We ended up instaling the xcode springs on the front and the F350 dually c-code springs on the back. This gives about a 1-inch rake and appears to be perfect for a heavy duty towing setup. I'm going to install the hellwig sway bar next.
Hey what lifts are you using and how much weight is it rated for? I have an atlas 10,000 lb lift in the shop and just curious if you have something similar and if that's enough for the Excursion.
I have a forward 10k lift(not sure what exact model) which is made by rotary. I lift 350 4x4 duallys with it which depending on tire size rims etc is between 9200-9800 lbs so that’s got it about maxed for it’s rating. You’ll be fine with the excursion in there. Is it a certified lift?
@@AutomedicGarage awesome thank you yes it's a certified lift by Atlas. I'm doing the x code and b code spring mod that you just did in this video on my exact same Excursion. Just another quick question. It appears the Excursion has two blocks on the rear from the factory. Did you leave both of those blocks in place when you installed the b codes?
@@woodsandbarclay I didn’t change anything with the blocks. Did you get what I was saying at the end that if you want rake do the modded b code if you want a leveled look do the unmodded b code.
@@AutomedicGarage yes it makes perfect sense. I think we are just going to do the standard b code springs. I own a classic car restoration shop and this is going to be our main tow vehicle with a 24ft enclosed trailer. I'm used to driving a 99 f250 as our main tow vehicle so we're just trying to get the Excursion to perform and handle about the same. By the way our lift is asymmetric 10k.
@@woodsandbarclay if you tow and have to much sag another option is install 1 or both lower factory excursion springs under the b codes without the spacers between the rest of the leafs.
@@AutomedicGarage found it at a junkyard. It was def not just a standard one as it is like 2 times as thick as every other one I saw, so I’m assuming it’s just a factory “heavy duty” version or maybe it was aftermarket. Either way it totally changed the truck. I hated driving it before that it just felt unpredictable.
Nice video! I have 04 Excursion 6.0 4x4. I have U codes on front and need to replace the rear. If I use B-codes for the rear, can I just install B codes without modying the pack? I don't want to gain a ton of height on the rear just increase stability.
Because the drive shaft was still attached along with all the brake lines, abs lines etc. imagine what what happen if the axle decided to roll and started ripping lines not to meantion just the overall trouble of working to get it line back up. What I did made it trouble free and almost fall right back into place? I’m guessing you see a problem with this?
Awesome video! Question for you. Say i switch to X code, but I want more height. Could I do the add a spring to the X code stack? Im pretty new to this. Thank you in advance!
Thanks for clearing this up. 👌 I've read tons of forums and it seems like all they do is argue about this detail and that when it comes to running x code and b's. My Ex needs springs and shocks plus I'd like to run just a bit bigger tire nothing drastic. This seems the way to go. I don't want it to be lifted stiff ride wise so I'm hoping this is the answer. I was also thinking of running a extended shackle but not sure what do yall think about doing it this way?
Just saw your comment again and I just lifted it more adding the 2 Ex springs back to the rear and a 2” shackle in the front has 1/2” or rake and clears 35s just fine. Hopefully will have the video up today.
Did the ride get substantially more jarring or hard? I have an opportunity to get some X codes for my F350 that currently has V codes. Trying to determine if it’s right for me. I’m able to get a pair of X codes for 45 bucks at my local junk yard.
No it ride like a Cadillac compared to my lifted 350. It rides a little stiffer but the improvement in handling was well worth it. Truck was sketchy to drive before with the mushy wore out factory springs. Thanks for watching.
@@AutomedicGarage thanks for the input. I’m currently working on installing an OE 30mm rear sway bar. I already have a 32mm front, and I’m going to use polyurethane bushings everywhere I can. I’ll keep you updated on that.
I’m a 10 year experienced mechanic. My EX had a really mushy ride and I rebuilt the front end and used KYB gas shocks . It rode HORRIBLE and it honestly felt unsettling to drive . I realized after finding out the rear shocks were leaking that I while had tightened up the front , it made the back ends softness be the only thing I could notice . I replaced the rear shocks with KYB and it is a different vehicle . The excursion is a very sensitive vehicle to bad shocks I’ve come to find out the expensive way.
The excursions suffered from way more than just shocks, ford used much softer springs front and rear to appease the soccer mom crowd which over time as they sag and soften up even more create a dangerous mushy ride often riding on or near the bump stops even. They are trucks and should have had the same spring packs as the 250s from the get go. The X and B codes are the true answer to the unpredictable driving of a factory EX. Thanks for watching.
