2000 Ford Excursion
Owner: E. Long Club OwnerSuperMotors Owner    Subscriber
From: Greensboro, NC, U.S.A.        (Other vehicles in NC)
Car & Truck: 2000 Ford Excursion        (Other Ford Excursions in this club)
Clubs: SuperFord.org        (Other vehicles in this club)
FordExcursions.com        (Other vehicles in this club)
Power Strokes        (Other vehicles in this club)
DHRA Fan Club        (Other vehicles in this club)
Nickname: The Excursion
Mileage: 197075
Engine: 7.3L Powerstroke Diesel
Drivetrain: 4R100 (new tranny installed at 87,000 miles)
Dana 50 solid axle frontend
Sterling 10.5 Rearend w/ 3.73 limited slip
Notes: Performance modifications/additions:
Quadzilla Xzillaraider Performance Chip
Hypermax 3.5" downpipe
MagnaFlow 4" exhaust
Factory Tech Valve Body
AFE Stage II Intake Kit & ProGuard Filter
Performance Friction Brake Pads in front
Napa "Ceramix" Ceramic Brake Pads in rear
ART Cryogenic/cross-drilled rotors

Suspension/Handling:
Edelbrock IAS Shocks
Hellwig rear anti-sway bar
LANDYOT Gen-II Radius Rods

Misc:
BF Goodrich 285/75R16 All Terrain tires
Fumoto drain valve
Braided 4x4 electronic shift-on-the-fly (ESOF) lines
Optima D-34 Yellow Top Batteries (2)
Britebox from thebritebox.com
Aftermarket headlight wiring harness from GOS racing
AMSOIL 5W-30 Heavy Duty Diesel Synthetic Oil
AMSOIL oil filter
AMSOIL synthetic SAE 75W-140 rearend fluid
AMSOIL Cetane Boost (every couple tanks of fuel)
AMSOIL Diesel Conditioner (2 oz. every couple of fill-ups)
AMSOIL synthetic ATF
Dieselsite remote transmission filter kit w/ filter gauge
Valvoline synthetic power steering fluid
Dieselsite remote coolant filter kit
Dieselsite high-pressure oil crossover line
Dieselsite thermostat flange
203-degree thermostat
Evans coolant
Viper alarm w/ remote start
21% tint
Alpine iDA-X001Head Unit
Alpine 10" subs mounted in rear cargo doors
APC headlights & corner lights
Autometer Pyrometer Gauge
Autometer Transmission Temp Gauge
Autometer Boost Gauge
Pet gate/barrier (behind 3rd seat)

