Building a 2012 EXcursion
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 818
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From: De pere, WI
Thanks, that's really cool. I guess the axle isn't dead center on the spring? If it was, the axle would be 4 inches off (roughly) if the new spring is 8 inches longer. Or the math isn't that simple and once the shackles are taken into account and the other geometry, it works out ok.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,198
Likes: 2
From: Tulsa, OK
Paul,
I really enjoy watching your work. I'm particularly impressed at how quickly you are going at this project. It would take me forever (plus, I can't weld)!
As I understand this, as far as structure, suspension, and chassis hardware, you are only retaining:
1) Back 2/3 of Excursion frame.
2) Excursion fuel tank.
3) Excursion hitch.
4) Back 2/3 of Excursion body sheet metal, including all of roof from w/s pillars, center pillars, and rear doors.
From the 2012, you are using everything except back 2/3 of frame, the bed, and the cab from w/s pillars back. I am assuming you are keeping 2012 front doors(?).
The 2012 gives this "2012 Excursion" the full F-250 front suspension, wider axles with appropriate gear ratios, the F-250 rear suspension with longer rear springs, and all of the engine/transmission/cowl/dashboard with all control electronics. Keeping virtually all of the F-250 is one of the biggest advantages and truly makes this what Ford should have sold in 2012 for an Excursion.
Excellent work!
I really enjoy watching your work. I'm particularly impressed at how quickly you are going at this project. It would take me forever (plus, I can't weld)!
As I understand this, as far as structure, suspension, and chassis hardware, you are only retaining:
1) Back 2/3 of Excursion frame.
2) Excursion fuel tank.
3) Excursion hitch.
4) Back 2/3 of Excursion body sheet metal, including all of roof from w/s pillars, center pillars, and rear doors.
From the 2012, you are using everything except back 2/3 of frame, the bed, and the cab from w/s pillars back. I am assuming you are keeping 2012 front doors(?).
The 2012 gives this "2012 Excursion" the full F-250 front suspension, wider axles with appropriate gear ratios, the F-250 rear suspension with longer rear springs, and all of the engine/transmission/cowl/dashboard with all control electronics. Keeping virtually all of the F-250 is one of the biggest advantages and truly makes this what Ford should have sold in 2012 for an Excursion.
Excellent work!
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 777
Likes: 2
I really appreciate the pictures... this summer I'm hoping to remove the body and sand/sandblast the entire frame and have it repainted. It's still nice since it's a BC truck but 2 Quebec winters have already taken their toll on the frame.
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 658
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From: Parker, CO
The spring perches that you relocated. That doesn't look "that hard"? No welding? I would love to put some newer springs in the rear. I've seen a relocation kit but it was around $300. What you did looks pretty straight forward. Am I missing anything or was it not too bad to do?
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 818
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From: De pere, WI
Right how as it sits with out body is about 2" higher in the rear.
Spring conversion is pretty straight forward. Burn off old rivets with torch, air hammer out the rest of the rivet. Weld up mild hole on front most set of holes. Use front set of holes to relocate. Get 1 1/4 inch 1/2 inch grade 8 bolts and nuts. Bolt everything tight, cut off part of bolts that stick past end of nuts and weld the nuts to the bolt so they can't ever come lose.
Spring conversion is pretty straight forward. Burn off old rivets with torch, air hammer out the rest of the rivet. Weld up mild hole on front most set of holes. Use front set of holes to relocate. Get 1 1/4 inch 1/2 inch grade 8 bolts and nuts. Bolt everything tight, cut off part of bolts that stick past end of nuts and weld the nuts to the bolt so they can't ever come lose.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2013
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From: Parker, CO
Cross-Country
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 52
Likes: 1
Awesome!
I know it is work but it must be great to be involved in building custom creations such as this... Keep up the good work and thanks for taking the time to update us... Your work inspires the rest of us. 
BTW... I see you have both fuel tanks in the frame... Are dual tanks in the works?
BTW... I see you have both fuel tanks in the frame... Are dual tanks in the works?