@@AutomedicGarage What about if I have a factory 2wd ? I saw some springs that looked way too thick to be any sort of comfortable at all . I have been meaning to call eibach and ask what the recommended spring is for the front if I want a tad more stiffness without sacrificing ride comfort .
@@TheChrisgralnic X codes aren’t bad. It’s a good ride to me. My other truck is a 2000 f350 it rides Uber stiff. If your looking for a comfortable ride a a straight axle leaf sprung truck isn’t for you. If yours is 2wd it’s a different story however and regardless of what you do will ride like a Cadillac compared to a 4x4.
@@AutomedicGarage I too drive a F350 service truck for work so when I get in my EX I want a bit of Cush but I am a prude for stability as well. As of right now with my KYBs and fresh bushings all around mine rides like a Cloud but is very responsive too. I am gonna crawl under mine tomorrow and find out which rears I have because I have driven my clients 7.3 diesel with the soft leafs and 4x4 and it is absolutely sponge cake like you describe but my 2wd is very much stiffer . Used to be owned by a construction company so my curiosity it’s sparked .
@@mountainviewfarm8304 your front spring are probably sagging already. If anything might be slightly high but will sag/settle over the first couple months
@@gnxtc2 I think I showed on the video what the modded spring pack gave us front and rear but I can measure what I have now from tire to fender and fender to ground front and rear. I’m running 315/75/16 currently so keep that in mind also.
Another great video! The bracket where my track bar mounts to my axle sheared off. (no impact or wheeling off road) 250 04 no lift leafs 6.0 What do you recommend doing? Ford doesn't sell just the bracket. Some guys are saying to heavily weld it at the shear and add a brace. Complete Performance has a custom bracket PMF-FRD-3004 only thing is that it seem to be missing the damper mount. My leaves are now rubbing their mounts under the bumper and I am thinking I may need an adjustable track bar after this is to stop the rubbing.
@@patrickwelch620 yea I probably should’ve done a adjustable track bar but it isn’t much off center but it does help having one. My f350 has an adjustable on it. Since I weld I would try welding and bracing worst case scenario you buy the aftermarket bracket
Through my commercial account at Autozone. It’s was a little over $600 for all 4. I couldn’t get anywhere close to that price anywhere else. Thanks for watching.
here i am watching this video for the 4th or 5th time finally about to bite the bullet and do this mod cause my ex rides like shit, 350k miles on it and i gotta have front end work done anyway
@@AutomedicGarage it isnt even that expensive either. I need a new steering box anyway so ill already be under there might as well throw it together and get it done
We ended up instaling the xcode springs on the front and the F350 dually c-code springs on the back. This gives about a 1-inch rake and appears to be perfect for a heavy duty towing setup. I'm going to install the hellwig sway bar next.
I got a f250 factory sway bar I’m gonna modify for mine just haven’t got to it still.
@@AutomedicGaragelooking forward to that video
Great video and end results. Based on your description for the rear springs, is the part number # 43-1261?
I would have to go back through my account and look or look at the spring tag. If I get a chance tomorrow I will get back with you with that.
Hey what lifts are you using and how much weight is it rated for? I have an atlas 10,000 lb lift in the shop and just curious if you have something similar and if that's enough for the Excursion.
I have a forward 10k lift(not sure what exact model) which is made by rotary. I lift 350 4x4 duallys with it which depending on tire size rims etc is between 9200-9800 lbs so that’s got it about maxed for it’s rating. You’ll be fine with the excursion in there. Is it a certified lift?
@@AutomedicGarage awesome thank you yes it's a certified lift by Atlas. I'm doing the x code and b code spring mod that you just did in this video on my exact same Excursion. Just another quick question. It appears the Excursion has two blocks on the rear from the factory. Did you leave both of those blocks in place when you installed the b codes?
@@woodsandbarclay I didn’t change anything with the blocks. Did you get what I was saying at the end that if you want rake do the modded b code if you want a leveled look do the unmodded b code.
@@AutomedicGarage yes it makes perfect sense. I think we are just going to do the standard b code springs. I own a classic car restoration shop and this is going to be our main tow vehicle with a 24ft enclosed trailer. I'm used to driving a 99 f250 as our main tow vehicle so we're just trying to get the Excursion to perform and handle about the same. By the way our lift is asymmetric 10k.