The daily driver.
Last Updated: 8/10/2008
Hits: 128284

Album
Folder Comments Hits Created Updated
folder Miscellaneous (0)008/6/038/6/03
    folder SuperDuty vs. Excursion Dashboard (2)02,0838/6/039/27/04
    folder My X in a TV commercial (1)09833/6/043/6/04
    folder Excursion underbody (6)02,56811/14/044/18/05
    folder Excursion Body (2)01,19312/3/0412/3/04
    folder 140,000 miles (3)01,0134/18/054/18/05
    folder Front bumpstop clearance at 155,000 miles (2)066812/21/0512/21/05
folder Oops (0)008/6/035/19/05
    folder Leaking turbo pedastal seal (6)03,0128/6/039/4/04
    folder Peeling Firestone Steeltex tires (1)07901/25/051/25/05
    folder Spewing tranny fluid (3)01,0916/14/056/14/05
    folder Cancer - December 2005 (3)01,03512/22/0512/22/05
    folder Shattered Liftgate Glass (6)01,87410/7/0710/7/07
folder Interior/Exterior Pics (0)008/6/038/6/03
    folder April 2001 (1)03608/6/038/6/03
    folder December 2000 (8)03,3558/6/038/6/03
    folder April 2002 (8)02,9798/6/038/6/03
    folder June 2005 - Towing (4)01,8586/14/056/14/05
    folder Passenger floorboard (4)01,60810/1/0510/1/05
    folder Trips/Vacation (7)03,04210/9/0312/28/07
    folder December 2005 - Detailed Engine (2)061612/22/0512/22/05
    folder September 2005 (1)020012/21/0512/21/05
    folder December 2007 (11)05,09212/28/0712/28/07
folder Multimedia System (22)012,3427/24/038/6/03
    folder Removing Alpine DVD Player (7)03,5388/6/038/6/03
    folder Alpine CDA-9827 Install (32)016,1538/9/048/12/04
folder Mods, Installs, Howtos, Repairs, FAQs (0)007/24/031/25/05
    folder Hypermax Computer Chip (2)01,3507/24/037/24/03
    folder Hypermax 3.5" downpipe & 5" exhaust (10)06,4297/24/036/3/06
    folder Hellwig Sway Bar & shock install (19)031,0788/6/034/18/05
    folder Increasing fuel filler neck diameter (4)02,6748/6/038/6/03
    folder Applied Rotor Technology (ART) Rotors (4)02,4108/6/038/6/03
        folder ART Rotors Phase 2 (8)02,32912/21/0512/21/05
    folder Loose Turbo Bolts (3)01,7048/6/038/6/03
    folder Exhaust Sounds & Videos (4)03,6092/20/042/26/04
    folder BF Goodrich Rugged Trail T/A Tires (5)02,0348/16/048/23/04
    folder LANDYOT Radius Rod Installation (67)197,6541/6/052/15/07
    folder 3.73 gears at 75 MPH (1)07721/25/051/25/05
    folder Ball Joint Replacement (29)030,7352/7/051/26/07
    folder Replacing Rear Differential Fluid (38)021,8344/15/054/16/05
    folder Powerstroke CAC Hose Replacement (27)09,4844/16/054/16/05
    folder Removing passenger battery (4)01,0914/16/054/16/05
    folder Replacing parking light bulb (16)03,9024/16/054/16/05
    folder AMSOIL Oil Change (32)06,6525/29/055/29/05
    folder Factory Tech Valve Body install (24)020,8006/26/056/28/05
    folder Dieselsite Remote Transmission Filter install (34)018,1076/26/056/27/05
    folder Dog Barrier (6)02,2738/15/058/15/05
    folder Alternator Replacement (35)020,1589/29/059/29/05
    folder Braided lines for ESOF/4x4 (47)019,55110/30/0510/30/05
    folder Dual Optima Yellow-top D34 Batteries (34)018,17910/30/0510/30/05
    folder AFE Stage II Intake & ProGuard Filter (55)019,49010/30/0510/30/05
    folder APC Headlight & Amber Corner Install (6)01,63912/21/0512/22/05
    folder Chrome Lug Nuts (9)01,61312/22/0512/22/05
    folder Rancho RS9000 to 9000x rear shock upgrade (18)05,61312/22/0512/23/05
    folder V-Code Leaf Spring Installation (50)031,1921/21/071/25/07
    folder Dana 50 Front Hub/Bearing Replacement (8)07,7931/25/071/26/07
    folder Quadzilla Xzillaraider (14)03,5087/29/077/29/07
folder John Deere L110 (6)02,64111/24/0412/22/05
Newest Media Files
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521 hits | 74.92 KB | Posted: 12/28/07

Another angle of the new MagnaFlow exhaust.
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Close-up of the new 4" MagnaFlow exhaust with a dirty 5" chrome tip.
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566 hits | 68.28 KB | Posted: 12/28/07

Looking pretty clean for 188,000 miles.
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450 hits | 70.22 KB | Posted: 12/28/07

Visiting in rural North Dakota.
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424 hits | 81.4 KB | Posted: 12/28/07

New BFG AT KO 285/75R16's.
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View from the dash looking back at the dog gate in the rear cargo area.
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188,122 miles an counting!
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Most Viewed Files
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The Hellwig anti-sway bar kit comes with the worst directions known to mankind. Without pictures, it was really hard to determine which way the sway bar was supposed to mount on the Excursion. Here are pictures in order of the install that you can ...
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Jack your Excursion up like this in the rear. You will need tall jackstands that can support the weight of the vehicle. Do not do work on your excursion without jackstands supporting the vehicle.
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Install the bottom mount on the shock. If you are installing Rancho RS9000's or any other type of adjustable shock, make sure you mount your dials appropriately where you can reach them from underneath the vehicle. I kept mine facing the rear.
Maintenance & Modification Logs

