So, about a year ago, I picked up an 08 Lincoln Navigator Limited. Had 39,930 miles on it when I bought it. Everything works like new. Even has 95% tread on the tires.

So, I love my Navigator. However, it's NOT an "Eddie Rig". It's luxury is dwarfed by my newer F350 Lariat and F150 King Ranch. It's not exactly a utility vehicle I can easily modify and take off road / camping etc. With the 2nd row captains chairs + console, I can't exactly lay everything flat and sleep in the back. I'm 6'3" and 260+ lbs. If I had the same rig in an Expedition, I know I could do what I want with it. (lift, 33" AT tires, roof rack, etc.)

Has anyone set their Navigator up as an Expedition rig? It is a 4WD, (2WD, A4WD and 4Hi). It does have the traction control w/ RSC. It also has the air ride suspension, which you can turn off. However, it doesn't seem to like it when the air ride is disengaged. I thought about just pulling a small(ish) bumper pull trailer behind it. But, that limits me to camp sites and not boondocking, off-grid camping.

One thing I considered... is there anyone that can make a custom air mattress fitted to the rig w/ all the seats flat and around the rear console?
Has anyone lifted a Navigator (not expedition... this is specifically for a navigator with the air suspension).
Has anyone completely removed the 3rd row seats? How hard would it be to remove them? can they be easily re-installed if needed?
Anyone swap in a larger capacity fuel tank? My 09 Expedition EL had a 35+/- gal tank. My 08 Navigator has a 20something gal tank. I'd love to fill up less often. I don't care if it cost me $100/fill up.
Anyone do a full stereo refresh in one of these rigs? I had to swap out the head unit since the factory unit didn't have USB or Bluetooth capability. I need door speakers and bass.
Anyone interested in the factory 20" wheels with nice Michelin tires (95+/- % tread)? I want 22s or 24s. Not yet sure which one I'm going to end up going with. Depends on if I can lift or not? (2-4" lift max)

Anyone have a nice low mileage Excursion, F250, F350 black/black leather they'd consider trading? I currently have <54K miles on my Navigator.

 

Not one reply.

Y'all are about as useful as a poopy flavored lolli-pop.

 

Sorry, I haven't been around this particular forum in a while.

Opinions vary.

I agree.

I've never seen it, but it could be done with enough effort and planning.

Depends on the trailer, the destination, and personal requirements. There are some off-road trailers out there that can out off-road a 4"-lifted 24"-rimmed Navigator easily.

Someone could, but it would be expensive. When I look around for them, they all seem to think that "custom" is "custom sized" but still rectangular. Still, money talks.

And/or: you could get one of those ultrasonic welder things they use for bonding these materials and alter an air mattress as needed.

Every example of this that I've seen either had the air stuff removed or was hokey and probably unsafe.

Yes.

Some mechanical experience and a few hours should do it.

Some mechanical experience and a few hours should do it.

Probably not, however, you haven't mentioned if your Navigator has a short or long wheelbase. Either way, it probably has the largest commercially available tank installed in it that will fit in it.

Yes, many have done this. Often right around the same time they put it on 26" rims and painted-on tires.

As do many of us.

Someone might. When you're ready, post them in the marketplace.

For off-roading with a trailer and/or where a trailer can't go? Not something I would do.

Someone might, and if they do, they might post it in the Marketplace.

 

Thank you for your replies. All the answers I already knew and was expecting. I was hoping for someone who's actually done something similar to what I'm working towards. I would HATE to sell this rig just to get into a new bill when it's paid off and EXTREMELY NICE.

I "could" do some of the stuff I was looking at. Ideally, something like the Sol from intech rv would be ideal behind this rig as it sits. I could take it on very minor off road (dirt road) excursions. But, would definitely be better off sticking to mostly paved camp sites. Link for visuals: https://www.intechrv.com/models/sol/horizon/

If I were to trade it for something a bit more aggressive and easier to modify for off road use, something from UEV (440) (LINK: https://conqueror4x4usa.com/products/uev-440-extreme/) or Black Series campers (LINK: https://www.blackseriescamper.com/) would be more ideal for "getting away" from the paved campgrounds. A nicely built F150/250 or 350 short bed truck or Excursion would do me nicely for either of these setups. Small lift, 35s, etc.

The idea of taking out the rear seats and/or having a custom air mattress would be if I wanted to camp IN the navigator without a trailer. That's definitely the LAST resort.

Stereo is already replaced with an Alpine 8" head unit with NO spinning drives. It gives me bluetooth and USB functionality and uses my cell phones "maps.google.com" maps instead of some old weak *** 2000s crappy technology for mapping my destinations. Speakers are an audiophile speaker system (THX certified) from the factory. They sound good. But, the new system didn't wire in the factory sub (stupid audio techs). I do want to upgrade the speakers to something with a bit more punch and add the bass. And, yes, I do like 5% tint and bigger rims. (yes, I realize that eliminates me from being able to go far offroad anyway. After all, this IS a Navigator. Not an Expedition. LOL!!!)

Ideally, I should keep the Navigator mostly stock(ish) and just drive it as my daily. Buy a truck and do what I want with it. And, possibly keep the Jeep (I couldn't afford a damn Early Bronco. Y'all suck on the pricing of that **** these days (have had 16 in the past, used to build them)). Or, trade em all in for a nicely built CCSBF350 and call it good? HAHAHAHA!!!