If you're tired of that stiff, jarring ride in your Ford Excursion, installing an excursion coil spring conversion kit is probably the single best move you can make for your sanity and your spine. Let's be real for a second—the Ford Excursion is a beast of a machine. It's a literal tank on wheels. But because it was built on a heavy-duty truck chassis from the early 2000s, it came factory-equipped with leaf springs in the front. While leaf springs are great for hauling heavy loads without sagging, they're pretty miserable when it comes to daily driving comfort.
If every speed bump feels like a personal attack from the pavement, it's time to talk about why switching to coils is such a game-changer. Most people who own these rigs love them for the space and the towing power, but they eventually hit a wall where they just can't stand the "lumber wagon" ride quality anymore. That's where the conversion kit comes in to save the day.
Why Leaf Springs Just Don't Cut It Anymore
Back when the Excursion was being manufactured, leaf springs were the standard for 4x4 trucks. They're simple, durable, and they get the job done. However, they have a lot of internal friction. Every time you hit a bump, those metal plates have to slide against each other, which creates a harsh, choppy feel. Plus, leaf spring front ends are notorious for the "Excursion wander." You know the feeling—you're driving down the highway and you're constantly sawing at the steering wheel just to stay in your own lane.
When you swap that old setup for an excursion coil spring conversion kit, you're basically bringing your suspension into the modern era. Coil springs allow the front axle to move more freely and react to the road much faster. Instead of the whole truck bucking over a pothole, the coils soak up the impact. It's the difference between wearing wooden clogs and a pair of high-end running shoes.
The Magic of a Better Turning Radius
One of the biggest complaints about the stock Excursion is that it has the turning radius of a small moon. Trying to park one of these things in a crowded grocery store lot is a nightmare. Most people don't realize that the leaf springs actually limit how far the front wheels can turn. They physically get in the way.
When you move to a coil spring setup, you usually end up using the radius arm or four-link design found in the newer Super Duty trucks. This clears up a ton of space around the knuckles. Once you've got that excursion coil spring conversion kit installed, you'll likely notice you can pull U-turns that were previously impossible. It makes the truck feel much smaller and more nimble, which is saying a lot for a vehicle that's nearly twenty feet long.
What Actually Comes in the Kit?
You might be wondering what you're actually getting when you order one of these. It's not just a couple of springs in a box. Since the Excursion frame wasn't originally designed for coils, the kit has to provide all the mounting points.
Typically, a solid excursion coil spring conversion kit will include heavy-duty brackets that bolt or weld onto your frame. You'll get the coil buckets (where the top of the spring sits), the lower spring perches for the axle, and usually some form of radius arms or a 4-link system to keep the axle centered. Some higher-end kits also come with upgraded shocks and a new track bar. It's a comprehensive overhaul of the front end, designed to replace everything that's currently making your ride miserable.
Is This a DIY Project?
Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room: the installation. I'm not going to sugarcoat it—putting in an excursion coil spring conversion kit is a big job. If you're the type of person who struggles to change their own oil, this might not be the project for you. However, if you've got a good set of tools, a heavy-duty floor jack, and some sturdy jack stands, it's definitely doable in a home garage.
You'll be doing a lot of heavy lifting. You have to strip the old leaf spring hangers off the frame, which usually involves a lot of grinding and drilling. It's dirty, sweaty work. But once those old hangers are gone and you start bolting up the new coil brackets, it starts getting exciting. The beauty of a well-engineered kit is that it's designed to fit the existing frame holes as much as possible, which saves you from having to do a ton of guesswork. Just make sure you have a buddy there to help you manhandle the axle back into place.
Choosing the Right Springs for Your Setup
Not all excursion coil spring conversion kits are created equal, and a big part of that comes down to the spring rate. Excursions are heavy, especially if you have the 7.3L or 6.0L Powerstroke diesel under the hood. You can't just throw any old coil springs in there and expect it to work.
If the springs are too soft, you'll bottom out every time you hit a dip. If they're too stiff, you've basically just traded one harsh ride for another. Most reputable kit manufacturers offer different spring options based on your engine weight and whether or not you have a heavy aftermarket bumper or a winch hanging off the front. It's worth taking the time to talk to the manufacturer to make sure you're getting the right "flavor" of spring for your specific build.
Handling the "Death Wobble" Concerns
Whenever people talk about moving to a coil front end on a Ford, the term "death wobble" usually pops up. It's a scary name for a very real phenomenon where the front end starts shaking violently at highway speeds. However, this isn't a flaw of coil springs; it's usually a sign of worn-out bushings or a loose track bar.
When you install your excursion coil spring conversion kit, you're usually putting in brand-new bushings and a much beefier track bar than what came from the factory. If everything is torqued down correctly and your alignment is spot-on, you shouldn't have to worry about it. In fact, most people find that their truck feels much more stable at high speeds after the conversion because the new geometry is so much tighter than the old, worn-out leaf spring setup.
The Financial Side of the Equation
Let's be honest, these kits aren't exactly cheap. You're looking at a significant investment in both parts and potentially labor if you take it to a shop. But you have to look at it as an investment in the vehicle's longevity. Most Excursion owners plan on keeping their trucks for a long time—often forever.
If you plan on driving the truck for another 100,000 miles, the cost of an excursion coil spring conversion kit broken down per mile is pretty negligible. Plus, it adds real value to the truck. If you ever decide to sell it, a "coil-swapped" Excursion is a huge selling point. It shows that you've addressed the biggest weakness of the platform and turned it into a much more modern, drivable machine.
Final Thoughts on the Switch
At the end of the day, an excursion coil spring conversion kit is about making your truck fun to drive again. There's no reason a vehicle this capable should feel like it's trying to shake itself apart every time the road gets a little rough.
By making the switch, you get the best of both worlds: the massive towing and hauling capacity of the Excursion platform, paired with the smooth, predictable handling of a modern SUV. It's a lot of work, and it's a bit of an investment, but the first time you glide over a set of railroad tracks without spilling your coffee, you'll know it was worth every penny. If you love your Excursion but hate the way it rides, this is the way to go. Your lower back will definitely thank you.