DateTypeMileageTitle / Description$ Amount
08/10/08Maintenance197063Oil Change & Filter Changes
Changed oil, oil filter, coolant filter, and transmission filter.
0.00
12/08/07Modification186000New Alpine iDA-X001 Head Unit
Had an Alpine iDA-X001 deck installed to replace the old CVA-1005 and Alpine deck I previously had installed. Also had Sirius Satellite radio added, too. Fixed miscellaneous wiring issues with amps as well.
691.78
11/27/07Repair184952Alignment
Had the front end aligned (finally).
71.94
11/26/07Modification184927New BF Goodrich 285/75R16 All Terrain Tires (BFG AT's)
Replaced tires that didn't have much tread left on them. Went with a larger size and now run 285/75R16 BFG AT's. They raised the height of the truck a bit and ride much softer than the previous Rugged Trail T/As.

4 tires: $780
Lifetime free replacement warranty: $122
Labor & balancing: $52
Environmental fee: $15.60
Waste tire disposal: $8.00
1,030.79
11/21/07Repair184885Replaced Water Pump
Water pump finally failed. This one made it over 180,000 miles, very impressive! Since it spewed coolant while driving, I had it towed to the dealership for immediate repair.

Labor: $342.00
Water Pump F81Z 8501 FA: $320.23
F4TZ 8255 A Gasket: $4.36
YC3Z 8286 CE Hose: $22.96
373-195 Thermostat: $17.36
750.29
11/20/07Modification184850New 4" MagnaFlow Exhaust
Replaced the noisy, fluttering 5" Hypermax exhaust system with a down-pipe back 4" MagnaFlow exhaust system. No more turbo flutter sounds!

MagnaFlow Exhaust system (down-pipe back): $579.95
Installation: $129.06
709.01
11/16/07Maintenance184717Oil Change, fixed engine oil leak, fixed coolant leaks
Had Ford diagnose multiple oil and coolant leaks. $18 in parts and $370 in labor later the leaks were fixed. Also changed oil.
404.00
05/12/07Modification180250Installed Edelbrock IAS Shocks
Installed new Edelbrock IAS Shocks (replaced old, worn-out Rancho RS9000's). Had to replace the small retaining clips for the upper bolts on the rear shocks (I still maintain this is one of the most annoying designs in shock mounts I've seen).

Part numbers (as ordered from Summit Racing):
EDL-33224 (Front)
EDL-34224 (Rear)
310.75
03/03/07Miscellaneous177000Full detail
Had the X fully detailed...dog smell now gone!
110.00
01/25/07Repair176500Replaced Passenger Side Hub Assembly
During the V-code leaf spring swap, I discovered a lot of play in the front passenger-side bearing. Since bearings on these Dana 50's are not servicable, I had to get an entire replacement hub assembly.

Part #: F81Z-1104-BH
300.00
01/20/07Modification176000Suspension Upgrade
(2) V-code front leaf springs, part number 2C3Z*5310*HA
$333.19 (w/ tax)

(4) Front U-bolts
(4) Rear U-Bolts
U-Bolt nuts
$118.74 (w/ tax)

(2) Sky Jacker soft-ride add-a-leafs for rear suspension
$85.90 (w/ shipping)
537.83
12/08/06Repair175540Oil leak repair, coolant leak repair, new fuel filter
Multiple leaks occurring: coolant and oil.

Engine oil leak was a right (passenger) side valve cover gasket.
Labor: $136.80
F81Z*6584*AA Gasket - Valve Rocker Arm Cover: $82.84
2C3Z*14A!63*AB Retainer: $12.55

Coolant leak:
Lower water pump neck o-ring leaking.
Labor: $152.00
F4TZ*8255*A Gasket: $4.36

Changed fuel filter with Amsoil fuel filter (filter supplied): $15.20
434.57
12/08/06Miscellaneous175500Purchased extra Evans NPG+ Coolant
In preparation for fixing a coolant leak, I purchased 2 cases (8 1-gallon bottles) of Evans NPG+ coolant. Need to have some on reserve in case I ever overheat or have a big leak since it's now a non-pressurized system.
220.00
12/05/06Miscellaneous175486Optimas dead
The optimas are dead, at least that's my conclusion. After 20,000 miles and 14 months, they are just not keeping a charge any more. The alternator is putting out enough voltage when the vehicle is running and I haven't really added anything else to the electrical system that would constantly drain the charge from the batteries. I'll try Optima RedTops this time.

