What rims are those?

 

Brent those are Black Rhino Armory 20"×9.5" -18mm rims

 

I got a few things done this weekend. I installed some new tail lights. They are fantastic! Look great, they are much brighter than stock and no hyper flash.
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I installed some new infinity speakers in the front and middle row doors. What an amazing sound upgrade. Even without an external amp driving them they sound amazing compared to the stock speakers. While I had the doors panels off I lined the inside of all doors with sound deadening material (like dynomat) as well, and gave them a good coat of fluid film on the inside.

I finally got my brake controller installed

I also installed an aftermarket android HU, the ATOTO A6. I'm very impressed with it so far. Finally having streaming music again is fantastic. Installed complete with back up camera, gps antenna, and fully integrated steering wheel controls.

See my write up for SWC integration here https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...o-install.html

 

Nice job. Just under a year ago I purchased what I considered to be one of the more advanced Android HU's so I could use all the bells and whistles. Now I read the specs for your ATOTO unit and see there are many more options than there used to be. I read your SWC thread as well. My Ex did not come with factory rear entertainment. Someone installed an aftermarket unit, but the rear entertainment wiring was there. My research told me that can-bus started in 05, though I have not been able to verify that.

 

My 2005 does not have Can-Bus, may be an F250 thing in 05.

 

Excursions stayed at 2004 hardware/technology except for the exterior facelift and the very last few of them got 2005 engines.

 

 

Sorry I had the 6.0 in my head, some of the last diesels were 2005 engines but still ran the 2004 gauge cluster and whatnot.

 

I believe they started with the vsm in 2002, I know my 2002 6.8 has one. Also the digital odometer and some other electronic upgrades. I had an issue with my vsm and the cause was a broken communication wire between it and the rest of the vehicle modules, gauge cluster (which I believe acts as the gem) being the primary one. Not sure if that wiring is can bus or not.

 

Correct and despite trucks built around June of 2005 having a 2005 engine, they still ran programming based off of a 2004 strategy. I.e. no CAN Bus

They only difference in the programming was the fact that that were named differently to differentiate which year went to what.

2004 Excursion with 2004 engine: VXBC
2005 Excursion with 2005 engine: VXDA or VXDB

They did indeed start with VSM for the 2002 MY. It was a nice upgrade over the 99-2001 setup. The cluster is the focal point for alot of the vehicle's features on some Ford vehicles, so when it goes out, alot of things start to not work.

 

if i could get less wires i would.

 

Related question to this about the cluster. Will a gauge cluster from a '04 6.0 XLT be a straight swap to my '03 7.3? Asking this to confirm if my $40 investment will pay back when needed

 

I've been looking at this rims for my truck in a 17. I love the look of them. good looking truck.


I did an oil change and took off the sode moulding off my truck. got the rock deflectors on order should be here next week

 

So much nicer without the cladding.