Hey guys, I recently picked up a 2002 Excursion with around 112k miles as my wife's daily driver. In a short time I have replaced the velcro flaps on the 2nd row seat backs with snaps so my kids in the 3rd row quit kicking the seat. I also had to replace the map/dome lights up front due to burned sockets (replaced the foil electrical setup with side marker lamps based on a thread I found here). We chose the EX for its V10 and 4x4 with the goal of also picking up a travel trailer and driving around the country. We're looking for a trailer around 32' and aiming to keep the gross weight under 8k. I'm hoping to start making some meaningful upgrades next but we are new to towing so I am hoping you guys could provide some input on the best ways to improve the following.

1. Steering - The steering is pretty sloppy, so this is the first thing I'd like to tackle. Where do I start? What can I do to improve steering response?
2. Brakes - The braking was the second item I wanted to tackle. I am planning on new braided brake hoses and a flush in the short term. Long term I'd like to upgrade the calipers and rotors, but I've read some threads that suggest starting with quality rotors and pads.
3. Gauges - I've seen a few people mention UltraGauge and Torque Pro. Which has better metrics for towing (assuming I need to watch trans temp & oil pressure, any others?) or should I go with a pod and some autometer gauges?
4. Towing - I know this topic has its own threads, but having no experience and no trailer yet, wheres the best place to start when it comes to towing upgrades? So far I'm lost in the discussions between all these different upgrades (Hellwig sway bars, Hensley Arrow, P3, Springs, gears, tires, trans coolers etc )

Thanks in advance!

 

Congrats on the new truck; you’ll love it.

just a comment on the sloppy steering - before you mess around with the truck components, make sure that your tires are in good condition and not the cause.

A general quick test would be to swap the front and rear tires and see if there is any change

 

Steering - With over 100k you'll need to inspect the ball joints and steering linkage for slop. I recommend Spicer ball joints. Spicer or SKF for u-joints. XRF, Motorcraft, or AC Delco for steering linkage. The steering box could also have play. Reman units from Motorcraft, Red Head, and Blue Top seem popular. New units are available and I will buy a Lares when I need one. I put one on my daughter's 87 Chevy and it's working great. New LARES 11602 Info
Power Gear $334.79

Add to Cart BBB / VISION-OE N5010119 Info
Power Steering $387.79

The biggest thing is alignment. The Superduty has a wide range of acceptable caster. You want it set as close to 5 1/2 degrees positive caster as possible.

Brakes - There is a tendency for the calipers to stick. They can be cleaned and lubed. Check the hard lines for rust. Dorman has a prebent stainless kit that I bought from Summit. I have very good results from Wagner brake products. I get their calipers, rotors, hoses, and Thermoquiet pads. If I can't get them I use Motorcraft or AC Delco.

Gauges I can't help with.

Towing - It would help to know more about your EX. It probably has 3.73 gears and would benefit from lower gears. What size tires are on it now? Planning to put bigger ones on it?

 

Start with the tech folder first before chasing parts. There's no shortcuts.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post16086297

Many more applicable topics there so as to not rehash the correct solution.

As for me I'm running over 6* of positive castor with all new front end parts. Steers perfectly, and on original 225k box...zero wander.

 

Change your spark plugs and fuel filter!!! Super easy to do and well worth it. Ball joints, Tie rods, steering box, steering link, wheel bearings....find the sloppy parts and proceed. Don't buy cheap parts. Timkin, Spicer and Motorcraft all the way. Good luck.

 

I dont think I knew about the tech folder, I'll check that out in more depth. This thread was a little over my head but I think I got the important part, aim for 5-6* caster.

 

So start with the tires, got it. Next culprit would be worn steering parts (go with Spicer for replacements) then alignment aiming for 5-6* caster. If more action is needed I'll look into the red head steering box.

Brakes, I'll be sure to clean and lube calipers. I keep seeing thermoquiet, so i'll keep these in mind.

Fuel filter was on my list too, thanks for the reminder! The dealer I picked the truck up from had replaced the plugs already, and it looks like even some steering parts too.

Gears/tires: I am assuming its still 3.73 gears, this is whats on the VIN sticker. I'd like to go lower on gears, but want to get a feel for cost/value first. Tires are 265/75/16 Baja Champions, and no immediate plan to go bigger.

I'm anxious to get into an OBD reader, so i'll have to keep researching whats working for others.

 

You're off to a very good start. Fix all the maintenance stuff first so your EX is reliable and safe.

 

I have stock size tires, as well, with Michelin E rated. I also had a 3.73 and went with the 4.56 G2. For performance, I added a set of Banks headers and Flow Master 50 Series mufflers.
If the 4.56 is too steep, you can always go larger on the tire's.
Also, check out using a 6.0 transmission cooler. It's huge.
Good luck.

 

I have this adapter and use Torque Pro. Works perfect! I have more stuff to monitor since I have a 6.0 diesel, but used that app on my old Expedition and was happy with it too. The pic of my setup for Torque Pro is me pulling my 9500 pound camper at 65 MPH.

 

agreed... replace the trans cooler with the 6.0 one. Direct swap(in the same place) except you have to adapt the lines. I hear of guys have good luck with the Dorman cooler too. Pulling that much weight with the stock one is asking for issues. I'd go to the 4.11 gears if you can, the 10 cylinder doesnt mind it at all with stock tires. If you go bigger tires get 4.56 gears.

 

[QUOTE=Theboneskes;19192333]I have this adapter and use Torque Pro. Works perfect! I have more stuff to monitor since I have a 6.0 diesel, but used that app on my old Expedition and was happy with it too. The pic of my setup for Torque Pro is me pulling my 9500 pound camper at 65 MPH.



I like the look of this! What did you purchase to plug into the ODB port? Also, do you pay for the Pro version?

 

[QUOTE=dmt_73ford;19192666]
In my first post to you I had a Amazon link, and I use the Pro version. You can search Amazon for: I paid $11.99 for it.

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