What would you change?
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 257
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From: Sterling, Colorado
What would you change?
Now that I've had my EL for a few weeks, I know I've come across some things I would probably change if I were redesigning the truck. Just curious what you guys might change if you could?
Here's my list:
1. I would redesign the hood so the downward slope along the rear edge didnt reflect sunlight directly into the drivers eyes.
2. I would add a tranny temp gauge.
3. I would redesign the cargo area so you had a solid flat surface with both the second and third row seats folded (as it is, there is quite a gap between the two).
4. I would allow the driver to have complete control over where the rear air comes from (roof or floor).
5. I would have a shut-off switch for the auto darkening rear view mirror.
6. I would redesign the ignition area to make it easier to find with your key.
7. I would have a switch that would allow you to select where you wanted activate your heated or cooled seats (just the seat bottom, just the seat back or both). Having the lumbar area only be heated would be nice on really long drives.
8. I would redesign the center section of the second seat so it would fold up like the two outside ones.
9. Not sure what I would do with the four rear head rests but dang, with 'em all up you cant see out the back! I like them when I'm sitting in the back, but as a driver they sure are in the way.
10. I would put a lock on either the glove box, center console or both.
11. I woulda left a solid axle under the rear end!!!!!!!!
12. On the nav radio, I woulda flip-flopped the seek and tune buttons... I use the tune way more than the seek -- it'd be nice if it were the closer reach.
13. I would put sturdy metal tie-downs in the rear cargo area.
14. I would redesign the cargo divider so it would also work as a vertical divider that would separate the cargo area into forward and rear sections right where the back of the third seat is.
15. I would offer a METAL skid plate for the gas tank.
LOL I think thats about all I can think of right now.
Call me strange!
Here's my list:
1. I would redesign the hood so the downward slope along the rear edge didnt reflect sunlight directly into the drivers eyes.
2. I would add a tranny temp gauge.
3. I would redesign the cargo area so you had a solid flat surface with both the second and third row seats folded (as it is, there is quite a gap between the two).
4. I would allow the driver to have complete control over where the rear air comes from (roof or floor).
5. I would have a shut-off switch for the auto darkening rear view mirror.
6. I would redesign the ignition area to make it easier to find with your key.
7. I would have a switch that would allow you to select where you wanted activate your heated or cooled seats (just the seat bottom, just the seat back or both). Having the lumbar area only be heated would be nice on really long drives.
8. I would redesign the center section of the second seat so it would fold up like the two outside ones.
9. Not sure what I would do with the four rear head rests but dang, with 'em all up you cant see out the back! I like them when I'm sitting in the back, but as a driver they sure are in the way.
10. I would put a lock on either the glove box, center console or both.
11. I woulda left a solid axle under the rear end!!!!!!!!
12. On the nav radio, I woulda flip-flopped the seek and tune buttons... I use the tune way more than the seek -- it'd be nice if it were the closer reach.
13. I would put sturdy metal tie-downs in the rear cargo area.
14. I would redesign the cargo divider so it would also work as a vertical divider that would separate the cargo area into forward and rear sections right where the back of the third seat is.
15. I would offer a METAL skid plate for the gas tank.
LOL I think thats about all I can think of right now.
Call me strange!
Last edited by nebmike; Feb 13, 2008 at 10:40 PM.
Sit. Stay.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 18,308
Likes: 20
From: Washington State
Add...
Inboard armrests for 2nd and 3rd row passengers.
Real limited slip/locker in the back
Drop the friggin price!!
Running boards make it so that your head hits the grab rail when getting in. Fix it somehow.
All that I don't even have mine yet!
Inboard armrests for 2nd and 3rd row passengers.
Real limited slip/locker in the back
Drop the friggin price!!
Running boards make it so that your head hits the grab rail when getting in. Fix it somehow.
All that I don't even have mine yet!
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 257
Likes: 0
From: Sterling, Colorado
Originally Posted by Monsta
Add...
Inboard armrests for 2nd and 3rd row passengers.
Real limited slip/locker in the back
Drop the friggin price!!
Running boards make it so that your head hits the grab rail when getting in. Fix it somehow.
All that I don't even have mine yet!
Inboard armrests for 2nd and 3rd row passengers.
Real limited slip/locker in the back
Drop the friggin price!!
Running boards make it so that your head hits the grab rail when getting in. Fix it somehow.
All that I don't even have mine yet!
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 560
Likes: 0
See Below for my thoughts on the new expedition.
Originally Posted by nebmike
Now that I've had my EL for a few weeks, I know I've come across some things I would probably change if I were redesigning the truck. Just curious what you guys might change if you could?
Here's my list:
1. I would redesign the hood so the downward slope along the rear edge didnt reflect sunlight directly into the drivers eyes.
Never Noticed this but my truck is white.
2. I would add a tranny temp gauge.
I agree, however, I don't see it happening, a digital readout would be nice near where the odo and door ajar display is.
3. I would redesign the cargo area so you had a solid flat surface with both the second and third row seats folded (as it is, there is quite a gap between the two).
