I'm actually surprised so many people are scared to do a lift install on an excursion. After all - it's 4 leaf springs, 4 shocks, 1 pitman arm, and lower the front swaybar brackets. That's about it. Sure it's a big truck - but as long as you have a good jack, two sets of jack stands, air tools, and a torque wrench, you're about set.

Fortunately, I have access to all of that - plus a lift, once I get back from the sandbox. So... I'll probably end up doing the install myself. Might have to see if I can get a little help with lugging the new springs into place, and getting the track bar back into the darn hole. I don't anticipate any problems beyond that... As long as the pitman arm comes off nicely. I've heard occasionally of some sweat and blood lost on those.

The rest of the install (skid plate, steering stabilizer, hoop steps, etc) will be another day's work - but still nothing requiring any expensive special tools or mechanical ability.

I've checked with 4 Wheel Parts - but I am hesitant with their inconsistency of information. Originally, I told them I wanted to run 37" tires. They said I'd need to run at least an 8" lift. After talking to Explorer Pro Comp directly, I was informed that their 6.5" lift would actually raise my Excursion 7.5-8.5", and it would fit 37" tires under it wonderfully. BTW - Pro Comp's information is not terribly consistent, either. Their site says 37" tires with 6.5" of lift - but the instructions for the kit say 35" tires for 6.5" of lift.

And then there was the question of whether my truck already had a lift or leveling kit on it (bought my X used with 305/70/16 tires, which shouldn't fit without a lift).One salesman went outside and said sure, it's got a 4" lift. Another went outside and told me it was completely stock. Finally, after taking measurements of many other Excursions known to be stock, I found my truck sits about 1" higher than most others - with no explanation as to why (maybe someone swapped my springs out for V-code springs).

So... At this point, I don't know if it is the sales guys at 4 Wheel Parts who don't have their heads screwed on straight, or if they're just "bred" that way due to the inconsistency of information from their manufacturers. But I don't get a good feeling from those guys. Maybe they do great work - but I'll probably never find out. Too bad - they offer a good discount to us military guys. But at least if I do the install myself - I'll know exactly what I've got done under there, and don't have to worry about someone forgetting to tighten a bolt (other than myself).

I do still have to order tires - but I'm trying to come to my final decision on what I'll run. Avoiding super swampers, don't want to replace my tires every year. If I go with GF Goodrich ATs or MTs, I'll have to replace my rims. I'm putting some serious thought into a set of Parnelli Jones Dirt Grips. I like the looks of them, and have seen a LOT of different opininos (everything from crap to great). And I'll also be looking for the best prices locally on 37x12.5R16s... By far, the hardest part about choosing tires in that size is the price VS wear VS quality VS performance issues. Finding the ideal tire will cost over $400 ea... a price I am not sure I am willing to pay.

Obviuously - to be continued... Just look out for the big white Excursion around the end of January :-).

Thanks for the repy and the advice - I do appreciate it. As I was trying to say - I can't speak for 4 Wheel Parts' install skills - only for their sales associates. I won't discount them completely.

Mark