Hello all! I've lurked on this site for quite some time gathering information for my Excursion now that I finally have one worth putting time and money into. My first was a pretty tired 2000 V10 that I sold because I needed a commuter car. None were available when I quit commuting so I ended up in a nice 2011 GMC 1500 CC Short Box with a 6.2. It was fun with 400+ HP, but I soon grew tired of the monthly payment thing. Surfing Craigslist one day I stumbled onto a low mileage (130K) 7.3L Black 4x4 Ex that I could afford to pay cash for if I sold my truck. Luck was on my side and it was still available once I got rid of the GMC. Its not much to look at now, but I have plans very soon to do quite a bit. Thanks to some cash coming in I'm slated to do all new powerstop brakes (complete kit), russell stainless lines, X-code's for the front, new blocks in the rear, ball joints, front wheel bearings, shocks, steering stabilizer and new tires and wheels. I also plan to replace all fluids in the process.

Later on plans include the cosmetics, but I wanted a safe and reliable rig first this time. In college I would always go for the looks first and then scramble when it broke down for more $$. Now that I am older, I can be patient and do things the right way. Someday I will get rid of all chrome (I don't like flashy) and match my Fuel Wheel's graphite accents with matching bumpers and rockers in color matched undercoating. I am also replacing the chrome grille with the grey work truck version from the F-250/F-350. 08 towing mirrors and new headlights are also on the hopefully near future list. Hopefully I be able to take time to document the build here as my project progresses.

You guys have provided to be a huge resource and I look forward to being more active on the board in the future.





Not much to look at now. So tired of the tiny wheels and tires!! Sorry for the crappy pic, sun was in the way!





New wheels!! Waiting for me to get back from work at the tire shop

 

Grats on the new to you rig! I look forward to seeing what you do with it. Sounds like you have a good plan for now. Get us some more pics when you can.

 

Yea, some pics with the new wheels would be great!!

 

Looking good, i agree get some more photos when ya can. Looks like a great start.

 

That's one sweet XLT. I'm a fan of your stock wheels... Oh well put them on CL for some $.

 

My brother says those are the best looking wheels he has ever seen. He loved 'em on his old trucks.

I, personally, do not get it.

 

Agreed alcoa oem wheels look good on fords
Nice X.

 

For sure more pictures to come later. I work shift work in the oilfields in Alaska so I'm at work waiting to get home and finally turn wrenches on the EX. These wheels are the first aftermarket wheels I've bough in 15+ years. I don't hate the stockers, but I'm really wanting a different look. The stockers will for sure end up on CL when done. Still 10 days until I get home, but FEDEX and USPS have been frequenting the house with deliveries and more to come! Hoping I didn't forget anything in my online shopping spree, shipping up here takes time and $$$. Not a lot of options for shops stocking parts for excursions here either. Pick-n-pulls/junkyards up here are ridiculous, $100 EACH + for V-code springs were not going to happen and neither were $400+ stockers from the stealership. It was ecellent working with Junior at ATS and springs are on the way to Seattle for a boat ride to AK

 

Junior is my go-to guy for suspension stuff. Nice.

 

Nice wheels!

 

I like 'em too.

Too bad they can't be had in 18x10. It's a rare find to locate a black 18x10 wheel.

Stewart

 

I just spent a week in Deadhorse, 1 day over at Kuparuk. If i trained my sales guy well enough I won't need to go back!

Nice to see another Alaskan here! We are few and far between.

 

I've noticed that Russ, not too many of us here on the board at least. There are a lot of nice Excursions in my area of the valley that I've always wanted to talk to the owners about. There are 3 setup similar in stance to what I'm hoping for within 2 miles of my house.

I'm on the Kuparuk side on a small independent field working 3x3. Just over one week to go on this hitch!

 

Mike,
You may see a red XLT on 20's running around out there, I sold it to a friend and her son drives it a lot now. It has x code front springs and f-350 blocks. I'm planning on getting ATS springs for my current Ex eventually.

 

Well I finally made it back from the great white north yesterday and Santa paid a visit to my house!!!! (I figure if Christmas decorations can be up already in stores, I might as well get in the spirit too).





Everything all laid out and ready.





After a panic email to Junior last night, I found my box of spring bolts and ubolts my wife hid from me right in the garage where they belonged. Thanks for the quick reply Junior, great service!!!! It's been a pleasure doing business with you, very knowledgable and helpful all through the process.





Love my new Fuel wheels and Cooper Discoverer AT3's!!!!