Modify or Not

TailDragon · Jun 30, 2015

I bought a 2002 Ford Excursion in JAN finally taking it on a road trip this month. Have been reading the Ford forums about up grades since buying this one.
7.3 4X4 266k no mods that that I know of. Original trans but recent ball joints, tie rod ends, glow plugs and harness. Stock size tires with mild tread wear.
Will up grade leaf springs, trans cooler and finish changing fluids. Installed an Edge Insight CTS2 and pyro probe before the trip.
Was thinking about a PHP chip but hand calculated mileage was 20.7 on two full tanks going up I 75 across the Mackinaw Bridge and across US 2.
I have a 2000 F350 7.3 4x4 SRW Auto for heavy towing.(unknown chip with better throttle response)

terryknight · Jun 30, 2015

absolutely. is that a question? do you have a way of monitoring trans temp? and is there a particular reason you want to upgrade the leaf springs? more so than upgrades i would do a thorough service (be careful arodn the rear brakes the backing plates like to rust and the slides like to stick) and get a few spare parts: belt, CPS, IDM, Etc. Intake/exhaust are always good to do. People like PHP, but TW, Swamps, Beans, Gearhead are all good. the weak link in those years was the torque converter.

TailDragon · Jul 1, 2015

The Edge Insight does display transmission temp and a lot of other information. Did hit 190 climbing Jellico Mountain (TN) at posted speed.
The stock springs are too soft, the front only has 1 inch clearance on the bump stops. Most Excursion owners that use their vehicles with any weight have gone to at least the stock F250 springs.
This will be a back up tow vehicle just in case.
I will sign up on the Ford forums but have not done so yet. This site has a wealth of knowledge and members are willing to share.
PHP is apparently transmission safe.
I am also upgrading the F350, have a 17k bumper pull rated hitch ( w/o wd) ready to bolt on.

terryknight · Jul 1, 2015

figured the insight measure trans temp, but couldn't remember off the top of my head. spring codes can be found on the sticker inside the drivers door. what code springs do you have, A or B (there was also a c but i believe it was only under duallies)? A codes came factory in excursions and some 250s B codes came in some 250s and 350s. i do agree that most superduty springs are soft because they are progressive rate

link to new aftermarket springs and the weight rating with the codes

Ford Spring Codes - Shop Ford Leaf Springs by Code | SD Truck Springs | Leaf Springs, Helper Springs and Suspension Parts

TailDragon · Jul 5, 2015

Did not mean to limit this question to just Ford Excursions,
wondered if others had started modifying a good running vehicle to their latter regret.

Spring codes on the EX are D front and G on rear, not even close to the axle capacity.

terryknight · Jul 5, 2015

looked them up i would agree you need some stiffer springs in the rear.

as for the modifying and regretting i never even thought of that. i used to put more effort into modifying vehicle, but have recently discovered i don't enjoy it as much and not all mods work on making things better. now a days i still do some things (better springs would be one of those things) but no lifts or high HP gains.

i look at all the trucks i see around with huge lifts and massive tires and think why?