FordExcursions.com Forums
mustanglane
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• Plattsburgh, NY, USA |
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• Registered on 11/2/2006 |
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• 2 posts |
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 Posted:11/4/2006 19:39 |
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I know that there has been some discussion of this before, HOWEVER, given that the "X" is no longer in production, I was wondering if ANYONE has heard of this being done. Have a 03 DIESEL but was bought in S Fla BEFORE I transferred to upstate NY. A check of current prices for USED 05/06 DIESEL "X"s shows that I would spend 20-25K to upgrade to a USED vehicle, ASSUMING I could sell my 2WD (at 65K miles) I have been looking at a few sites that show wrecked vehicles for sale (mostly RIDESAFELY.COM) and even really bad wrecked diesel Xs are going for 8K.
I would only attempt this if I could find a donor 03 or newer vehicle to make the swaps. A related question - how different are the suspension parts on an F250/F350? Which one of these models would yield the most usable parts (like correct length drive shafts etc) I am quite mechanically adept, and have gone so far as to convert a 67 Mustang coupe to a convertible, and add a late model 5.0 drive train AFTER modifying the front suspension to a Mustang II style system, so I am not put off by the complexity - just trying to do some research to see if there are any real show stoppers. ANY help or guidance would be appreciated - HATE to sell the "X" for anything else that I have seen out there. |
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LANDYOT
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• Subscriber since 11/23/2003 |
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• Newport News, VA, USA |
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• Registered on 7/15/2003 |
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• 1,110 posts |
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Posted:11/5/2006 09:07 |
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WELCOME to the X-Files. 
There are no '06 Excursions ... '05 was the last model year, and production was stopped in Sept.'05. I can appreciate the mechanically adept thing (go look in my gallery to see the GT40 replica I built). The difficulty level would not be bad. Don't forget to add the 4WD controls to the dashboard, signal lights in the instrument panel, along with the associated wiring and vacuum lines. The biggest obstacle would be switching to a GEM that recognizes the 4WD circuits, AND wiring harnesses (mostly dashboard harnesses).
I think the question for you isn't so much about difficulty, but more about cost, and at what price do you value your personal time. If a newer X would cost you $23K (mid-range of your $20-$25K figures), but a wrecked X can be had for $8K, then you have to decide if all the work is worth $15K ... and you know that "all the work" can be many, many hours of research and scavenging BEFORE any wrenches get turned. Also, your VIN will always say your X is 2WD, and that may come back to haunt you later on ... either for insurance, taxes, or resale.
You're looking to spend a lot of time and money to create a vehicle that can be easily purchased and driven off a sales lot ... albeit, for more $$$. If it were me, I'd get an existing 4WD, sell the 2WD (in Florida), and spend the time on other things. But I'm not you, and only you can decide if it's a worthwhile endeavor.
Good luck and let us hear what you decide.  |
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mustanglane
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• Plattsburgh, NY, USA |
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• Registered on 11/2/2006 |
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• 2 posts |
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Posted:11/5/2006 19:50 |
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Thanks for the reply - will have to check out that GT40! This is but one consideration to my needs for 4X4 - Funny, a co-worker just moved here from S Fla also, and I told him there really is no need for 4x4 - EXCEPT to get up my own driveway!!! We actually could not get the "X" up there last weekend, even after plowing! The main roads locally are ALWAYS passable, as the local authorities are VERY good about snow removal.
The "X" is actually driven entirely by the wife, who loves it more than me I think!  - Not likely she will part with it!
What is the GEM you refer to - is that the body computer? As I mentioned in the first post, I would only attempt this IF I could find a complete wreck to use as a doner - that should yield all the necessary harnesses etc. That is also what led to the other part of the question, as to whether any of the F-250/350 line could also be considered for doner status. That would broaden out the playing field for possible doners.
As for personal time, you are completely on the mark - however, I also have some 'hidden weapons" Two live in sons (21-22), one of which is rated as an ASE master mech (sadly in HONDAs though----) so I have LOTS of help!
It really is too bad that FORD abandoned the X - they just never really promoted it like GM did for the Burb - who knows, maybe they'll bring it back in a year or so.
Will keep the forum posted as to what I learn as I look into this further.
Thanks again! |
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LANDYOT
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• Subscriber since 11/23/2003 |
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• Newport News, VA, USA |
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• Registered on 7/15/2003 |
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• 1,110 posts |
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Posted:11/6/2006 20:01 |
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| Quote: | | What is the GEM you refer to - is that the body computer? |
The GEM (General Electronic Module) controls everything not related directly to/with the drivetrain. If it's electrical, and not part of the engine or transmission management system, it is controlled and/or monitored through the GEM. I recently replaced mine just because my horn stopped working ... which also meant new access code for the driver-door keypad, and getting the key-fobs reprogrammed.
When I added GT-style OEM fog lights to my wife's '05 V6 Mustang, the Ford service tech had to telephone FOMOCO just to get the code in order for her GEM to "recognize" the foglight circuit. I installed the GT grille, lights, wiring harness, dahsboard switch, and added a fuse in the appropriate slot, yet STILL had to get the correct code added to the GEM's memory. BTW, not all V6 Stangs came with the required wiring under the dashboard. Fortunately, my wife's was an early '05 model that had it (several wires were dropped from later model harnesses). |
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absolutezero273c
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• Toledo, OH, USA |
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• Registered on 4/9/2004 |
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• 81 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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Posted:12/1/2006 11:46 |
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It's good to hear that I'm not crazy and that someone else besides me is contemplating converting from a 2x4 to a 4x4.
