ArmyLifer's Excursion maintenance/upgrade thread
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,365
Likes: 179
From: Phenix City, AL
Today I tightened my steering box adjustment screw a 1/4 turn. Will drive it to work tomorrow. If it still needs tightening I'll do another 1/4 turn before I head home.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,365
Likes: 179
From: Phenix City, AL
Steering still wandering on the way in to work today. Tightened the steering box adjustment screw another 1/4 turn before heading home. At last, progress! Still could use another 1/4 turn but I've finally done something that improved my steering.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,365
Likes: 179
From: Phenix City, AL
Caster is at 4*. That's as far as the alignment shop could get it. I asked for 5.
I understand the chances I'm taking on the steering box. Instead of the three inches of backlash or dead space I had in the steering wheel that did nothing while driving, I'm down to a bit less than 2" of backlash. I'm not sure how doing anything else would get rid of the dead zone in my steering? Maybe that's normal in these vehicles, but every other car or truck I've had didn't have that slack in the steering wheel. They were all "tight". If that slack is normal then I'll save my pennies for a Redhead.
I understand the chances I'm taking on the steering box. Instead of the three inches of backlash or dead space I had in the steering wheel that did nothing while driving, I'm down to a bit less than 2" of backlash. I'm not sure how doing anything else would get rid of the dead zone in my steering? Maybe that's normal in these vehicles, but every other car or truck I've had didn't have that slack in the steering wheel. They were all "tight". If that slack is normal then I'll save my pennies for a Redhead.
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 263
Likes: 0
The steering on my '02 4x4 v10 is incredibly tight. Absolutely no play in the steering wheel and drives straight and true. The fact that it is a one owner and had all of it's 15 yrs of service done at the dealership that it was bought from, doesn't hurt.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,365
Likes: 179
From: Phenix City, AL
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,365
Likes: 179
From: Phenix City, AL
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,365
Likes: 179
From: Phenix City, AL
So, after nearly a month of Excursion ownership I'll throw in some lessons learned for those who haven't already bought one. If you add how much I paid for my Ex to how much I've already sunk into it in repairs and maintenance:
Scary thing is I already have another $1500 worth of parts sitting here ready to install. That doesn't cover all the things I need to do either. I know there are a few "I told you so's" out there from my Ex search thread.
In hindsight would I have done things differently...definitely.
That said, I still like my 7.3.
- I could have spent $21k for a really nice 7.3.
- I could have bought a nice V10 and paid for A LOT of gas.
- I could have bought a nice 6.0 and bulletproofed it.
Scary thing is I already have another $1500 worth of parts sitting here ready to install. That doesn't cover all the things I need to do either. I know there are a few "I told you so's" out there from my Ex search thread.
In hindsight would I have done things differently...definitely.
That said, I still like my 7.3.
Veteran/Sheepdog
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,047
Likes: 110
From: Western AR
...and you are learning how to work on YOUR 7.3L without paying someone else to do it. That is the trade off...you are becoming an expert on your own vehicle at a much faster rate, and that will save you $$$ down the road. Big time.
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
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From: Central Coast of CA
Stewart
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 57
Likes: 1
So, after nearly a month of Excursion ownership I'll throw in some lessons learned for those who haven't already bought one. If you add how much I paid for my Ex to how much I've already sunk into it in repairs and maintenance:
Scary thing is I already have another $1500 worth of parts sitting here ready to install. That doesn't cover all the things I need to do either. I know there are a few "I told you so's" out there from my Ex search thread.
In hindsight would I have done things differently...definitely.
That said, I still like my 7.3.
- I could have spent $21k for a really nice 7.3.
- I could have bought a nice V10 and paid for A LOT of gas.
- I could have bought a nice 6.0 and bulletproofed it.
Scary thing is I already have another $1500 worth of parts sitting here ready to install. That doesn't cover all the things I need to do either. I know there are a few "I told you so's" out there from my Ex search thread.
In hindsight would I have done things differently...definitely.
That said, I still like my 7.3.
5th Wheeling
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: waydown yonder on Chatt.
I have same backlash you have and already have a "redhead" box. I was told i need to have steering column rebuild and that a body came do that for me .. I am going to try that in the near future .. body shop right across street form Fowlers!!
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,420
Likes: 16
From: Ouray, CO
It gets MUCH better after a year to two, in terms of maintenance.
Other than fluids/filters I haven't spent on (significant $$) on parts for 2 years.
I'm at 5.5 years of Excursion ownership.
I have the overhead console out again, to re-solder the loose resisters. I am thinking of putting a few pieces of insulation up there to help keep the sun's heat away
I still half-heartedly look for a used Passenger-Side rear vent swing-out motor (but don't really plan to use it much even if it worked)
I already have new seat cushions and leather to go on.
I've got a new rear-view mirror (w/backup camera ability) and the camera to go on
So, for me, it's just time to get the things I already have installed. But, the important mechanical things are done.
With some parts getting harder, some are also getting easier (body-mount kits are finally available after-market now), it's worth getting replacements for things that wear (seat leather) and then waiting until you want to upgrade.
Other than fluids/filters I haven't spent on (significant $$) on parts for 2 years.
I'm at 5.5 years of Excursion ownership.
I have the overhead console out again, to re-solder the loose resisters. I am thinking of putting a few pieces of insulation up there to help keep the sun's heat away
I still half-heartedly look for a used Passenger-Side rear vent swing-out motor (but don't really plan to use it much even if it worked)
I already have new seat cushions and leather to go on.
I've got a new rear-view mirror (w/backup camera ability) and the camera to go on
So, for me, it's just time to get the things I already have installed. But, the important mechanical things are done.
With some parts getting harder, some are also getting easier (body-mount kits are finally available after-market now), it's worth getting replacements for things that wear (seat leather) and then waiting until you want to upgrade.
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,365
Likes: 179
From: Phenix City, AL
