Hey all! I've been a lurker for quite a few years now, more so on the F150 side of things, but I FINALLY grabbed the EX that has been just outside of my reach inside my family. (Long story, too much drama, just glad to finally have her where she belongs [: )

A little background on myself: I live in Iowa City, IA, work at the UI Hospital, am a Combat medic in the National Guard, and absolutely love...well...vehicles in general. I have an 01 Lariat F150, a 96 Buick Riviera, 95 Mustang GTS, and after d*** near 7 years of waiting, the 01 Ex.

I am quite handy, and determinded, when it comes down to any type of vehicular work, mostly because I absolutely can not stand it when there is something wrong on anything I drive. I very much so take pride in what I drive, and with that being said, I look forward to the insanely amazing advice, wisdom, and life lessons many of you have to offer from personal experience (the best kind of experience IMO)

Back the the Ex, aka (the) Leviathan. White 01, with tan trim, basically stock to the bone (aside from a fuel cutoff bypass [paper clip] very recently installed, heading to the dealer to get a new switch soon) 187xxx miles with the glorious 8mpg v10. 4x4 (if the hubs arent locked up). Paint is pretty good. (I am at work ATM, and will have to get pics up soon) All in all, for roughly 12 years old, I have a beautiful Blank Canvas to start with, as I must make her 'mine'.

My mind is bursting with some oddly specific questions that I havent been able to find here, or anywhere really, but for now, I will leave you all with a pretty simplistic one, hoping I dont annoy too many of you already.

Working at the hospital, I park in the ramps. They have a 7' Clearance. Right now, the radio ant. hits the sign itself. I was wondering, with the right mix of tires/rims is there any way i can run a (small) lift? I may even just settle with larger tires to be able to stay in the ramp. IF NOT, then I was thinking of a 4/5-6" and just parking behind Kinnick Stadium, costing me a 5 minute walk (no biggie). I am by no means looking for a monster truck, I just love a mean looking truck, I am just not quite sure how to get that done with this gorgeous SUV. One of my coworkers called it a "really big van". Ouch. (nothing against vans, i just think of it as a truck...yeah..)

I look forward to the assistance I know you all can provide. The search button has served me well so far Thanks!!

 

Welcome!

Take a look at this thread if you haven't already. You will be spending tons of money and parking at the stadium in no time.

 

Congratulations Hawkeye on your new Excursion. I hope it gives you years of service.
Thanks too for your service. I was out at Cp Dodge this past spring, it's beautiful out there. Take care and drive the heck out of that Ex.

With regard to lifts, look at doing an add a leaf up front, that's what I'm currently doing on my 05 Ex and run a 35" tire (315/70R17) with only minor trimming, a 33" will fit fine with just the spring. If not there are lots of lifts out there, I had a Fabtech on at one time, it worked well, but we brought it back down to stock after my wife broke her ankle, we needed it closer to the ground for her to get in and out of, we just never lifted it again.

Good luck and enjoy that beast, we love ours.

-Mark

 

congrats! sounds like you have a great truck to start with. they are amazing trucks but they will suck you dry of any extra $$...dont ask me how i know

post pics when you can, we love to see eachothers excursions.

 

i couldnt upload the other 4 pics for some reason..also, i realize how dirty she is, especially after all the rain we have been getting lately. Camp dodge...eh...its good until you live there for a week with nothing over your head but the stars.

Yeah, ive scanned that thread before..man...it just makes me drool. Ya'll really have some amazing taste's.

To be honest, as far as cash goes, between gas and repairing parts, it has really only been on par with my stang (that i just recently put up for the winter) but yeah, its no econobox...

I'll have to look into that cay, that sounds just about right.

 

Good looking truck and welcome to FTE! I travel to Iowa City quite often I gotta keep my eye out for a white ex!

 

Congrats on getting the Ex, just to the east of you in Muscatine. Go Hawks!