2000 Ex Weekend Warrior build
Springs and 2 degree shims are in. I'll have to cut the u-bolts later.
The Bilsteins are in and everything is torqued. The axle is on jack stands with the full weight on the springs.
I started cleaning the rust under the rear of the EX and quit. The metal is to thin in a lot of places to waste the time and money putting Rust Encapsulator on it. I thought it was in better shape. That really sucks ☹️.
I also found out 2 of the rotors were warped when they got turned. I don't have a clue which 2, so I'm ordering 4 new rotors. I didn't realize there are O2 sensors on both sides, so I need one for the right side yet.
Turns out it's 2 1/2". Inside the rocker panel. I had to buy 2 1/2" square tubing and weld it together. I used weld through primer on the surfaces that went together.
This will slide into the original rocker panel at the front. Hopefully they will act like a rock slider.
These are supports for the body under the rear of the EX. I doubt they can be bought. This is why I quit with the Rust Encapsulator. It's just to far gone. My money and time will be better spent on a different Ex with no rust. That makes this one a great learning experience and test bed. It'll look good and be solid when I'm done.
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
The rocker angles toward the outside at the rear. I cut the inside flush with the top so my tubing can go straight back to the inner wheel well.
My new rocker extends just past the door bottoms.
This is where I cut the old inner rocker completely off. The tubing goes straight to the inner wheel well.
It's butts up to the wheel well. I'll have to trim it to fill under the fender.
The wheel side.
The front where it joins the original rocker.
I'll grind the welds flush and apply short hair fiberglass filler to the bottom to make it smooth. I think I'll spray it with bed liner.
It extends a strong 3/4 inch below the doors.
What do you think of how I fixed the rocker? Obviously I wouldn't do this if it wasn't so rusty. But it's really strong and should last a long time.
I've been using 6 inch cut off wheels on my 4 1/2" grinder. They work great but are really close to my fingers.
I made it narrower so I can get in places without the guard getting in the way.
Turned out pretty good 😊