I have 2 row buckets, it would be nice to have inserts so that it was smooth all the way down, it's a pain sliding then moving then sliding.
4. I would allow the driver to have complete control over where the rear air comes from (roof or floor).
Never noticed this.
5. I would have a shut-off switch for the auto darkening rear view mirror.
I have 5% window tint all the way around (aversion to sunlight)
6. I would redesign the ignition area to make it easier to find with your key.
Personal Preference.
7. I would have a switch that would allow you to select where you wanted activate your heated or cooled seats (just the seat bottom, just the seat back or both). Having the lumbar area only be heated would be nice on really long drives.
No heated and cooled seats so who knows.
8. I would redesign the center section of the second seat so it would fold up like the two outside ones.
Center Row is buckets.
9. Not sure what I would do with the four rear head rests but dang, with 'em all up you cant see out the back! I like them when I'm sitting in the back, but as a driver they sure are in the way.
Don't use my rearview, only side mirrors.
10. I would put a lock on either the glove box, center console or both.
Doesn't matter to me, I lived in DC and Baltimore, locks only stop honist people.
11. I woulda left a solid axle under the rear end!!!!!!!!
Why? It rides much smoother then my Excusion did, I've got about 12K miles on it now and have no problems, I've towing 8 to 10K lbs with no problems, smooth and stable.
12. On the nav radio, I woulda flip-flopped the seek and tune buttons... I use the tune way more than the seek -- it'd be nice if it were the closer reach.
No nav radio. 1500 bucks buys a nice laptop and GPS.
13. I would put sturdy metal tie-downs in the rear cargo area.
I agree.
14. I would redesign the cargo divider so it would also work as a vertical divider that would separate the cargo area into forward and rear sections right where the back of the third seat is.
I agree.
15. I would offer a METAL skid plate for the gas tank. .
Never had a problem w/ a poly tank but I guess I see your point.
16. Add Trailer Towing Package. Mirrors, Extra duty rear diff cooler, Brake Controler, Trans Temp Guage.
17. Add a bit of weight so that it makes a more excusion like tow vehicle.
18. Turbo Diesel V-8 w/ some guts.
LOL I think thats about all I can think of right now.
Call me strange!
Here's my list:
1. I would redesign the hood so the downward slope along the rear edge didnt reflect sunlight directly into the drivers eyes.
Never Noticed this but my truck is white.
2. I would add a tranny temp gauge.
I agree, however, I don't see it happening, a digital readout would be nice near where the odo and door ajar display is.
3. I would redesign the cargo area so you had a solid flat surface with both the second and third row seats folded (as it is, there is quite a gap between the two).
I have 2 row buckets, it would be nice to have inserts so that it was smooth all the way down, it's a pain sliding then moving then sliding.
4. I would allow the driver to have complete control over where the rear air comes from (roof or floor).
Never noticed this.
5. I would have a shut-off switch for the auto darkening rear view mirror.
I have 5% window tint all the way around (aversion to sunlight)
6. I would redesign the ignition area to make it easier to find with your key.
Personal Preference.
7. I would have a switch that would allow you to select where you wanted activate your heated or cooled seats (just the seat bottom, just the seat back or both). Having the lumbar area only be heated would be nice on really long drives.
No heated and cooled seats so who knows.
8. I would redesign the center section of the second seat so it would fold up like the two outside ones.
Center Row is buckets.
9. Not sure what I would do with the four rear head rests but dang, with 'em all up you cant see out the back! I like them when I'm sitting in the back, but as a driver they sure are in the way.
Don't use my rearview, only side mirrors.
10. I would put a lock on either the glove box, center console or both.
Doesn't matter to me, I lived in DC and Baltimore, locks only stop honist people.
11. I woulda left a solid axle under the rear end!!!!!!!!
Why? It rides much smoother then my Excusion did, I've got about 12K miles on it now and have no problems, I've towing 8 to 10K lbs with no problems, smooth and stable.
12. On the nav radio, I woulda flip-flopped the seek and tune buttons... I use the tune way more than the seek -- it'd be nice if it were the closer reach.
No nav radio. 1500 bucks buys a nice laptop and GPS.
13. I would put sturdy metal tie-downs in the rear cargo area.
I agree.
14. I would redesign the cargo divider so it would also work as a vertical divider that would separate the cargo area into forward and rear sections right where the back of the third seat is.
I agree.
15. I would offer a METAL skid plate for the gas tank.
.Never had a problem w/ a poly tank but I guess I see your point.
16. Add Trailer Towing Package. Mirrors, Extra duty rear diff cooler, Brake Controler, Trans Temp Guage.
17. Add a bit of weight so that it makes a more excusion like tow vehicle.
18. Turbo Diesel V-8 w/ some guts.
LOL I think thats about all I can think of right now.
Call me strange!
Senior User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 370
Likes: 0
i agree with everything above but would add a few things.
