EE Xspec handling?

Darrman · 07-20-2011, 04:21 PM

I am eyeing the xspec handling kit for my '01, and am wondering if anyone else is still using this setup? My truck is strictly road use, and am looking to get the slop and wallow out of this thing going around corners.
I already replaced the shocks, just gabrail ultra's nothing fancy, and replaced the notorious body bushings.
I am planning on getting some 17's and also want to know if the supposed 1 3/8 drop the kit gives the suspension is going to affect tire clearance.
Thanks for any help!

**SkyJumper** · 07-20-2011, 04:56 PM

It s a good package, I know of plenty in the past have used it, most people back in the day that had them ultimately sold their X's since then. But it will perform better handling wise with the thicker sway bars and the drop will create a lower center of gravity to help with the cornering and ride control. But average shocks do you no justice, get a nice set of KYB's or Bilsteins to go with the package to enhance the characteristics and performance it will give you. Rim size has nothing to do with clearance issues, it is the overall diameter and width of tire that will cause interference issues. As long as you stick with the same diameter as stock tire ht, then you will be fine.

*celly* · 07-20-2011, 05:04 PM

I've known people who have used the kit as well and have heard the ride gets more harsh when lowered and even bottoms out at times. Turned me off lowering. The second gen rides harsh enough. Definitely get the EE rear swaybar. Great mod. Truck handles WAY better. They work great with my Bilstein shocks.

**SkyJumper** · 07-20-2011, 05:11 PM

Harsh ride or stiffer ride is to be expected as you are firming up the sway bars and lowering center of gravity. But, a harsh ride is in must cases a good thing as it is firming the drive ability to a different level. You will need a new alignment after lowering. But if your rear springs are shot or weak and sagging, then I would go ahead and buy a new set to go with everything else. But at a 1.5 inch lower, then I can not see bottoming out unless it was a improper size shock installed and the shock rebound bottomed out. That in itself can be felt as a bottom out type scenario.

*techieman33* · 07-20-2011, 08:54 PM

The ride does get a little harsher but not a whole lot, the big think is you need to trim your front bumpstops to keep them from hitting the lower control arms, that's where a lot of the bottoming out and harsh ride comes from.

07-20-2011, 04:21 PM	#1
Darrman Wannabe Elite Explorer Waxahachie, TX '92 Sport 4x4/2001 Sport Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 757 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	EE Xspec handling? I am eyeing the xspec handling kit for my '01, and am wondering if anyone else is still using this setup? My truck is strictly road use, and am looking to get the slop and wallow out of this thing going around corners. I already replaced the shocks, just gabrail ultra's nothing fancy, and replaced the notorious body bushings. I am planning on getting some 17's and also want to know if the supposed 1 3/8 drop the kit gives the suspension is going to affect tire clearance. Thanks for any help! __________________

07-20-2011, 04:56 PM	#2
SkyJumper DISABLED AIRBORNE VET SW Florida 1999 Expedition XLT 4x4 Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 1,062 Vehicle Specs	It s a good package, I know of plenty in the past have used it, most people back in the day that had them ultimately sold their X's since then. But it will perform better handling wise with the thicker sway bars and the drop will create a lower center of gravity to help with the cornering and ride control. But average shocks do you no justice, get a nice set of KYB's or Bilsteins to go with the package to enhance the characteristics and performance it will give you. Rim size has nothing to do with clearance issues, it is the overall diameter and width of tire that will cause interference issues. As long as you stick with the same diameter as stock tire ht, then you will be fine. __________________ 99 Expedition XLT 4x4- Edge HT/EVO tuned, full Spectre CAI kit, lifted, Rancho RS5000's, 33 Nitto's on 16x10 Pro-Comps, Hooker Aero Chamber exhaust, Black Brush Guard, more to come.

07-20-2011, 05:11 PM	#4
SkyJumper DISABLED AIRBORNE VET SW Florida 1999 Expedition XLT 4x4 Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 1,062 Vehicle Specs	Harsh ride or stiffer ride is to be expected as you are firming up the sway bars and lowering center of gravity. But, a harsh ride is in must cases a good thing as it is firming the drive ability to a different level. You will need a new alignment after lowering. But if your rear springs are shot or weak and sagging, then I would go ahead and buy a new set to go with everything else. But at a 1.5 inch lower, then I can not see bottoming out unless it was a improper size shock installed and the shock rebound bottomed out. That in itself can be felt as a bottom out type scenario. __________________ 99 Expedition XLT 4x4- Edge HT/EVO tuned, full Spectre CAI kit, lifted, Rancho RS5000's, 33 Nitto's on 16x10 Pro-Comps, Hooker Aero Chamber exhaust, Black Brush Guard, more to come.

07-20-2011, 08:54 PM	#5
techieman33 Elite Explorer Topeka, KS 00 V8 Mountaineer Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 8,222 Vehicle Specs	The ride does get a little harsher but not a whole lot, the big think is you need to trim your front bumpstops to keep them from hitting the lower control arms, that's where a lot of the bottoming out and harsh ride comes from.