I think the "good deal" I got on eBay was on a set of Optima YellowTops that may have been sitting on the shelf for a while. That's my only explanation for why they lasted only 14 months.
0.00
12/02/06Maintenance175474Oil change, coolant filter change
Changed oil and filter. Amsoil has new black filters now (used to be white). Also changed the coolant filter for the first time since installing the remote coolant filter kit at 159k miles.

Power steering pump has been whining, adding some fluid to it in hopes that it'll keep it quite for a little while longer.

Noticed some fluid on the bottom of the radiator hoses. Refilled coolant between the Min and Max levels and will keep on eye on it. Water pump appeard to be dry so not sure where the antifreeze came from. Looked like a lot, but fluid level was just below the "Min" marker. Might need some new hoses but should be good for a while longer with this slow leak. Doesn't pool on the ground, yet.

Trans filter still reads in the "green" area meaning the filter is still in good shape.

Been having an oil leak leave quarter-size drops on the driveway. Upon removing the old oil filter, I noticed that it was leaking a bit at the top...it was not tight at all. After the oil changed, I parked it back on the driveway and noticed a leak coming from a different area. Not sure if it was from me spilling or if there is a seal leaking. Seemed to be a new location for the oil to be dripping from and I spilled quite a bit when I missed the funnel, so hopefully it's just that.
0.00
12/02/06Miscellaneous175474Batteries keep dying
The Optima yellow-tops keep causing me problems. Ever since we went on a 10-day trip and the X sat for 10 days without starting, we can't even go 3 days without starting it or it will be dead. We drove it around a bit today to pick up a Christmas tree and after the oil change and maintenance, I pulled the voltmeter out. Each battery read 11.85 volts. When I started it up, the batteries were charging again, but it took a while for the alternator to be putting out a solid 14.4 volts.

Since the battery light is not going on like it did in the past when the alternator was bad, I think the Optimas may be bad. Maybe this is why there was such a good price on them on eBay (too old, maybe)? Will be investigating this more in the coming weeks...it's a very annoying problem.
0.00
07/25/06Maintenance166000Oil change
Oil change before the move to NC.
0.00
04/12/06Repair165000replaced radiator drain cock
Drain cock on the radiator was leaking. Purchased a new one through Napa. Easy replacement...just a little messy.
4.57
12/19/05Repair162222Replacement Rear Shocks
Purchased a new pair of Rancho RS9000x rear shocks. One of my RS9000's got punctured and leaked out on the garage floor. Much better ride with the new shocks. Set them to leve 5 out of 9.
161.75
12/06/05Modification161222New headlight switch with foglights
Purchased a new headlight switch with the integrated foglight switch. My '00 headlight switch did not come with an integrated fog light switch and while there's nothing wrong with my current switch, I want to wire up an OEM switch with the APC foglights instead of running the APC-supplied foglight switch.
56.17
11/28/05Modification160400Sylvania Silverstar HID Lights
Purchased and installed new Sylvania Silverstair 9005 and 9006 for my new APC headlight assemblies.
74.28
11/19/05Modification159850Dieselsite Coolant Filter Kit
Installed the Dieselsite coolant filter kit today. Getting ready to swap coolant as well, wanted to get the coolant kit installed beforehand. Very straightforward install. Install article coming soon!
79.00
11/19/05Modification159850Dieselsite High-pressure Oil Crossover Line
Got this installed today. Brief description of the part from Dieselsite:

"The High Pressure Oil Crossover Line connects the left and right High Pressure Oil rails together. This allows the computer(PCM) to monitor the pressure of both High Pressure Oil rails, therefore producing a much more even fuel distribution by balancing the oil pressure between the two rails. The line also acts as an accumulator, resulting in less pressure spikes in the system. The result is a smoother idle and all around better running engine."
44.95
11/19/05Modification159850APC Headlights & Corner Lights
I was looking for an improvement over my OEM headlights, so I opted for the APC headlights which run a standard bulb for normal lights, a secondary bulb for bright lights, and a 3rd bulb for integrated fog lights. I will be ordering an OEM fog lights switch for my dash instead of running the supplied APC fog light switch. Install article coming soon.
135.00
11/06/05Damage158668Broke driver's side mirror
While backing out of the garage today I broke the driver's side mirror -- actually the plastic casing that covers the mirror's hinge.
0.00
10/29/05Modification157200AFE Stage II Intake Install
Installed the AFE Stage II intake & Pro-Guard filter to replace my OEM intake and panel K&N air filter.
450.00
10/15/05Maintenance156819Oil filter change, rotate tires
Changed oil filter and rotated tires. Tires refilled to 70psi each. Coolant additive added.
10.00
10/15/05Modification156819Braided ESOF 4x4 Lines
Replaced the stock rubber vacuum lines for the electronic shift-on-the-fly (ESOF) with braided lines from dieselsite.com. The old lines had to be trimmed back when I did my ball joints due to the rubber getting brittle. With winter slowly approaching, I wanted to replace them with stainless lines to ensure no leaks. See the full install article.
60.00
10/15/05Modification156819Installed Optima Yellow Top Batteries
Installed Optima D34 yellow-top batteries today in hopes that it would cure the battery light problem. So far, it has not -- the battery light still stays on. However, starting is very much improved as the fresh batteries are a welcome change to the 5-year old Motorcraft batteries that originally came in the Excursion. Had to order optima battery mounts separately as these batteries are significantly smaller than the OEM batteries.
300.88
10/10/05Miscellaneous156050battery light flickering
The battery light is still on, but I'm experiencing sluggish starts in the mornings now that the weather is getting colder. The batter light was flickering today while leaving the house. Guess it's time for new batteries after all.
0.00
09/29/05Repair155686Replaced alternator
Replaced original alternator with a refurbished Napa alternator w/ a 3-year warranty. Full install article available here. Battery light is still on.
155.00
09/26/05Miscellaneous155650battery light came on today
Ofter a couple of weird electrical issues this weekend (weak starting & cruise control acting "sticky"), the battery light came on today on the drive home from the office. Upon further investigation with the voltmeter with the engine running, both batteries were showing 12.80-12.85 volts. The alternator was also showing a similar voltage output. All accessories were off.

Since this should normally be in the 14.4 volt range while running, it looks as if the alternator is due for a replacement.
0.00
09/24/05Maintenance155565Replaced front rotors and pads from ART
Replaced my front rotors with completely new pads and rotors. Rotors are from Applied Rotor Technology and the pads are made by Performance Friction Brakes and are also available through ART. Revised install article with video coming soon.
0.00
09/08/05Modification154000New chrome lug nuts
Purchased 32 new chrome lug nuts and am no longer running with the factory wheel beauty caps/rings.
40.00
08/25/05Repair153225replaced missing lugnut
Passenger side rear wheel had very loose lug nuts and one missing lug nut. Purchased a single replacement from Napa and retorqued everything to 160 ft-lbs.
2.44
08/21/05Maintenance152997Oil change, rotated tires, removed roof rack
Changed the oil (Amsoil filter & Amsoil 5W-30 Heavy Duty Diesel synthetic oil).

Rotated tires, inflated to 70psi. Moved Rancho RS9000's down to setting 3 on all four corners (was on setting 4).