I bought mine from Texas and brought it up to Ohio.
Also good to know there might be some electronic settings (i.e. GEM) that might need to be taken into consideration other than the obvious axles, transfer case, drive shafts, dash mounted controls, etc.
Now I just need to save my money so I can afford these other parts.
Cheers.
2001 Excursion XLT 7.3L 2x4 145K
2001 Flagstaff 829-BHS |
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LANDYOT
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• Subscriber since 11/23/2003 |
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• Newport News, VA, USA |
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• Registered on 7/15/2003 |
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• 1,110 posts |
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Posted:12/1/2006 12:10 |
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| Quote: | | Now I just need to save my money so I can afford these other parts. |
About the only way to ensure you get all the parts is to buy a wrecked 4WD Excursion, and swap out parts. Wiring harnesses alone are very expensive if bought separately. Even if you were to get a wrecked one, the total cash outlay would still be higher than just buying a 4WD model & selling your 2WD ... and that doesn't even address the cost of your time & the space needed to do the work.
| Quote: | | It's good to hear that I'm not crazy and that someone else besides me is contemplating converting from a 2x4 to a 4x4. |
Who said you BOTH weren't crazy? 
If you have the time and space, go for it. There are many projects I enjoy doing because it's the journey I enjoy more than the destination. If your whole desire is to simply HAVE a 4WD, then the journey getting there can be much less costly if you were to buy one. But if it's the journey you seek ... the seemingly endless hours of searching, researching, and wrenching ... then please post a thread of your progress. |
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monsta
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• The Big Island, HI, USA |
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• Registered on 1/5/2002 |
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• 1,056 posts |
• 2 Vehicles
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Posted:12/4/2006 22:32 |
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A better way to go about this would be to find a wrecked F250/350 (doesn't matter they are the same up front) that has a MANUAL TRANSFER CASE!
Adding a manual X-fer case would negate the need for complicated wiring issues.
The entire front frame could be removed to replace yours. Not that difficult from what I understand. You'll need a new driveshaft (rear) and the cross member that supports the X-fer case.
The hole for the shifter is there somewhat. It'll have to be cut out but I think the outline is there.
Just think...do that and you'll never have to worry about resale because guys would be lining up & down the street to buy an Excursion with a manual X-fer case and hubs. 
If you do this...one caveat. You'll need to let the transfer case know that the transmission is in Neutral. I do not know how to do this. But without that you won't be able to shift it into 4LO. Another fella I talked to who put a manual case in place of his auto case ran into this problem. I suggested it to him but do no tknow the final outcome of how he "fixed" it. Surely it is just a simple switch.
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absolutezero273c
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• Toledo, OH, USA |
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• Registered on 4/9/2004 |
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• 81 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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Posted:1/31/2008 13:56 |
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Just caught up to this now. You know that part of the above posts that mention time...well...that is NOT what I have right now.
Sorry for the stupid question, but what is the added value of a "manual" transfer case?
2001 Excursion XLT 7.3L 2x4 145K
2001 Flagstaff 829-BHS |
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LANDYOT
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• Subscriber since 11/23/2003 |
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• Newport News, VA, USA |
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• Registered on 7/15/2003 |
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• 1,110 posts |
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Posted:1/31/2008 15:25 |
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| Quote: | | Sorry for the stupid question, but what is the added value of a "manual" transfer case? |
First, there is no such thing as a stupid question if it's one whose answer will enlighten you.
Second, many folks who do a lot of 4-wheelin' prefer the manual transfer case because it's simpler, and does not rely on other components to be activated. Put it in gear, and that's it. No electronics or wires to break, nor any vacuum lines that can leak. Me? I had no qualms with the manual transfer case & hubs on my old FJ40 Landcruiser. But I also now enjoy the luxury of simply turning a switch to engage FWD.
Also, to activate a manual transfer case & hubs, the vehicle must be stopped, and you must get out of the vehicle to engage the hubs ... sometimes during inclement weather. The "luxury" of turning a switch is being able to do that from your driver's seat where you're high & dry ... and be able to do it on the fly, too.
One more benefit to the manual transfer case is the ability to use PTO ... Power Take-Off. One used to be able to purchase winches that were powered by your engine via the PTO shaft of the transfer case. Basically, it's a neutral position for the driveshafts (they don't turn), while it engages an extra output shaft which is attached to the winch. Farm tractors often have a PTO shaft at their aft end to power things like bush-hogs or generators. |
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absolutezero273c
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• Toledo, OH, USA |
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• Registered on 4/9/2004 |
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• 81 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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Posted:1/31/2008 17:22 |
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Thanks for the reply, Landyot.
I could see the use for the manual transfer case now that you mention it. And it would be nice not to have to worry about the electronics and vacuum hoses failing. And I have always thought it would be a cool thing to have a PTO for what ever the need.
But could you have a manual transfer case AND a switch on the dash to engage the hubs?
If I were to get a frame/chassis from a 250/350 do they still offer manual hubs and transfer cases on the newer models?
2001 Excursion XLT 7.3L 2x4 145K
2001 Flagstaff 829-BHS |
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