Almost sold my truck… Upgrade time instead.

To shorten a long story, I ended up with multiple reasons to pull it off the market... I get to keep the Excursion affectionately known to my family as “The Skurg” and do some reliability / performance / personal wants upgrades. I have 240K miles on the clock so I want to handle issues as preventative, where it makes sense. The goal is to keep a trouble free (or at least reduced) ownership experience with a little better performance.


I'm looking for the experience on this board to review my reliability and maintenance modifications to keep me from wasting money and/or missing something critical - Thanks in advance for any feedback.

Existing mods can be found here Some of the big hitters are 6.0 intercooler, 6.0 trans cooler, bilstein 5100s, 3rd battery controlled with intelligent solenoid for accessories, Modded F-Code rear springs, V/U-Code front springs.

No specific time frame, but I want to end up with a list to post up on the work bench that I can check off one or two at a time. I realize most of these are in or on the tech page, but I'm looking for the list that will get my high mileage truck back to the relative reliability of a sub 100k truck.


Priority - maintenance and reliability:
* Recent completed maintenance: new batteries (x3), water pump, both UVCHs and gaskets, alternator, and regular maintenance on filters, grease zirks, etc is always performed
* Gauge cluster(s)
---- [Pillar - EGT, Boost, Trans]
---- [Under dash - Fuel pressure, Coolant Temp, air tank pressure]
* New Radiator and coolant system flush - no issues - just because
* EBP sensor and tube (recently cleaned but I'm going to replace)
* MAP sensor and tubes - slightly different readings from EBP sensor at KOEO on Torque Pro
* Rebuild front and rear axles from caliper to caliper
* Manual locking hubs during the front axle rebuild
* Bullet proof steering (combined with a ‘wants’ upgrade of more lift)
* CPS - just because
* New hoses throughout
* New injectors (will upgrade to higher flow single shot when replaced)
* Glow plugs
* Transmission flush and synthetic refill
* HPOP - replacing anyway so I will upgrade - still researching options
* Turbo rebuild with ebpv(less) pedestal
* A/C system overhaul – because it is on the serpentine belt
* Power Steering pump – because it is on the serpentine belt
* Replace idler pulley/tensioner – because it is on the serpentine belt
* New serpentine belt
* Clean and paint my oil pan - no rust or leaks yet - preventative
* Hutch mod – drain and clean tank while there - she shut down on me once at @90 miles left on the lie-o-meter and Ľ tank on the gauge, I haven't let it get close since
* Fuel Return Crossover from RiffRaff


What am I missing that could leave me stranded or cause long term or larger problems?

Caveats: I know my transmission isn't getting a lot of love here but I'm going to ride it out until I have to rebuild then do trans and xfer case at the same time.

 

These are my mods after the above is completed unless something ties directly to the preventative maintenance planned.

Second Priority - performance:
* 6637 Intake/filter
* MBRP turbo back stainless exhaust
* Tuner (programs: no start, valet 25mph, stock, high idle, low idle/drive through, 80hp daily, 80hp tow, 120 hp for fun every now and then) Other recommendations?
* Injectors mentioned above

Third Priority - personal wants:
* 5" lift (up from 2.5 now - still rubbing inner fender guards with 34s)
* Move up from 34x11.5 to 35x12.5 once these tires are worn
* Rear bumper build with integrated storage, tire carrier and ladder
* Roof rack build
* Restore existing or replace Harley model headlights
* Newer super duty tow mirrors (already have these waiting in the garage)
* New stereo / speakers / amp / small sub / reverse camera
* full body work and paint job
* replace leather on front seats
* rewire accessory add ons done by previous owner - just to clean up
* rear air bags for load leveling when towing (with in cab controller)
* install cargo solution (platform and drawers)
* Custom tool box/storage in spare tire location
* install additional LED accessory lights, all run off existing 3rd battery

 

My advice is to do the transmission first. I have no luck with transmissions. Even if they are good when I get them they go out within the year, but that's my luck. Going to bigger tires is not going to help it at all. Just my advice.

 

anyone used the diesel site trans yet? wish I had done my transmission first.. cuz its next on the list.

 

Sound like quite the list there! The Fuel Return Crossover (FRx) you have listed in the reliability section. I'd call it more of a mod. I have it, I recommend it, just more of a want than need. If you're going to do the FRx consider the HPx and the CVDs (check valve delete) as well. New boots and clamps are nice too. While you have this all apart take a look at new up-pipes too. Maybe you listed that, I'm on mobile and don't remember. I'd do all the things you can to get the engine healthy and strong before getting the tune. Good luck!

 

Since you're rebuilding both axles WMS to WMS I assume that means new unit bearings?

For a tuner, it's hard to beat the Gearhead tunes - I highly recommend them.

Personally, if the oil pan isn't leaking, leave it alone. To do it properly, you need to raise the engine up to get it sealed properly, otherwise it WILL leak. If there's nothing wrong with it, I wouldn't touch it.

I didn't see the oil crossover from RR anywhere, always a good and easy mod to have as well.

 

I would add greasing your slide pins on the calipers.....it's no fun if they get frozen....ask me how I know

 

I've had my Ex for ten years and most of those things are still on my list. Except the tranny, I give mine love and it's been perfect even towing my camper all over the country knock on wood.