ArmyLifer's Excursion maintenance/upgrade thread
Veteran/Sheepdog
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,047
Likes: 110
From: Western AR
HAHA! Here is a funny read for you...
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-an-x-and.html
Pay attention to the last post on the last page. Hey Stewart, check it out!
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-an-x-and.html
Pay attention to the last post on the last page. Hey Stewart, check it out!
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,365
Likes: 179
From: Phenix City, AL
That's not funny at all. I've maintained vehicles before, but this is the first time I'm going to vary anything from stock. The money pile is not endless. Like I said, not funny.
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
It started with the Landyot Radius Rods, some tried traction bars, and even lift kits, which led to F250 springs. All the while people were hypothosizing why....while the majority of us regurgitated the wrong info.
Stewart
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,365
Likes: 179
From: Phenix City, AL
After reading through the GPR to GPCM Switch-Over thread, I peeked under the hood today. Indeed it is a white unicorn. Build date of 21 Oct 1999. Hope this doesn't cause any issues.
Changed the fuel filter today. I don't know if that one is dirty or not, being my first diesel.
Existing steering damper looked a bit long in the tooth so I swapped it out too.
Should have read more before getting the Monroe. It bolted in easy enough, but no dust boot...
Also while under there I found aftermarket tie-rod ends and ball joints. All had grease zerks. I'll have to get some grease in there and see if the seals hold anything.
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
No issues having the GPR vs. the GPCM. Some would say you're lucky, because GPR's are a lot less expensive than GPCM's are!
Changed the fuel filter today. I don't know if that one is dirty or not, being my first diesel.
Curious as to why it's reddish in color. I wonder if the previous owner ran used trans fluid in the fuel, or if they ran offroad diesel in the rig.
Stewart
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,365
Likes: 179
From: Phenix City, AL
Closer to brownish. Not sure how the colors are coming across on your monitor.
It is upside down on the filter cover. But...I did put in this one to replace it: http://m.ebay.com/itm/331531644294?_mwBanner=1
should I ditch it and go back to OEM?
It is upside down on the filter cover. But...I did put in this one to replace it: http://m.ebay.com/itm/331531644294?_mwBanner=1
should I ditch it and go back to OEM?
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
I would.
What are you gonna do when you're stuck out on the road and the only options for a new filter are OEM style?
Now, if you already have OEM, and the only option when stuck on the road is that integrated kind, then you'll be fine until you can get somewhere to get a proper set up, but not the other way around, unless you carry your OEM cap with you at all times.
Also, guys have had problems with those leaking.
Just stick with the OEM setup. I think you'll be better off.
Stewart
What are you gonna do when you're stuck out on the road and the only options for a new filter are OEM style?
Now, if you already have OEM, and the only option when stuck on the road is that integrated kind, then you'll be fine until you can get somewhere to get a proper set up, but not the other way around, unless you carry your OEM cap with you at all times.
Also, guys have had problems with those leaking.
Just stick with the OEM setup. I think you'll be better off.
Stewart
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,365
Likes: 179
From: Phenix City, AL
The filter really isn't integrated into the cap on this one. I think it is OEM substitute filter, but the cap has a 1/2" square drive recess molded into it. I may just go back to OEM if you feel that strongly about it.
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Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
If it's a two-piece unit, you're fine. 
I'm strictly posting about the integrated cap and filter that is one piece, nothing else.
Stewart
I'm strictly posting about the integrated cap and filter that is one piece, nothing else.
Stewart
Veteran/Sheepdog
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,047
Likes: 110
From: Western AR
That is certainly a dirty filter...but it ain't black from oil seepage off the injector o-rings. That is good!
Agree with Stewart on the cap/filter combo. Steer clear. Hard to replace in a pinch.
Bilstein makes a very good steering damper for the Excursion. I didn't care for the Monroe when I had it, as the shaft rusted up pretty quick and then started leaking. And that was in South Texas weather/roads.
I would rather have the GPR than the GPCM any day. Cheaper by a lot.
Agree with Stewart on the cap/filter combo. Steer clear. Hard to replace in a pinch.
Bilstein makes a very good steering damper for the Excursion. I didn't care for the Monroe when I had it, as the shaft rusted up pretty quick and then started leaking. And that was in South Texas weather/roads.
I would rather have the GPR than the GPCM any day. Cheaper by a lot.
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,365
Likes: 179
From: Phenix City, AL
So, as the evolution of internet facts gets updated, what is the word on the 6.0 transmission cooler upgrade? Are below normal operating temperatures bad long term for the majority of driving time, in order to keep temps lower when towing?
Also, what is the latest on chips/programmers/tuners? Most of the threads I've read on them are many years old.
My intent is to tow a travel trailer, but that will not be the majority of the miles I put on this vehicle.
Thanks,
Lifer
Also, what is the latest on chips/programmers/tuners? Most of the threads I've read on them are many years old.
My intent is to tow a travel trailer, but that will not be the majority of the miles I put on this vehicle.
Thanks,
Lifer
5th Wheeling
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: waydown yonder on Chatt.
Hey Neighbor,
I'm in Columbus. If you need any front end, brake, or alignment work Fowler's over on your side is the best. one of the only places in town that spin balance on the vehicle and can shave out of round tires at the same time. As far as chips/tuners/ programmers to each their own. I've been thru 4/5 different ones. each w pros and cons just have to find what's right for you. I'm running Bean's Diesel now and love it , I took my Ex up there to TN and they did injectors, new bb turbo and tuner.
I'm in Columbus. If you need any front end, brake, or alignment work Fowler's over on your side is the best. one of the only places in town that spin balance on the vehicle and can shave out of round tires at the same time. As far as chips/tuners/ programmers to each their own. I've been thru 4/5 different ones. each w pros and cons just have to find what's right for you. I'm running Bean's Diesel now and love it , I took my Ex up there to TN and they did injectors, new bb turbo and tuner.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 1,715
Likes: 60
From: Central NH
I have heard they exist, but I've never seen one before !
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
In a nutshell, it cools better and maintains temps in the operating range better, while under harsher conditions than "standard" daily driving.
For regular daily driving it still allows the trans temp to get into the proper operating temp range with no issues there. It doesn't keep the temp too cool.
In my opinion, whether you tow or not, doing the 6.0 trans cooler upgrade is a benefit.
Also, what is the latest on chips/programmers/tuners? Most of the threads I've read on them are many years old.
My intent is to tow a travel trailer, but that will not be the majority of the miles I put on this vehicle.
Thanks,
Lifer
My intent is to tow a travel trailer, but that will not be the majority of the miles I put on this vehicle.
Thanks,
Lifer
Tuning and custom tunes are very subjective and you really have to read a lot (seriously, research, hours of reading and following threads and posts) in order to glean the info that provides the answers that satisfies your needs.
Stewart