FordExcursions.com Forums
jzellers
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• Downs, IL, USA |
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• Registered on 6/26/2008 |
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• 1 post |
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 Posted:7/5/2008 21:52 |
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Like so many others have reported, I cannot say enough good about Ken's radius rods. Before I installed the rods, here's a list of items I replaced trying to tame the steering wander:
Shocks
Steering damper
Steering gear
Ball joints
Front sway bar bushings and links
Helwig rear sway bar
All of the above items were wore out and the rear sway bar I consider a necessity, but even so, I was running out of worn parts to change to fix the problem. Every time I changed something, it helped, but it still wasn't cured until the rods went on. I just can't believe the difference and would never have guessed the rear axle could affect handling so much.
It was an easy install that took a little over 3 hours. Everything fit perfectly and the instructions were accurate...simply the best mod I've made yet.
Thanks, again Ken! |
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gpvols1
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• stuart, FL, USA |
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• Registered on 7/24/2008 |
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• 1 post |
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Posted:11/25/2008 11:19 |
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I basically replaced the same items you did on my own 2002 Ford Excursion 4 WD. New shocks, new steering dampner, rear sway bar added, new rubber bushings, and really accomplished nothing. I added the Landyot Radius rods and my Excursion became a sports car. I can' t believe I waited to add these till now. If I had bought these when the Excrusion was new, what a difference!
Gpvols
Stuart, Fl |
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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:11/25/2008 17:33 |
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Thank you very kindly for your testimonials. I am always glad to hear these "success stories" about the radius-rods, and it pleases me to hear of your satisfaction with them. Thank you! 
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aklim
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• Hartford, WI, USA |
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• Registered on 2/20/2006 |
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• 133 posts |
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Posted:12/2/2008 13:59 |
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I changed shocks because they were worn. Ditto with the steering dampner. Added the sway bar. Again all good but the change was minimal and doubtful at times.
I should never have added the sway bar first. I ran the RR one time without it and never noticed the difference. Take off the RR and we had a boat on the water.
IMO, unless the other stuff is out of adjustment or plain bad, just go with the RR or redesign the entire suspension.
01 Excursion. Gauges with AIH Delete, AIS Air Filter system, CCV Mod, 4' MBRP, BTS Trans, 6.0L Trans Cooler and Intercooler, DP-Tuner F6 chip, ITP In Tank Mod and Boost Annihilator, Diesel Innovation's Regulated Fuel kit, BTS Big Oil system, GTP38R Turbo with 1.15 A/R housing and BDP Stage II AC injectors. Bilstein Shocks with U code front and A code Rear. Billet thermostat housing |
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jeff brown
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• Jessup, MD, USA |
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• Registered on 8/31/2008 |
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• 1 post |
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 Posted:12/5/2008 20:01 |
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I just installed landyot's radius rods today on my 2005 excursion, let me just say these made a world of difference, i am still in awe over the change it made, feel much more comfortable and stable at high or low speeds , straight away or when turning, absolutely incredible, AND a must have for any excursion owner!!!!! thanks ken you are the man!!!
Jeff |
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billnuke1
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• Sandwich, MA, USA |
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• Registered on 12/15/2008 |
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• 2 posts |
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Posted:12/15/2008 18:08 |
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Well. I hope this works! Other than the handling I love this vehicle! I may have to have some one do the cutting. Should be interesting!
billnuke1 |
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dkearll
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• Soldotna, AK, USA |
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• Registered on 8/16/2008 |
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• 1 post |
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Posted:12/18/2008 23:16 |
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Recieved my radius rods. Ken did a great job getting them shipped. The fabrication on these radius rods are outstanding. I installed them with no problems. His instructions were right on. 2-3 hours installation time. I live in Alaska and the roads up here can get ugly. With these RR my X rides and handles excellent. It made a world of difference. I towed my 4 place snowmachine trailer with no issues. It tracked great down the road. No more white knuckle driving. Thanks Ken] |
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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:3/28/2009 18:58 |
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I don't how to express the pride I feel when I read your testimonials. On top of seeing the posts online, I do receive a few e-mails, and this morning, I even received a telephone call from a happy radius-rod owner in Canada! Thank y'all very, very much! |
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7475ih
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• findlay, OH, USA |
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• Registered on 4/29/2009 |
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• 9 posts |
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Posted:7/17/2009 16:11 |
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I hope I am posting in the right area for this? I installed Kens radius rods a few days ago and it took care of all my handling and major spring wrap issues. What a great design he has there. I would of never guessed that a single rod could do so much in making a suspension work better but they are awesome. Great job Ken! |
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Avnchief
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• Madison, AL, USA |
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• Registered on 12/20/2003 |
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• 9 posts |
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Posted:7/21/2009 10:50 |
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Two words: WOW!
Installed GEN IV rods yesterday. Immediately did a little comparison driving. I drive my X everyday anywhere I go; rarely use/ride in wifes Pilot. I am very sensitive to how it handles in various road conditions and speeds. There are several bumps along my daily drive that cause wrap either on both or one of the wheels. I immediately used those as references. Amazing difference.
As others have observed previously, the general handling characteristics of the vehicle are improved with the installation of the rods; not just when you are in a wrap situation. I wasn't really aware of how bad it handled until it improved.
Installed a set of 305-R50-20s earlier this spring, which made me more aware of the road cupping and drive lane rutting. This is another situation where you can get a fairly significant rear steer, especially at highway speeds (70-90 mph). This is where I have noticed it the most. It is gone entirely with the rods installed.
Thank you, Ken, for an excellent fix to a far less than optimum engineering design (X suspension system)!
P.S. Hopefully, you have pulled a patent on your design so someone else doesn't benefit from it at your expense.
AvnChief
Always remember what is really important in life... |
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