Interesting. Back to the underhood liner. My 00 V10 had it, but my 05 Diesel doesn't. Sounds like an easy retro fit, should help with the sound. Can't hurt. Any reason not to put it on? Would it rub on something on the 6.0L?

 

It appears that among other items, the underhood liner and light were omitted as a cost saving measure (?)

To others with late build models, I hope you have no issues, but I read an opinion elsewhere that generally discontinued models are built out of the 'parts bin'. I noticed on mine that the passenger side rear door sheet metal is not straight. You know, when the light hits it right, the body line is pushed in and the edge along the window base seal is wavy. It was painted like that and I suspect it came from spares.

It's not that noticable, but 'new' sheet metal should be straight. I'm going to have it looked at by the paintless dent removal guy that's done work for before. At this point, I a bit miffed at Ford and don't trust them to make it right. (see: New Excursion Woes)

 

I'd say these might not be a cost-saving. As already mentioned, there's no "cost" to speak of in these items. In my experience with Porsche, while there's no reason to compare one of the smallest car makers with one of the largest in terms of production decision, there's three common causes for unannounced model changes: one, they ran out and why make more at "end of life;" or two, their supplier ran out and isn't contracted to make more, so why write a new contract for a relatively small production run-out; or three, they discovered a reason why it couldn't or shouldn't be fitted to these vehicles and altered the design of the vehicle mid-production. Of course the third idea is pretty much beyond Ford. Also, with Porsche, sometimes they'll make a car and pass the burden to the dealer to finish building the car. There's a lot of "prep and PDI" work that's gradually moved "down stream" to the dealer, some of which is logical for transport (batteries) or location (navigation DVD, clock setting) and some of it is just plain weird, like retro-fitted seat-belt adjusters rather than altering production etc. etc.

Anyway, I'd love to hear part numbers or find out where to buy factory service manuals (hopefully in electronic form) for the '05 6.0 X, please ... : )

 

I'd doubt that late trucks are built with left-over, not 100% parts. Let's face it, as much as we love our Excursions, they are American built trucks. Fit and finish has never been a strong suit in the Ford truck plants. My former Bronco had a paint drip at the bottom of the tailgate, an unusual stamping mark on the 1/4 panel, and the bottoms of the doors were wavy. I ordered it new, so I know it was not dealer damaged or the like.

My current '05 Ex was picked up the day it arrived. I actually got pictures of it with the plastic still on it. It was missing several little plugs and bumpers that I replaced.

I ordered a hood pad and clips from the parts counter, but I have no part numbers for them. I think the pad was for an '05 SD, but the light may have been an earlier Ex or SD number. I also ordered the harness for the light.

 

I was told today be a Ford dealer that the underlining was left off on purpose due to heat issues with the 6.0L. Anyone heard the same?

 

I think, if the dealer could show a service bulletin, it would be a plausible explanation -- but they'd recall existing vehicles to remove it if was really a problem. And better yet, just use a better material ... I mean ... I see they use gold foil on race cars ... surely a $60K truck is worth the effort ... : )

 

When I ordered my 05 I was told that Ford omitted the liner for the Heat reason. But it is a cost saving measure on their part.

 

Thanks Scott. Sounds like there is more to the story after all. Now I'm not sure what I'm going to do...I'd like the more quieter engine...but not if there is a real issue with heat. There should be a tech bulliten I suppose if it is really the reason...I will see..

 

I'm waiting for my Excursion to show up, so I'll be beating down the door at the dealership tomorrow -- I'll get whatever info, part-numbers, bulletins they can find and try to post to this thread.

I've looked at five or maybe ten X's and not seen one with anything much in the way of noise insulation and they were all incredibly noisy compared to the new F250's I hear quite often and the old 7.3 Excursion I've driven from time to time. I put it down to a lack of insulation since I do believe the 6.0 is quieter ... but I'd still like to change the injection to a high-pressure rail like the Cummins/Dodge setup ... is that possible?

 

Seems that the V10 and most gassers in general produce more heat than a diesel. Not sure that I buy that one.

I just got back home from picking mine up a second time. I couldn't remember what mine had/didn't til I picked it up (again!) besides the underhood blanket, after other omissions were posted here, but I've got a glove compartment light and a cubby mat. Just missing the blanket/insulator under the hood and the light. I think I'm going to add them.

Take Care

 

Mine resorts back to recirc too... but I only use the up/down of the temp... not the fan. Much easier that way.

...off the topic...

I've got the OVAL tube running BOARDS on my '05 Exco (with no more than 200 miles on it) and they're coming off. Meaning, to sell. (hint hint). Anyone want to send me an B.O.?! I will be removing them this weekend if not sooner. I'm in San Diego, CA. Let me know!

....and I love my new Exco! Coming from a '00 V10 4x with a Gear Vendor Overdrive. This new rig just rocks!

 

Just had mine delivered and took it straight to les schawb for a lift, wheels and tires. It does have the cubby mat, but not the main console mat. That is ok...I took mine out of my 2002 so I have the console mat now. I ordered the insulation and lip moulding...they are going to give me the push connectors.

I put some American Racing 20's with Toyo Open Country tires. Looks very sweet.

 

Found something else Ford left off from my new 2005 as compared to the older 2002. The middle seat cup holders in the fold down armrest are gone. I guess that saved $5 on a $50k truck. Way to go Ford....that is almost as good as the console liner left out and the light in the doors and the hood blanket and light. (Still love my truck...but have to give them a hard time).

I did notice however, they added a nice grab handle, aka "Oh ******" handle" on the drivers side where I would like to add gauges, and they improved the location of the support struts for the rear lift gate (put them higher). My 2002 had a failure on this just as I was trading it in.

 

ya know... the two main things that bug me are the light in the door (I thought I was losing my mind when I noticed no light, compared to my '00), the rear cup holders in the fold down, and the mat in the console?! I mean... seriously. The mat is what, $1 in material??

I still love my '05 too... but, it's ridiculous.

 

I know about the cubby mat...put since I put a brake controller it's not big deal.

I did not know about a console mat. That would be nice to have. Anyhone have a part number?