@@woodsandbarclay if you tow and have to much sag another option is install 1 or both lower factory excursion springs under the b codes without the spacers between the rest of the leafs.
I found a sway bar from and f350 with a heavy duty tow package, and threw it on my excursion with the springs you did and man it’s a whole new truck.
What did you do about the end links? I know everything works but the ends links are different.
@@AutomedicGarage I used factory f350 links. Holes were already in the frame.
@@ARluvr1 you get it at a junkyard or a truck getting parted out?
@@AutomedicGarage found it at a junkyard. It was def not just a standard one as it is like 2 times as thick as every other one I saw, so I’m assuming it’s just a factory “heavy duty” version or maybe it was aftermarket. Either way it totally changed the truck. I hated driving it before that it just felt unpredictable.
@@ARluvr1 yea, the springs made a huge difference but the sway bar is on my list of stuff to do.
Nice video! I have 04 Excursion 6.0 4x4. I have U codes on front and need to replace the rear. If I use B-codes for the rear, can I just install B codes without modying the pack? I don't want to gain a ton of height on the rear just increase stability.
@@marclayman8799 yes just installed unmodified then
4in lift plus 38s on our 2000 with 296k miles, no front sway bar for last 10 years. Definitely need to replace the springs at some point 😅😂
So we are you located and how much will it cost me to do it on a 2002 ford excursion 7.3. Im located in Texas.
@@joselongoria7130 we’re in Arlington Tn give us a call and we can discuss it
Why were you concerned about the axle moving at @4:57 ?
Because the drive shaft was still attached along with all the brake lines, abs lines etc. imagine what what happen if the axle decided to roll and started ripping lines not to meantion just the overall trouble of working to get it line back up. What I did made it trouble free and almost fall right back into place? I’m guessing you see a problem with this?
@@AutomedicGarage Thanks for the explanation. No criticism from me. I'm learning here.
@@glasshammer291 Ck. Thanks for watching.
Awesome video! Question for you. Say i switch to X code, but I want more height. Could I do the add a spring to the X code stack? Im pretty new to this. Thank you in advance!
Can you please get us part numbers for the springs you installed?
Thanks for clearing this up. 👌 I've read tons of forums and it seems like all they do is argue about this detail and that when it comes to running x code and b's. My Ex needs springs and shocks plus I'd like to run just a bit bigger tire nothing drastic. This seems the way to go. I don't want it to be lifted stiff ride wise so I'm hoping this is the answer. I was also thinking of running a extended shackle but not sure what do yall think about doing it this way?
If you run the shackle you’ll have to ad a block or ad a leaf to the rear to sit level.
Just saw your comment again and I just lifted it more adding the 2 Ex springs back to the rear and a 2” shackle in the front has 1/2” or rake and clears 35s just fine. Hopefully will have the video up today.
Where are y’all? I’m in western middle TN. I might come down and check y’all out
North east Shelby county close to Arlington
Did the ride get substantially more jarring or hard? I have an opportunity to get some X codes for my F350 that currently has V codes. Trying to determine if it’s right for me. I’m able to get a pair of X codes for 45 bucks at my local junk yard.
No it ride like a Cadillac compared to my lifted 350. It rides a little stiffer but the improvement in handling was well worth it. Truck was sketchy to drive before with the mushy wore out factory springs. Thanks for watching.
@@AutomedicGarage thanks for the input. I’m currently working on installing an OE 30mm rear sway bar. I already have a 32mm front, and I’m going to use polyurethane bushings everywhere I can. I’ll keep you updated on that.
@@LimaTangoZulu I’m a fan of the prothane bushings in the factory style sway bar links, quiet tight ride and last a long time.
@@AutomedicGarage what brand leaf springs did you get for the swap?
@@LimaTangoZulu I’ll have to look at the sticker in them when I get back home. I’ll let you know.
Have you thought about an axle swap to get the coil spring front end.
Yea but I have to many projects and not enough time. It’s together rides good enough and steers amazing.
Looks fantastic
Are KYB shocks the best choice for my V10 2000 Ex?
I’ve never used KYBs honestly. As far as reg gas shocks go, unless you spend big money I think most are the same.
What is the part number for front spring/rear springs?
I’ll look at the tags in the next day or 2 when I get back and I’ll give you the exact part number.
