Hello Everyone,
Just purchased a 2000 Ex gasser with 118,000 miles. Starting to get it ready for the camping season. New tires today, now I need to install a brake controller. Read somewhere on here about the plug for this being under the dash on the drivers side of the tranny hump. I have been unable to find it yet. Of course haven't started to really tear into it yet either. If anyone has any guidelines for what I am looking for ( color ) that would be appreciated.
Driver's seat is ripped and looking for replacement. Previous owner was large and the seat is broken down on the left side, so I would rather do something other than just seat covers. I have found a set of Navigator tan seats. Does anyone know if these will work without a lot of modifications? I know the Nav is based on 150 where the Ex is 250 but is the interior stuff that much different?
Last question, I want to change the plugs since I am not sure how old they are, mileage on them etc. I am hearing horror stories from a buddy about the Ford V10's and spark plugs being attrocious to replace, known to break off in the heads, going to cost me several hundred dollars to have a garage do it, don't want to try it yourself, etc. I thought I read here that it was more of the 5.4 with this problem. Should I attempt this? I am no mechanic but like to pride myself with taking care of simple stuff like plugs, brakes etc. Thanks for any and all feedback

 

Congrats on the new X!

The V10 is a very reliable and great motor. Changing out plugs requires some precision but it's not as bad as your friend has made it out to be. Take your time and do it right & you shouldnt have any problems.

Post some pics when you get a chance.

 

So Front Runner, is it any different on the v-10 than any other motor? Blow the dirt away, take off the coil over, be careful to not break plug etc. I have seen that there have been some instances of the plug being blown out of some V-10's but other than the rear cylinders being a pain in the *** to get too, do I need to look look for any other issues? Someone else told me to possible pretreat the plugs a day before pulling them out with carb cleaner to "loosen them up"
Thanks for your input!

 

If memory serves, the angles of the floor pan for the 150/Expedition/Excursion are different than the 250/Excursion. I don't know how much, but the humps/angles/distances etc. are different.

 

I would love to see pics of your new ride. Congrats!

 

Welcome to the club and congrats on your new Ex. Pics please!!!!

 

IMO you pretty much nailed it. Pretreating the plugs are a personal preference though.

 

Thanks for the info Robert. Nice to know before I drop the coin to buy them. Appreciate the help. I take it by the shield you are emt/paramedic in the Sacramento area. Volunteer FF over here in rural Michigan. I think you are "slightly" busier than we are.

 

Only when it rains a lot (flooding)...or when it's really hot out (wildfires)...or when quakes hit...or when it's a full moon...

...nah, you guys are probably just as busy as we are!

 

Here ya go.

This is looking from the drivers side, toward the center of the dash, just behind the climate controls.

The grey plug is the one you're looking for. The brown plug is the Prodigy brake controller.

Stewart

 

Wow Thanks Stewart. No wonder I did not see it. I was hoping that it was accessible without the dash apart. What was I thinking? Have to love the engineering. Don't want to make it easy for someone other than service tech to do anything!

Thanks again.

 

it takes 10 seconds to remove the panel under the steering wheel, I can do it with my thumbnail or a quarter if you have weak nails. Just make sure you get the proper adapter harness for whichever controller you get. Check your fuses to make sure they are all in place (mine were) and you're all set- its even setup from factory to run backup lights on your trailer if it is so equipped.

enjoy your new truck, too bad its not a diesel

 

Thanks freesoul. I was thinking the way the picture looked that the plugs were higher up in the dash. So that is even better news. I have a voyager controller in my Ram that I am just going to take out and reinstall in the Ex. I am thinking the local camper outfit should be able to get the Ford adapter for me. I will let you know how it goes.

 

You'll be very happy towing with the V10!!!

 

Welcome. It's funny how many of us public safety folks drive Xs. Quite a bit here in the southeast. Absolutely love the X. I hope you enjoy yours!