How to Make a Ford Excursion Ride Smoother

[Groesbeck Hurricane]

Could not find what I wanted on the web so I thought I would ask you guys!

My FIL has been slowly declining, as in end of life. They have an Excursion but he is now finding the ride excruciating. I have not been able to look at the suspension at this time (distance) but I remember it as being a bit stiff.

Instead of trying to buy another vehicle is there a way to update/upgrade the shocks/struts in order to make the ride smoother? Something like an old Towne Car or Continental.

I was also thinking of removing a leaf spring or two to make it smoother.

Letting some air out of the tires did not help.

Thanks!

[ckelly78z]

I have a 2" lift, and 33s on my 6.0L diesel Excursion, that also has extra helper springs in the back for towing our 32' camper. It rides, and is MUCH quieter with less drama, than my old 99 PSD F250.

You can call around for softer rate springs/shocks, but be wary, it is a 7000# + beast that is meant for people hauling and towing. I would check the rubber front end bushings for excessive wear, and possibly have to replace.

[fred cook]

Can you do something about the seats instead of the suspension? You might be able to find some cushy captains chairs or chair to replace one or more seats. Just a thought.

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by fred cook

Can you do something about the seats instead of the suspension? You might be able to find some cushy captains chairs or chair to replace one or more seats. Just a thought.

Yeah this.

I cringe when I see Excursions rolling down the road.

They just look so unstable I'd be loath to do anything that allowed that body to roll more than it already does.

[1990C4S]

https://www.suburbanseats.com/c/ford-driver-and-passenger-pickup-truck-seats

Ford air ride seats. Bolt in...

[911boost]

I second the seats, I had an ‘04 and was going to make it stiffer....

[fred cook]

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

Yeah this.

I cringe when I see Excursions rolling down the road.

They just look so unstable I'd be loath to do anything that allowed that body to roll more than it already does.

I owned and drove a Ford Excursion for over 10 years and never once had any handling or stability problems. Maybe that is because I did not try to drive it like I drive my 911! If I could get a new Excursion now I would hock the farm to do so!

[onewhippedpuppy]

Why not get something else? It’s a 3/4 ton truck with big stiff leaf springs, it’s never going to ride well.

[1990C4S]

Originally Posted by fred cook

I owned and drove a Ford Excursion for over 10 years and never once had any handling or stability problems. Maybe that is because I did not try to drive it like I drive my 911! If I could get a new Excursion now I would hock the farm to do so!

Same. Too slow to get into trouble...

[KNS]

Smaller diameter and narrower wheels will allow you to fit larger profile tires (overall same diameter) for a softer ride.

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by KNS

Smaller diameter and narrower wheels will allow you to fit larger profile tires (overall same diameter) for a softer ride.

Tires vary a lot. Michelins are rated for the best ride for PU's and SUV's.

But that's only part of the story. If he is uncomfortable with the ride, he doesn't like turning, stopping, etc. IDK about seats for that but it sounds like a start.

[Eric Hahl]

You could pick up some comfy seats from one of our own, scheel-mann usa | Orthopedic Automotive Seats

[911boost]

I too never once had an issue driving it.

The suspension is based on the F250.

[Geoz1]

Sell it, and buy a GOOD Expedition.

[fred cook]

Originally Posted by 1990C4S

Same. Too slow to get into trouble...

My 2003 6.0 Diesel Excursion was artificially limited to a top speed of 97 mph! I suppose that was due to tire performance limits? Would it do 97mph? Yep, tried it once just to see!

[reed930]

I had the same feeling when driving my completely stock Excursion: a rough ride that bordered on uncontrollable at times. I replaced the perfectly good shocks with Bilsteins and put on a set of Michelins. The ride was much improved, especially over rough pavement. It still rides worse than my F250, but is acceptable for what it is.

[juan ruiz]

When I had mine, I was running Michelin tires , good shocks and air bags on the rear, it was like driving a Cadillac

[Steve Carlton]

If your FIL finds the ride excruciating, I don't think you'll ever improve it enough. Anything you spend could be a waste. How about renting a Lincoln/Cadillac and see if it solves the problem, and if so, sell the Excursion and buy a Lincoln or Cadillac. Maybe research which ones have the nicest ride.

Also consider the right seat height for getting in/out.

[berettafan]

I'm gonna bet its seat related. don't spend $$ on the truck.

great idea to try renting a different vehicle.

[javadog]

You are never going to fix this problem. You'd be hard-pressed to make even a 10 or 20% improvement. Sell it and buy something that's comfortable for them.