I’m a 10 year experienced mechanic. My EX had a really mushy ride and I rebuilt the front end and used KYB gas shocks . It rode HORRIBLE and it honestly felt unsettling to drive . I realized after finding out the rear shocks were leaking that I while had tightened up the front , it made the back ends softness be the only thing I could notice . I replaced the rear shocks with KYB and it is a different vehicle . The excursion is a very sensitive vehicle to bad shocks I’ve come to find out the expensive way.
The excursions suffered from way more than just shocks, ford used much softer springs front and rear to appease the soccer mom crowd which over time as they sag and soften up even more create a dangerous mushy ride often riding on or near the bump stops even. They are trucks and should have had the same spring packs as the 250s from the get go. The X and B codes are the true answer to the unpredictable driving of a factory EX. Thanks for watching.
@@AutomedicGarage What about if I have a factory 2wd ? I saw some springs that looked way too thick to be any sort of comfortable at all . I have been meaning to call eibach and ask what the recommended spring is for the front if I want a tad more stiffness without sacrificing ride comfort .
@@TheChrisgralnic X codes aren’t bad. It’s a good ride to me. My other truck is a 2000 f350 it rides Uber stiff. If your looking for a comfortable ride a a straight axle leaf sprung truck isn’t for you. If yours is 2wd it’s a different story however and regardless of what you do will ride like a Cadillac compared to a 4x4.
@@AutomedicGarage I too drive a F350 service truck for work so when I get in my EX I want a bit of Cush but I am a prude for stability as well. As of right now with my KYBs and fresh bushings all around mine rides like a Cloud but is very responsive too. I am gonna crawl under mine tomorrow and find out which rears I have because I have driven my clients 7.3 diesel with the soft leafs and 4x4 and it is absolutely sponge cake like you describe but my 2wd is very much stiffer . Used to be owned by a construction company so my curiosity it’s sparked .
@@TheChrisgralnic adding a rear sway bar helps alot also. I’m going to put a hellwig swaybar on our EX.
Thinking about putting x code springs on my dually 4x4 how you like the swap you did
Love it. The EX feels stabile and predictable now. Stock excursion springs suck
@@AutomedicGarage have c code springs in rear cause it a dually do you think it will raise front to high
@@mountainviewfarm8304 your front spring are probably sagging already. If anything might be slightly high but will sag/settle over the first couple months
@@AutomedicGarage did you need adjustable track bar after x code spring install to center axel back up
@@mountainviewfarm8304 no I used factory track bar. No problems.
Did ever add the small leaf at the bottom of the rear leaf pack?
I did and did a lift shackle on the front and it looks great
How much lift did you gain?
@@gnxtc2 I think I showed on the video what the modded spring pack gave us front and rear but I can measure what I have now from tire to fender and fender to ground front and rear. I’m running 315/75/16 currently so keep that in mind also.
Another great video! The bracket where my track bar mounts to my axle sheared off. (no impact or wheeling off road) 250 04 no lift leafs 6.0
What do you recommend doing? Ford doesn't sell just the bracket. Some guys are saying to heavily weld it at the shear and add a brace. Complete Performance has a custom bracket PMF-FRD-3004 only thing is that it seem to be missing the damper mount.
My leaves are now rubbing their mounts under the bumper and I am thinking I may need an adjustable track bar after this is to stop the rubbing.
@@patrickwelch620 yea I probably should’ve done a adjustable track bar but it isn’t much off center but it does help having one. My f350 has an adjustable on it. Since I weld I would try welding and bracing worst case scenario you buy the aftermarket bracket
What size tire are you running?
285s
Where did you buy the springs?
On my commercial account @ Autozone. Wanna say it was around $600 for the fronts and rears
Where you buy the springs?
Through my commercial account at Autozone. It’s was a little over $600 for all 4. I couldn’t get anywhere close to that price anywhere else. Thanks for watching.
I definitely wanna do this!
Myn sways all over the road. thinking its the springs but idk im lost
@@Drayelam21 factory springs suck on these especially after a lot of miles
here i am watching this video for the 4th or 5th time finally about to bite the bullet and do this mod cause my ex rides like shit, 350k miles on it and i gotta have front end work done anyway
DO IT!!! It’s worth the expense and work.
@@AutomedicGarage it isnt even that expensive either. I need a new steering box anyway so ill already be under there might as well throw it together and get it done
Same here 300+ but going to have ford do it