Removed 4 roof rack rails...they were chipped and stripped of virtually all their paint, but the paint on the roof looked OK other than a few rub marks from where the rails sat.
120.00
08/15/05Miscellaneous152400Installed Dog/Pet Barrier
Purchased the Precision Pet Vehicle Barrier and 2 extensions from Petco to keep our dog, Baron, from jumping over the 3rd row seat while riding in the Excursion.
128.00
08/02/05Repair151494Windshield replacement
Had the windshield replaced for the 2nd time since buying the X. Gotta love the 0-deductible glass from the insurance company.
0.00
07/21/05Miscellaneous150000Turned over 150,000 miles & brakes warping
Turned over 150,000 miles on a road trip this weekend! Sadly, the brakes are warped again.
0.00
06/26/05Maintenance147349Switched to Amsoil Synthetic ATF
Switched to Amsoil Synthetic transmission fluid. Didn't do a complete flush -- only emptied was was in the pan, valve body, and cooler lines. 12 quarts (of the 18 qt capacity) of Amsoil ATF were added. Will be getting a power flush valve from Dieselsite to make the flushing job easier in the future. Bought way more than enough fluid as well as I was anticipating on installing a deeper transmission pan. When I went to install the pan, the bolts that came with the pan didn't have the same thread pattern as the transmission, so I stuck with the factory transmission pan.
175.00
06/25/05Maintenance147349Rotated tires
0.00
06/25/05Maintenance147349Wash/wax/shampoo
The dog managed to leave a foul stench in the vehicle (not sure if he puked on the carpet at some point or what), but I washed and waxed the exterior, and vacuumed and shampooed the interior. The smell seems to have gone away, but we'll see if the next few days of sitting out in the sun bring the bad smell to the surface. The floor mats have done an excellent job at keeping the carpet spot-free.
15.00
06/25/05Repair147349Swapped front rotors again
Had Napa turn my OEM rotors again so I could take off the ART's that were warped. I also installed the retaining clips for the brake pads (which I had never done). Torqued the lug nuts to 160 ft-lbs this time instead of 165 like I had done in the past. My fingers are crossed that this is the magic combo for long-lasting brake rotors. If it is, I'll wear these pads/rotors down and go back to the ART's in the front again. I'm still running the ART's in back...also still have the ceramic pads on all 4 brakes as well. On the plus side, I can now do brake jobs in my sleep as much as I've done them on the X.
18.00
06/25/05Modification147349Purchased Transmission Parts
Purchased & Installed the following:
Factory Tech Valve Body
Dieselsite external transmission filter kit
Dieselsite External transmission filter gauge
Baldwin Spin-on trans filter
319.74
06/19/05Miscellaneous146850Towing perfected
I now figured out how to properly back the trailer into his driveway with 4x4-LO so that the trans no longer struggles and overheats. Works like a chart. Consequently, I bumped the RS9000 shock settings to #4 and it really improved the towing as well (settings were on 3). I'll most likely bring the tires up a bit more (currently at 55psi, will go to 65psi) for the 4th of July trip.
0.00
06/17/05Maintenance146400Changed Oil Filter, added tranny fluid
Changed Oil Filter, added a couple quarts of oil too as she was low. Also had to add 1 quart of tranny fluid from when it overheated the other day backing the boat trailer into Kirk's driveway.
10.00
06/14/05Miscellaneous145900First big tow
Towed Kirk's boat tonight after he purchased it. Did really well around town and on the highway. Held cruise control and the slight inclines without a problem. When backing into the driveway the trans overheated and started spewing fluid. Fortunately I'm due for a trans flush so I'll take the opportunity to switch to Amsoil synthetic fluid and install a new aftermarket valvebody, external filter, and a deep trans pan.
0.00
05/23/05Miscellaneous143300Brake rotor warping back in full effect
Back to the drawing board on the brakes. The rotors are warped again. There's got to be something else besides the rotors contributing to their constant/consistent warping. I'll dive into it in the next couple of weeks to see if any of the calipers are seized up.
0.00
04/24/05Repair140800Replaced turn signal bulb on passenger side
3.72
04/15/05Maintenance139946Replaced rear differential fluid
Replaced rear differential fluid with Amsoil Severe Gear SAE 75W-140 after realizing I put in Amsoil SAE 75W-90 a couple months ago. Also added Amsoil Slip Lock for the rear limited slip as well.

