jukes
Aptos
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mkirsch wrote:What "just not right" though? Can you be specific about the issue? Maybe someone here has a suggestion.
It feels like the steering is wandering rather than a wobble if that makes sense?
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Tyler0215
Iowa
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Well the only thing left is new tires. You've thrown everything else at .
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p220sigman
Tallahassee, FL, USA
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The only other thing I can think of you might try is heavier springs. If I recall correctly, the front springs on the Excursions were softer than on the trucks to help with the ride. Too softly sprung could lead to wandering.
Before I sold it, I would try to find a good suspension shop and get a second opinion.
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jukes
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Tyler0215 wrote:Well the only thing left is new tires. You've thrown everything else at .
Just did new tires those were an extra $1800 on top of the $5000 in repairs!
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jukes
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p220sigman wrote:The only other thing I can think of you might try is heavier springs. If I recall correctly, the front springs on the Excursions were softer than on the trucks to help with the ride. Too softly sprung could lead to wandering.
Before I sold it, I would try to find a good suspension shop and get a second opinion.
ok, it does have leaf springs which we haven't changed.. the suspension shop we took it too said it was the ball joints, tie rod ends, calipers, alignment but then it didn't fix the issues.
Husband put a new Redhead steering box in. New Bilstin 5125 shocks.
New BFG tires.
It's not returning to center......
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p220sigman
Tallahassee, FL, USA
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I think some people used to replace the springs with heavier ones off of a truck. I'd check somewhere like Rock Auto to see what they have. Probably cheaper than genuine Ford, but still good quality available. I think the F250 front springs were rated at about 2600 lbs so I'd look for at least that. I'm guessing you can probably get 2 with new U bolts for around $500 and it sounds like you guys are reasonably mechanically inclined so installing them would be simple enough for you. A whole lot cheaper than a new truck.
Steering not returning to center is usually worn suspension/steering parts, but you've replaced all of those. If the alignment were causing it, I think you would notice that even though you had an alignment done too.
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ksss
Eastern Idaho
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I was personally on the just fix it band wagon, until you said it had almost 400K on it and you don't need the people carrying capacity anymore. All that said, I would get out of it, unless you want to pay for an engine rebuild, and whatever else it takes to fix the steering. Those old 7.3's will go along time, but they wear out just like everything else. Get a crew cab pickup. I know diesel in Cali sucks to buy, but the GM half ton diesel would pull what you need and you would get killer MPG when not towing.
2020 Chevy 3500 CC 4X4 DRW D/A
2013 Fuzion 342
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2012 Sea Doo GTX 155
2018 Chevy 3500HD CC LB SRW 4X4 D/A
2015 Chevy Camaro ZL1
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Grit dog
Black Diamond, WA
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Tyler0215 wrote:Well the only thing left is new tires. You've thrown everything else at .
Tires and drag link.
This thread is more of a “want” a newer pickup, not a “can’t fix the old Excursion.”
I get that. That ole Ford is getting long in the tooth. With 400k miles I wouldn’t have sunk that kind of money into it in the first place (likely…anyways unless it is the most pristine old 7.3 smoker you’ve ever seen). Even moreso if you’re not a diy mechanic.
At this point, rotate the tires (just because), cut your losses on the front end work and do what you really want and largely the best decision, find a newer truck.
Any 2014-newer ram 1500 if you’re good with beefing up the rear suspension. 2013-newer F150 Eco or 5.0 (a few annoying 5.0 issues to consider but overall a good choice). Or any 2015-newer GM 1500. 5.3 or 6.2. But I’d shy away from the 8 speed. And be aware of AfM issues with the LS motors.
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Grit dog
Black Diamond, WA
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Yes there was a reason I picked those specific years as a starting point. Doesn’t mean others are no good, but that would be my preference.
In 2014 half ton rams got the bulletproof ZF8 speed. I wouldn’t cross the street for a 6 speed Dodge 64-65-66-68 trans. If I had the choice.
Ford, 5.0 I’d go 2011 or newer. Eco would be 3rd year model so 2013 or newer.
GM, personally 3 out of 4 2014 new model 1500s left my job on a rollback and never returned due to major electrical issues. First model year problems.
And as tempting as it is, I wouldn’t get an Eco diesel, if I was not a diy guy. Just in case those were looking attractive.
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FishOnOne
The Great State of Texas
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Bushings on front suspension maybe shot and need to be replaced.
'12 Ford Super Duty FX4 ELD CC 6.7 PSD 400HP 800ft/lbs "270k Miles"
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