FordExcursions.com Forums
JBB
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• Madison, WI, USA |
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• Registered on 3/23/2006 |
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• 3 posts |
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 Posted:3/24/2006 16:18 |
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Greetings all, I'm a new to the club and any help you can provide is most appreciated.
Background: we just purchased a 2003 Ford EX V10 and love the vehicle!
Now that we've got the Beast and have done more research on the X's I have a number of questions relating to what could possibly involve future suspension problems that I hope to avoid.
Hopefully some of you EXperienced X owners can help me out as I'd like to be pro-active when it comes to maintaining this vehicle.
Here goes:
1) When reading about the 03' Excursion, it was mentioned that in 2003 Ford added a "newly standard rear stabilizer bar on 4 x 4 models". Is this an adequate stabilizer bar or would I be better off to considering a product like a Hellwig rear anti-sway bar?
2) If you suggest I install a rear anti sway bar, should a front anti-sway bar be installed as well?
3) Ford states that for 2003 "new shock absorbers were added on all models" (they better be new and not used ! I guess they meant better shocks were added).
Are these stock shock absorbers adequate or should I consider replacing with Bilstein shocks or something comparable? Any suggestions on models of shocks to consider?
Many thanks for your help and advice !!!
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Brian Barnett
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• San Antonio, TX, USA |
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• Registered on 9/6/2004 |
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• 103 posts |
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 Posted:3/24/2006 19:04 |
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welcome to the club, I dont know about the suspension but I will give you a little tip, first thing, go take the luggage rack cross over bars off the truck, the tuch the roof of the Ex and cause rust to start, I hope the you get it in time. other then that... WELCOME to the world of gas gusseling large SUV's
It really is all about size!!!!!! |
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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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Posted:3/24/2006 19:41 |
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| Quote: | 1) When reading about the 03' Excursion, it was mentioned that in 2003 Ford added a "newly standard rear stabilizer bar on 4 x 4 models". Is this an adequate stabilizer bar or would I be better off to considering a product like a Hellwig rear anti-sway bar?
2) If you suggest I install a rear anti sway bar, should a front anti-sway bar be installed as well? |
JBB -- First, WELCOME to the forum! 
In reference to your questions #1 & #2, are you certain you have a Ford rear swaybar? I ask that BECAUSE of question #2. All Excursions come from the factory with a front anti-swaybar. A few folks have changed the front swaybar with a Hellwig unit, but reported that the improvement was minimal ... though they still said there was an improvement.
You also may want to check out the Top 5 Must Do list at this link ...
http://www.supermotors.org/clubs/fordexcursions/articles/article_2/index.php |
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JBB
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• Madison, WI, USA |
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• Registered on 3/23/2006 |
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• 3 posts |
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Posted:3/28/2006 19:36 |
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Landyot,
Thanks much for the reply and the tip on "must do" list......very helpful.
I'm starting to work my way thru the list, (and this incredibly informative website!).
Correct, there is the front factory installed anti-sway bar...but also in addition to that there's what appears to be a factory installed rear anti sway bar.
Question: Does it pay to replace the rear factory Anti S-B w/a Hellwig? Or would this change be inimal? It seems to ride fine as is (altho' I'm shopping for shocks to replace the originals which should help even more).
Anyway, thanks again for the advice, being a rookie, I do appreciate it!
J.B. |
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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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Posted:3/28/2006 19:43 |
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| Quote: | | Question: Does it pay to replace the rear factory Anti S-B w/a Hellwig? Or would this change be inimal? It seems to ride fine as is (altho' I'm shopping for shocks to replace the originals which should help even more). |
J.B. - I think you answered your own question about upgrading the rear anti-swaybar. If YOU feel that it rides fine, why change anything? A rear Hellwig swaybar may provide improvement, but it's all relative to how one's butt feels it when they're driving. Some folks might like the improvement, while many others won't be able to feel the difference. Replacing the shock absorbers is a good move. |
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