He did more on mine than you will need, EGR etc. I'm guessing 4-5k. Mine was more. I upgraded turbo and a bunch of other stuff. He's cheaper than ford and does a lot better work.

 

Oh - more things I noticed and didn't list.

- steering wanders
- hydraulic struts on rear hatch are shot

 

Both pretty typical from what I've seen on here. Lots of good info on here for both though. My lift gate struts need replaced also. Aside from the fact that they are just too short for my liking, I found that they didn't work this past winter when the weather got colder.

How are the power door lock actuators and the manual lift gate lock? Those are some other common annoyances that are pretty easy to fix.

 

Funny (well not really) you should mention that - the manual lift gate lock won't lock. Do I need to replace the lock mechanism at Ford?

 

No, you can order a new lock cylinder from Ford that will include what you need to match it to your key and DIY. I also needed a new pawl for the back of the cylinder to fasten to the connecting rod. I think they are silly expensive for such a small part in the parts manual, but a local parts department had one in a kit behind the counter and sold it to me for $1.

Just make sure you don't lose the clip that holds it into the lift gate like I did. Mine was corroded so badly it wouldn't turn. I took it out to see what I needed to replace and laid it in the back with the rest of the pieces I pulled out. When I got the new cylinder and went to install it, I couldn't find the spring clip. I picked one up at a junk yard when I got my hitch receiver, but the replacement is a different style than the one I lost and does not fit my X. Right now it's just held in there with a piece of wire and does not actually work the lock the way it should.

 

grishw1 - what all did you have Jeremy do to your truck? And have you been happy and noticed a big improvement?

The coolant leak was from a pinhole in the overflow reservoir, replaced that. Replaced the struts on the rear hatch, havent fixed the lock yet. Got the bumper, shocks, RAS, Hellwig, steering stabilizer all ready to install. Getting it detailed since it is filthy inside. Threw a scangauge II on it and saw no codes, but it runs a bit rough/weak. I'll run some Lucas through it as a first step.

 

A better question is what didn't he do? EGR delete, ARP head studs, machined heads, wiring harness, AC compressor, exhaust, new valve covers, new grill and painted it, new Harley headlights, SCT custom tune, upgraded Garrett turbo etc. I bet the truck will go 0-80 mph in 7 seconds. It will actually throw you back in the seat and sounds like an airplane about to lift off. Gonna have the front end looked at because I'm having all the same issues everyone else has. Hoping it's just a balance/alignment issue. There really is no better mechanic around. I almost would not have believed it would run like this after it broke down on me in Louisiana after I purchased in Alabama and was driving home. Ford in Lafayette told me my up pipes and turbo were shot to the tune of 3800. Got it back to Jeremy and the clamp had come loose off the up pipe. I went ahead and had him do all the other stuff cause I hadn't sold my other car yet and could let him have it for a while. He and his wife are good people and he's a genius with the 6.0's and the reason I bought the truck. He has an 04 6.0 as his daily driver and it will probably out run any car in Austin.

 

Welcome and congrats on the purchase... Here's a newer black one for just a little more.

08-11,12 Ford F250 F350 SuperDuty Black Painted Rear Step Bumper w/Sensor Holes | eBay

 

How is he with the 7.3s? I'm another new excursion owner here and I want someone trustworthy and local (I'm out in Lago Vista)..

 

Thanks grishw1, I am in a very similar boat. Bought a cheap rough X and was ok with it since Jeremy is so close. I also have not sold my old vehicle and x can stay with him as long as needed. I need him to tell me how bad mine is, need to decide if it is worthy of much investment. I didn't know he did AC and grill stuff.

 

He does pretty much everything. Gonna have him do my rotors and pads at some point. I mentioned I was going to have to find someone to paint my grill and he said he could do it. Installed back up camera and my XM receiver as well. I didn't get mine all that cheap, so it hurts a little more.

 

He works on pretty much any diesel. I think he was a Cat mechanic before he decided to go out on his own. His towing service brings him a different diesel everyday and I know they have a mix of 7.3 (that's what his wife drives) and 6.0's and duramax.

 

Thanks - I'll drop by his shop and introduce myself soon.

Sorry for the thread hijack centex!

 

As long as we are talking about Excursions this thread can not be hijacked. I am still in learning mode and want to get this truck fixed up nice, if possible. With 181K miles and some abuse from former owner, I may have wasted money no matter how cheap I bought it. The mechanic, Jeremy, will be the one to give me the good or bad news.

 

I'm not far from you out here in Lago, if you ever need a wrenching hand let me know.