Hey FTE'rs, I'm doing research to see what my options are for a compatible donor 4wd for converting my 2001 Exc. Limited 2wd. I'm done getting stuck in the soft sand in my area. I have too much money into the motor and a bumper to bumper refresh so this is the last item on my list. Any expertise you can share is greatly appreciated. Thanks guys!

 

If you are going to convert, get the 05+ coil spring front end when you do it (don't get lousy front leaf springs) You will need an 05+ rear axle to go with it, or you will have mismatched rim offsets. Look for a "rolling chasis" if you can find one. You will be looking for F250/F350 wrecks, so will have to re-use your driveshafts. The ones on the wrecks would be too long/short. We have some members that have done it.

 

Thanks for the quick feedback Mike!

 

Pirate4x4 found some complete 05+ front end takeouts up around him in N. California last week. They only wanted $800-1200 as I remember. I just found an 06 complete front end on CL in Houston for $1200. That is what you are looking for. They just cut the frame right behind the front axle and sell the whole thing as a unit. Best way to get one.

Rear ends off those newer trucks are easy to find. Look for "05+ Ford 10.5 rear end". They aren't cheap, though. I would expect to spend $1000 for a good one.

 

I was just going to post the same thing that Mike did. It would be nuts to convert an Excursion to 4wd using leaf springs. The leaf spring setup rides rougher and doesn't turn as sharp as the coils do. I would like to convert mine but that's a whole other project.

 

Thanks Mike and Andy. This is exactly why I posted, to avoid costly mistakes and poor results. Now, to find a donor! :0)

 

You will also need a 2001 GEM module programmed for 4x4, dash switch (I have an extra), vacuum shift solenoid for the front passenger fender (I have an extra), the vacuum lines for the front of the truck (I have these as well), the wiring from the GEM to the transfer case (try to get off the donor truck), new tail section for your 4R100 (easier to just get a 4x4 tranny), transfer case and a front drive shaft off an 01-05 Excursion. I might have missed something in there...I'll have to check the book when I get home.

 

Since you are ditching the old Dana 50 for the stronger Dana 60, getting rid of the front leafs for the improved design of linked and coil spring front suspension... for the love of god please do not use a np273 transfer case, Go with the manual shift np271 and skip the computer,vacuum BS. Reliability improvement

 

You are such a hater...

But, yes, if you do that, you can skip all those other parts to track down. How easy are NP271 cases to find out there?

"The NV271 is also commonly known as NP271 transfer case. This name confusion is because the original manufacturer New Process Gear change their name to New Venture Gear, defining the prefix NP or NV. Regardless of what you want to call it we bring you the most stable and upgraded version of this transfer case to date. The NV271 can be broken down into two different categories. The NV271D which goes in Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks, and the NV271F which applications include Ford Econoline Vans, and F250, F350, F450 Super Duty pickup trucks. The NP271 covers in large span of years 1999 through 2008 with the Dodge applications starting in 2003 Grand Ford starting in 1999." - https://spprecision.com/products/np2...case-sale.html

 

Readily available if you want to pay, have been casually looking for one for a few years on the cheap but they get scooped up pretty quick.

 

I have my donor vehicle ('05 F250 manual transfer case, 6L, supercab) already.
Found it in next town away in CO, so once I move (later this summer) I'll be able to start.

I checked autotrader, cars.com, craigslist for a couple of months and then waited a few months to buy mine. It was none-running but otherwise complete, $2250. Just keep watching, I've got a ton of spare parts now, to repair my '99 f350 plow truck (new cup holders, grab handle, clearance lights, bumpers) as well as the Excursion.

You will also need '05+ 17"+ wheels since you want to keep the bigger brakes on the '05+ axles.

 

This one just posted down here. Fella says it came off a service truck, and the tranny was new before his guys wrecked the truck. He says very low miles but unsure just how low. He has another set with 185k on it. Both auto tranny and both auto Xfer case.

https://sanantonio.craigslist.org/pts/6055810245.html

 

Just found this:

https://houston.craigslist.org/pts/6036956292.html

NV271F on the tag

 

$750 for a used case? Damn

 

Yeah, they are hard to find. And they really don't get "used" that much LOL!