See the install article at: http://www.fordexcursions.com/installs/install_4/index.php
45.00
04/15/05Maintenance139946Oil Change
Changed Oil (Amsoil 5W-30 Heavy Duty Diesel Synthetic Oil) and oil filter.
100.00
04/15/05Maintenance139946Rotated tires
0.00
04/15/05Repair139946Turned ART rotors
Had the ART rotors machined (finally) at NAPA. Going back to ARTs after they've sat for a long time while I've run the OEM rotors. The OEM rotors are so incredibly warped right now, I'll probably bring them back, get them turned (just in case), and let them sit. I'm going to keep a close eye on the torque values on the lug nuts to ensure the ART's don't warp again. I want these to last for more than 50,000 miles without warping. So far, so good. Glad to no longer have pulsating brakes again!
36.36
04/15/05Repair139946Replaced passenger side parking light
Replaced the passenger side parking light bulb today. Also noticed the passenger blinker is out. The light assembly was full of water and killed both lights. I'll keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't get full of water again. If it doesn't, I'll drill a copule small drain holes.
5.00
04/15/05Repair139946Replaced powerstroke CAC hose
Replaced the leaking CAC hose on the Powerstroke. See the full install article at: http://www.fordexcursions.com/installs/install_5/index.php
15.00
03/04/05Repair135650Alignment
Had the dealership do an alignment on the X. With the new ball joints and LANDYOT radius rods, she drives straight as an error now...effortlessly, too!
79.99
02/12/05Maintenance134204Changed oil filter
Changed the Amsoil filter with a new one...added about 3 quarts of 5W-30 Heavy Duty Amsoil synthetic oil. I've got a leaking CAC hose which is causing some oil to get lost, otherwise most of the replacement was for the oil that came out with the filter.
10.00
02/12/05Maintenance134204Changed power steering fluid
First time it's ever been done on this vehicle. The old stuff had a pretty bad smell. Replaced it with a quart of Valvoline synthetic power steering fluid.
5.00
02/12/05Maintenance134204Replaced rear differential gear oil
First time doing this on the vehicle. Replaced rear differential gear oil with Amsoil synthetic 75W-90 and the additive for the limited slip differential. After further review, 75W-90 is recommended by Amsoil for the frontend, not the rearend. I ordered the correct rearend fluid and will be swapping it out again next weekend. New 75W-90 will also go in the frontend.
60.00
02/12/05Maintenance134204Rotated tires, changed rear shocks to level 3
Rotated the BFGs. Changed the rear RS9000 settings from "4" to "3" for a little softer ride.
0.00
02/12/05Repair134204Replaced parking light bulb
Replacement parking light bulb on passenger side.
4.28
02/12/05Repair New brake pads
Installed new Ceramix Brake pads from Napa. Fronts were part number CMX-7625A and the rears were part number CMX-7626.
161.85
01/15/05Repair132500Replaced ball joints
Replaced the ball joints. The lowers on both sides were completely shot. Lasted pretty long for OEM non-greaseable ball joints. Replaced with OEM Ford parts and ball joints.
350.00
12/30/04Miscellaneous131450Alignment...or not
Went to the dealership for an alignment today and found out the ball joints need replacing. There's a slight pull to the left...doesn't seem to bad, yet. Will probably wait it out a couple of weeks and do the repair myself. In addition to inspecting the alignment, Ford also looked at a few other things on the vehicle. Among them included recommendations to change the power steering fluid, front and rear differential lubricant, front brake pads. Total "quote" was over $1,600. It looks like I'll be spending the next couple of weekends in my extremely cold garage.
19.95
12/04/04Repair129500Fixed broken shock bolts
After many, many months of driving with only 3 shocks, I finally fixed the broken shock mounts on the 4th shock (passenger-side rear) and am rolling with 4 shocks again.
0.00
12/04/04Modification129500LANDYOT radius rod install
I installed the LANDYOT radius rods this weekend on my Excursion. (install article) Very, very pleased with the result. The X is enjoyable to drive again! No more wondering side-to-side in the lanes on the highway, it really tracks in a straight line and has become a breeze to handle.
0.00
11/15/04Maintenance127600Switched to Amsoil, K&N filter cleanup, & more
I switched back to synthetic oil again. I had done it many, many miles ago but now I'm going back for good. My main interest is extending the frequency of oil changes so that I can just swap out a filter ever 5,000 miles but perhaps get 10-20,000 miles out of one run of oil. Based on Amsoil's recommendation, I went with the 5W-30 heavy duty diesel oil. I also added some diesel fuel condition and cetane boost in hopes of clearing up anything in the fuel system and to breath some life into the 7.3L which is slowly approaching 130,000 miles. Cleaned my K&N filter as well today. Lubed up everything underneath the vehicle with Amsoil synthetic grease, too. Finally, I adjusted the front shocks to setting 3 and the rear to setting 4 on my Rancho 9000's. Initial driving tests shows smoother operation of the Powerstroke and naturally a bit more solid, stiffer ride with the shocks on the new settings. Love the ability to change the X's driving characterstics after one afternoon of work.
