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So the first time I brought home the lifted Excursion my wife acted like she was climbing a mountain to get in. So to nip any anti lift sentiment in bud I had to act fast.
After lots of measuring at least twice and verifying install process videos I pulled the trigger, and these were exactly the perfect upgrade to my running boards. Not only did it add a step, but it made easier access paired with my 6" lift. The stock drop running board sat at 19” high. The new Aries steps it at 15” for the drop step and 24” to the top step. Bolting the steps in was a breeze using existing mounts, and the kit comes with all the needed hardware if it’s a new installation.
There were a couple MINOR wiring harness challenges to get past, since the pre-made harness was designed for the F-series vs the Excursion. The control box should land under the rear passenger seat, however with the excursion mount it fits nicely behind the rear passenger side paneling next to the third row with wire harness running in the base corner of the third row step up. As the harness works its way upstream because of that “one foot shift”. The factory included extensions were not needed, but it did take a little improv for switch mounts and power wiring. My switch sits just left of the parking brake release, out of the way but easily accessible.
Instead of using, what I think is a cheap cop-out (the included light) I used a ONERAY 2PCS 60inch IP68 LED Running Board Light spliced into the factory plug. The key I discovered after trouble shooting was to remove the rear cap, slide the light strip in from behind the motor, and stick it right down the center of the upper side (so the steps don’t bind as it closes).
Original running boards Aries Steps up Aries Steps down LED Strip LED Strip (no flash)
I like AMP Research too, but between my wife's stature and the size of my Excursion a lower and additional step was the way to go. The upper step also assists as a platform to reach the roof.
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.
