It's the original windshield, still has the Kentucky truck decal on it. I'm going to price a new one on Monday. Do super duty shields fit? The new ones I mean.

It is a clean truck. And yes, it's an obsession. I have a pile of parts to add/change in the shelf already.

Thanks for the tips.

 

The front end is complete. I did find that there was a new hub and ball joints on the RH side so I opted not to tear that side apart. I was told to do it anyway but theres always later. I checked everything and it should be good for a while.

Steering wander is gone, it returns properly now and tracks straight as an arrow. What a difference to drive!

With my extra time, I installed the proper upper rad hose and replaced the belt. I also put my new LED's in the interior. Im going to tackle the main dome at a later date. Seems a delicate touch will be in order and Im out of patience for a few days. I may pull the whole thing and just add the LED's to whats there. Solder the LED leads to the existing flat leads.

My next "big" project will be the V/B spring swap and shocks. Until then, I'll be building the CCV bypass dohickey and maybe purchase (under the radar) the fuel bypass/return kit from RiffRaff. I have to do 2 of the both of them as my father has a 2001 SD out in Denver. I owe him a couple of hook ups after he helped me with a scattered diff in my Falcon....but thats another story.

I have to say, I visit and frequent several different types of forums but FTE and its members are hands down the best around! There is a wealth of information and an overdose of people willing to help and share. At times its tough to get a feeling for how something is being said in a forum post but here, its all positive. I just hope I can contribute something to balance my existence here.

Carry on and love your EX!!

 

Nice work!! I always love the feeling after doing a big job like that and thinking how much money i just saved myself doing it myself

Not competely hijacking, as you can use the info too, but for a spring swap, can you reuse the bolts that hold the springs on or should you buy new bolts?

 

On the flip side of saving all the money on labor, my hands and lower back hurt. I did however, build some muscle in the process.

As for the spring swap, inspect the bolts. If there is a witness/wear mark on the shaft of the bolt, replace them. If there is rust or moderate corrosion on the shaft, where it would be inside the bushing, replace them. Also, REPLACE THE U BOLTS if you are removing them. On a side note, always use the correct torque specs for the fasteners. OEM bolts and specs are engineered and tested to work and be robust. Hope this helps.

 

Yes, was definitely planning on replacing u bolts, wasnt sure on the spring bolts though. Id rather buy them and have them ahead of time instead of doing this on a sunday when no dealers are open and i need bolts

 

Plan ahead, I like the way you think. I myself am a research monger. Pays off to never be stuck or screwed when all you have to do is ask or search.

Hope all goes well on your springs. Im not looking forward to the AC line dance I have to do. Actually, the front bumper looks like a cherry-picker job in the making.

 

Hey man, clean out your PM's, trying to send you one and you're at the max. Thanks.

 

I was changing my reverse lamps to the new LED's and noticed a crack in my LH tail lamp. It coincides with a slight dent in the quarter just behind the fuel door. The previous owner told me the story of how it happened. The ESOF failed to switch on a slick road pulling away from a parked position and the back slid into a mailbox. This is what made him put manual hubs on it.

Uhhh, anyway, if someone has an extra oem LH tail lamp, a pair or whatever, let me know. Thanks.

Also, new windshield goes in tomorrow. I asked about resealing mine and they said it wont last long. Asked about R&R on mine and they said if its the stock one, they usually break. Especially if theres any 'stars' in it....and there is one. So, $180 for a new one isnt that bad. The reason Im doing it is because just this morning, I had some electrical weirdness. Plus, theres nothing like a new windshield.

Next will be upgrading the head/fog lamp bulbs. Still doing research on this.

Let me know on the tail lamps. Thanks!!

 

Found a set of tail lamps, thanks Jon!

Also found these: http://www.ebay.com/itm/99-04-F250-F350-F450-SUPERDUTY-EXCURSION-CHROME-HEADLAMPS-HEADLIGHTS-00-01-02-03-/400299398635?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A2002%7CModel%3AExcursion&hash=item5d33b415eb&vxp=mtr
Anyone have opinions on these or buy them? Im thinking they're made in china based on price. Just wondering about quality.

Thanks.