209.80
08/13/04Maintenance119679Oil change
76.45
08/13/04Repair119679Engine Oil Leak
Had to have the X towed into Ford due to a significant oil leak that started out of the blue. Ford found that the high pressure pump fittings were leaking and replaced the o-rings.
225.34
08/13/04Modification119679New BF Goodrich Rugged Trail T/A Tires
Thanks to the Firestone Steeltex recall and Ford recommending all Excursions go with a load "E" rated tire (my Steeltex's were load "D" range), I got 5 new BF Goodrich Rugged Trail T/A Tires for free!
0.00
08/09/04Modification119400Installed Alpine CDA-9827 CD/MP3 Deck
I found a good deal on Ebay for an Alpine CDA-9827 CD/MP3 deck for $169 + $30 s/h. I installed it to run in tandem with my CVA-1005. My changer has been on the fritz for sometime and it's out of warranty. I wanted to have mp3 CD capabilities as well as an in-dash CD player again (after 4 years of going without one, I was due for in-dash CD capabilities). The CDA-9827 runs through the CVA-1005 brain and simply acts as another Auxiliary input. I am running the radio and in-dash player through the CVA-1005. The CVA-1005 retains all "master control" features like fading, balance, sub volume, and master volume...I just keep the display hidden in the dash and will only need it for video viewing purposes. The only problem now is figuring out where the infrared is on the CVA-1005 because the remote that came with the CDA-9827 controls both units simultaneously. Not good when you're switching sources or adjusting volume!
201.90
07/23/04Maintenance117362oil change
Went a little over the 5,000 mile interval again. Going to switch back to Amsoil at some point to extend the time between oil change intervals. Still very happy with this vehicle...she just keeps plugging away day in and day out without a problem at all.
60.00
05/21/04Miscellaneous111500mileage update
Still running without a chip...just have the K&N and exhaust. I'm craving the power of a chip, these things are really pathetic without one! Continues to run like a champ from a reliability standpoint, however.
0.00
05/17/04Maintenance110660oil change
55.10
03/30/04Repair109000warped ART rotors, reinstalled OEM rotors
Had my original rotors resurfaced...finally have non-pulsating brakes again. Going to have to get the ART rotors resurfaced again shortly because the stock rotors don't seem to stop as well as the ART's. Fortunately Napa can turn rotors for $9/ea which is very affordable. The new air tools make rotor swapping a breeze.
40.00
03/30/04Damage broken shock bolts
Noticed that I have a broken shock bolt so I had to remove one of the rear shocks. One of the top shock bolts broke in half and is now stuck in the threaded hole so I need to figure out a way to replace it. Oddly enough, the X still handles OK with only one shock in the rear.
0.00
02/01/04Miscellaneous100000mileage update
2/1/2004
Turned over 100,000 miles. Still runs like a champ. Only piddly broken thing to date is the seat warmer on the driver's side. As long as the passenger seat warmer works for the wife, this is not a crucial problem that needs fixing right away.
0.00
09/15/03Miscellaneous90000trans update
Turned over 90,000 miles. New trans is working fine. Haven't re-installed the chip out of fear of Ford voiding future warranty work. Will reconsider my options once the truck turns over the 100,000 mile mark.
0.00
08/14/03Damage87000dead transmission
Trans died. Don't think it could handle the improved shifting and new torque converter...serves me right for upgrading after 87,000 miles. Ford Motor Company chose to void my warranty due to the installation of a chip. I have a sour taste in my mouth after that customer service experience but what can you do.
3,000.00
08/04/03Modification85000Aftermarket torque converter
Got the Excursion back from the transmission shop. I'm testing a torque converter for Mike Lovrich from Inglewood Transmission out of California. Also had a TransGo shiftkit installed. This baby really hauls now. Torque converter lockup is great...no more slippage between shifts or while cruising along!!!
650.00
07/07/03Repair85403Replaced Cam Position Sensor
Replaced cam position sensor under 100K Powerstroke warranty. Had to also pay for the towing charge to get the X to the dealership. Sensor is Ford part # F7TZ12K073A
145.00
01/10/03Repair Repaired body damage
Finally had the body work done from the damage in November. She's dent-free once again!
0.00
11/09/02Damage Another OOPS
Somebody else backed into the Excursion! $1800 paid by their insurance.
0.00
07/17/02Damage Parking lot incident
Somebody backed into the rear of the Excursion in the parking lot and dented the bumper. $500 paid by their insurance.
0.00
07/01/02Miscellaneous5500055,000 miles after 2 years
Turned over 55,000 miles in just under 2 years of ownership.
0.00
06/04/02Miscellaneous