The gameplan for Big Red
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 237
Likes: 3
The gameplan for Big Red
I just bought a 2000 Limited V10 4x4.
The good:
The not-so-good:
My tentative gameplan:
Anything I'm missing? Suggestions for upgraded lighting, onboard air, or stereo upgrades? Really looking forward to getting the springs/shocks/swaybar, as the big pig only has a vague sense of straight ahead right now, and when I hit the brakes it likes to sway around like a single mom on a pole
I'm expecting that decent springs, shocks, and swaybar will help out quite a bit.
Eventually would like to go bigger on the wheels / tires, but the ones on there are basically new "E" range Cooper Discoverers so they will be there a while.
Planning to document any and all upgrades and projects as my way of giving a little back to the FTE community.
The good:
- [*]
- [*]
- [*]
- [*]
- [*]
- [*]
- [*]
The not-so-good:
- [*]
- [*]
- [*]
- [*]
My tentative gameplan:
- Replace door actuators (already sitting on the counter at home)
- Grease the slip yoke and hope that corrects the "lash" in the driveline
- V/B spring swap with F350 blocks in the rear
- Helwig rear swaybar
- Bilsteins
- Upgrade lighting - the current headlights are yellowed and dull, as are most of the other interior and exterior lights
- New stereo + rear seat entertainment. Not a huge radio listener, but my kids have "suggested" that movies in the back would be a really good idea Needless to say, wireless headphones are also on the list...
- Onboard air + air horns of some sort (hee hee hee)
- Possibly add a cargo area liner - truck will be used for hunting and I don't want to get blood on the carpet
Anything I'm missing? Suggestions for upgraded lighting, onboard air, or stereo upgrades? Really looking forward to getting the springs/shocks/swaybar, as the big pig only has a vague sense of straight ahead right now, and when I hit the brakes it likes to sway around like a single mom on a pole
I'm expecting that decent springs, shocks, and swaybar will help out quite a bit.Eventually would like to go bigger on the wheels / tires, but the ones on there are basically new "E" range Cooper Discoverers so they will be there a while.
Planning to document any and all upgrades and projects as my way of giving a little back to the FTE community.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,790
Likes: 24
From: Mount Royal, NJ
Welcome to the world of the Excursion!
Modding and fixing never stops.
Before you upgrade your lighting, Do yourself a favor and inspect and clean all grounds throughout the vehicle, especially the frame grounds. Corrosion can make some dim lights from resistance.
Get rid of the OEM roof rack crossbars. They lay on the roof and wear a hole in the paint.
Change the front wipers to ones that are 2 inches longer
Helwig - good!!
Don't forget the new shocks with the V/B swap.
Install a new and decent steering damper
Adjust the steering box
lubricate the inner axle shaft bearings on the unit bearings.
Modding and fixing never stops.
Before you upgrade your lighting, Do yourself a favor and inspect and clean all grounds throughout the vehicle, especially the frame grounds. Corrosion can make some dim lights from resistance.
Get rid of the OEM roof rack crossbars. They lay on the roof and wear a hole in the paint.
Change the front wipers to ones that are 2 inches longer
Helwig - good!!
Don't forget the new shocks with the V/B swap.
Install a new and decent steering damper
Adjust the steering box
lubricate the inner axle shaft bearings on the unit bearings.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 566
Likes: 1
From: Virginia
Not sure you are planning on it and just didn't mention it, but I would fix the exhaust leak first if the leak is between the manifold and the head. Many times I have seen an exhaust leak there make the manifold bolts rust prematurely so when trying to remove them they break super easy.
I also second adjusting your steering box if you're having to saw the wheel much to keep it straight. There are a few threads floating around on how to do this. I also suggest adjusting it in SMALL INCREMENTS, like 1/4 turn at a time at most.
As for the dull and yellow headlights, have you tried scrubbing them with a rag and toothpaste? The grittier the toothpaste the better. It doesn't do anything for condensation on the inside, but it will take off the yellow color on the outside
I also second adjusting your steering box if you're having to saw the wheel much to keep it straight. There are a few threads floating around on how to do this. I also suggest adjusting it in SMALL INCREMENTS, like 1/4 turn at a time at most.
As for the dull and yellow headlights, have you tried scrubbing them with a rag and toothpaste? The grittier the toothpaste the better. It doesn't do anything for condensation on the inside, but it will take off the yellow color on the outside
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2005
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I'm going to have a local shop do the exhaust. They will replace all of the studs, replace the gasket, and make sure the manifold fits tightly for $300 / side. While I had planned to do it myself, it's November now and I don't have indoor garage space in Michigan and don't want to let it sit the way it is until spring. Best to just bite the bullet and get it done, I figure.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 566
Likes: 1
From: Virginia
I can't blame you for that. I try not to do anything that involved this time of year if I can't use my buddy's garage. If for some reason I can't use his garage in the winter I typically end up with numb, bloody knuckles.
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