impressed with the tread life on 'em. I got 65k+ out of them. I was starting to worry about safety though so I got a full set of new Michelins. Everywhere I read, the Michelin LXS M/S were the best on-road tire. Of course, they cost me a pretty penny ($800 for 4) but I am very happy with 'em so far. I noticed a much smoother ride right away. Haven't had a chance to test them in weather yet. FYI - I upsized to the 285s with no problem. They fill that wheel well a little better than the OEs.
Next project: Brakes & Helwig anti-sway bar. I see lots of positive comments on the ARTs but would like to compare them to other brands and other prices. Any suggestions? I really want the improved braking performance. Any suggestions on where I can get the best price for the Helwig?
2000 X Ltd V10 4x4 |
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