What did you do to the X today?
01-05-2019, 09:45 PM
Got finished with Bilstein 5100 shocks in front and Rancho 5000X in the rear, stabilizer end links and a steering rebuild. The steering was updated with new TTX ball joints, passenger side tie rod end, Bilstein 5100 steering stabilizer, Blue-top steering gear box and put in 2* caster shims.
Man what a DIFFERENCE that made! I did everything but the shims Wed-Thurs and finally did the shims today. The difference between the new tight steering and the additional caster to the now tight steering was crazy! These trucks really need the caster. It drives so much better now it is really kinda unbelievable how much of a difference that made. Our trip next week to Colorado is going to be so much more enjoyable than the last time....
Man what a DIFFERENCE that made! I did everything but the shims Wed-Thurs and finally did the shims today. The difference between the new tight steering and the additional caster to the now tight steering was crazy! These trucks really need the caster. It drives so much better now it is really kinda unbelievable how much of a difference that made. Our trip next week to Colorado is going to be so much more enjoyable than the last time....
01-05-2019, 10:16 PM
I put new OEM recommended, road force balanced, 16 inch tires on her OEM slotted mag rims. Changer her oil at 156K miles, new air filter and washed and waxed her.
Keeping her in pristine, stock condition. She is such a good girl! I talk to her ya know, she treats me right and I return the favor.
Next, I am going to flush the tranny, replace the filter and follow the advice of this forum as I have always been taught not to change the fluid of a high mileage transmission. Gunna trust this forum, why? Because I don't know everything and you guys have a lot more Ex experience than I do.
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01 Excursion V10 165K miles / 92 F250 7.5L (man) 315K miles / 2011 F-150 5.0 100,100 Miles / 2011 fusion 136K miles FORDS ROCK!!!
Keeping her in pristine, stock condition. She is such a good girl! I talk to her ya know, she treats me right and I return the favor.
Next, I am going to flush the tranny, replace the filter and follow the advice of this forum as I have always been taught not to change the fluid of a high mileage transmission. Gunna trust this forum, why? Because I don't know everything and you guys have a lot more Ex experience than I do.
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ _________________
01 Excursion V10 165K miles / 92 F250 7.5L (man) 315K miles / 2011 F-150 5.0 100,100 Miles / 2011 fusion 136K miles FORDS ROCK!!!
01-07-2019, 12:16 PM
Haven't been on here in a while...haven't done much to the Ex until lately.
Just installed LED headlights/fogs. Yes I know they're not perfect and not designed for reflector lenses (I see what everyone was talking about) - but it still looks way better that with the Sylvanias.
Also have a pair of new seat covers/arm rests waiting to be installed.
Just installed LED headlights/fogs. Yes I know they're not perfect and not designed for reflector lenses (I see what everyone was talking about) - but it still looks way better that with the Sylvanias.
Also have a pair of new seat covers/arm rests waiting to be installed.
01-07-2019, 01:35 PM
Went with OPT7 :
https://www.ebay.com/itm/OPT7-9007-L...72.m2749.l2649
And the fogs are from Amazon:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/OPT7-9007-L...72.m2749.l2649
And the fogs are from Amazon:
01-07-2019, 01:38 PM
Laughing Gas
01-07-2019, 02:23 PM
Changed the Engine Oil & Filter.
Next in line was the transmission. Drained it, and then started undoing the bolts to get the pan off to replace the filter. Now, who came up with the fantastic design of putting the 5 bolts under the chassis cross member?
None of the tools I had would snake into that spot to let me open/tighten them securely. Ended up just putting the remaining bolts back and refilled new Mercon V ATF. Good things from this exercise - There is new fluid in there and got a confirmation that there aren't any rusted bolts as all of them came off easily 
Next in line was the transmission. Drained it, and then started undoing the bolts to get the pan off to replace the filter. Now, who came up with the fantastic design of putting the 5 bolts under the chassis cross member?
None of the tools I had would snake into that spot to let me open/tighten them securely. Ended up just putting the remaining bolts back and refilled new Mercon V ATF. Good things from this exercise - There is new fluid in there and got a confirmation that there aren't any rusted bolts as all of them came off easily
01-08-2019, 04:45 AM
Cross-Country
Finally got it back from the shop on Friday. List of services performed.... studded, deleted, 4' Flo-Pro turbo back, Blue spring, T-stat, H2O pump, glow plugs, oil cooler, ELC coolant and to top it off an SCT Livewire TS+. Wow what a difference in drivability. Saturday I replaced both batteries and did the "fogs on with high beam" mod pulled from the Super Duty section. Big lighting improvement with high beams. Replaced the rear hatch struts as well. I'd really like to tackle that "high idle" mod soon.... Oh, and ordered "Gear Head" tunes yesterday. Now I drive it for awhile.....
01-08-2019, 12:37 PM
01-08-2019, 12:56 PM
$50 is a sweet deal, and if towing anything the bigger mirrors are a huge step up over the little dog ear paddles. And you can swap them over to the next EX if it doesn't come with a set, keep the paddles to swap back on if selling this one to fund the replacement wagon.
01-08-2019, 02:05 PM
Laughing Gas
01-08-2019, 03:11 PM
Laughing Gas
$50 is a sweet deal, and if towing anything the bigger mirrors are a huge step up over the little dog ear paddles. And you can swap them over to the next EX if it doesn't come with a set, keep the paddles to swap back on if selling this one to fund the replacement wagon.
Now to train my wife on how to properly align the main vs. blind spot
01-09-2019, 12:55 PM
Laughing Gas