Tweak the tranmission and test it thouroughly before you start selling the new trucks and have a fix for it so the customer doesnt have to go back 5 times for the same thing.
center console would be nice if it locked...to secure gps and other items when not in the truck.
actually use high quality leather on front row (so it doesnt wear out so fast) and actually use leather on the second row and third row seats instead of vinyl (either that or tell the salespeople the correct info).
Second Row Seat needs better cup holders, not cup holders that sit right behind the front passengers elbows waiting to get hit.
BRING BACK THE TRANSMISSION DIPSTICK so we can check it ourselves (what brilliant engineer removed this anyways??? Wonder why the F series trucks still get them????? maybe cause you can tell if your tranmission fluid needs a changing.)
Get rid of the green lighting on the interior......upgrade to something better ....lots of newer technology that looks and works alot better. This would also improve the vision of the dash during direct sunlight.
Second row middle folding seat needs to fold like the other two. Chevy, GMC, Toyota and all the others can do it, so should ford.
Come standard with the option of decent All Terrain Tires...maybe make it standard on Eddie Bauer and King Ranch Series.
Lower the roof rack a little, stands up too high, could still be just as functional without being so bulky looking.
Sturdy metal hooks to secure cargo in the rear. all the expeditions and explorers used to have them.....quit trying to save a few bucks by removing things people actually use.
for me the running boards work well. I added the leveling kit to mine, and it raised the truck a good 2-3" from stock level, so it can make it easier for shorter people to get in the truck.
Tweak the tranmission and test it thouroughly before you start selling the new trucks and have a fix for it so the customer doesnt have to go back 5 times for the same thing.
center console would be nice if it locked...to secure gps and other items when not in the truck.
actually use high quality leather on front row (so it doesnt wear out so fast) and actually use leather on the second row and third row seats instead of vinyl (either that or tell the salespeople the correct info).
Second Row Seat needs better cup holders, not cup holders that sit right behind the front passengers elbows waiting to get hit.
BRING BACK THE TRANSMISSION DIPSTICK so we can check it ourselves (what brilliant engineer removed this anyways??? Wonder why the F series trucks still get them????? maybe cause you can tell if your tranmission fluid needs a changing.)
Get rid of the green lighting on the interior......upgrade to something better ....lots of newer technology that looks and works alot better. This would also improve the vision of the dash during direct sunlight.
Second row middle folding seat needs to fold like the other two. Chevy, GMC, Toyota and all the others can do it, so should ford.
Come standard with the option of decent All Terrain Tires...maybe make it standard on Eddie Bauer and King Ranch Series.
Lower the roof rack a little, stands up too high, could still be just as functional without being so bulky looking.
Sturdy metal hooks to secure cargo in the rear. all the expeditions and explorers used to have them.....quit trying to save a few bucks by removing things people actually use.
for me the running boards work well. I added the leveling kit to mine, and it raised the truck a good 2-3" from stock level, so it can make it easier for shorter people to get in the truck.
Last edited by carbonmetallic; Feb 14, 2008 at 10:45 AM.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,157
Likes: 3
Great ideas. Here are a few of mine.
1)Use a high qaulity paint for the interior. Current silver paint scratches WAY too easy.
2)Change 1980's green LCD readout to anything different. Chevy uses blue with better resolution.
3)Thicken up or redesign the running boards. When driving through rain, the front tires kick up water and it sounds bad.
4)Put softer material on the doors and armrest.
5)Add speakers to third row section. They can't hear anything but bass.
6)Make the back of the center second row seat double as an armrest/cupholder.
That's all I can think of for now.
1)Use a high qaulity paint for the interior. Current silver paint scratches WAY too easy.
2)Change 1980's green LCD readout to anything different. Chevy uses blue with better resolution.
3)Thicken up or redesign the running boards. When driving through rain, the front tires kick up water and it sounds bad.
4)Put softer material on the doors and armrest.
5)Add speakers to third row section. They can't hear anything but bass.
6)Make the back of the center second row seat double as an armrest/cupholder.
That's all I can think of for now.
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Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 257
Likes: 0
From: Sterling, Colorado
Originally Posted by mnmwhit
I don't get why anyone would buy a truck that they have so many complaints about.
Second off, havent you ever owned a vehicle that found a few things you'd like to change if you could?
I love my EL... but with a little extra thought they coulda eliminated a lot of little things that become annoying after a while.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 560
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This thread has been forwarded to my Managment Contact at ford. As a large fleet buyer we meet with ford 4 times a year over problems and complaints. We also keep in touch on a weekly basis. To give an example, we run over 200 F-550s in the state of FL alone. This does not include 1/2 tons and SUVs, where are probably another 100. The we have heavy trucks (class 5+).
Originally Posted by IQ9
I must agree. I have yet to buy a car that has everything you could want or does everything perfectly. It would be nice for FORD to watch these boards and LISTEN to what owners are saying to each other.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,157
Likes: 3
Originally Posted by chevy24d
Wow - do you guys work for gm? If I bought a truck with this many things I did not like, I would be very upset with myself for not taking it for a ride first. 