FordExcursions.com Forums
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:11/26/2006 17:50 |
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My initial impressions of the '05 EB are pretty good:
The first thing I notice when I sit in the EB are the smaller front buckets. The '01 was definitely more plush in that area, and the '05 2-tone (tan & black) seats are a little more firm ... but still quite comfortable. While the 2nd row bench in the '01 had a couple cup-holders in the fold-down center armrest, the '05 has none. The '05 has a couple seat repairs to be made ... one side of the pocket on the back of the passenger seat has pulled out, and the velcro that retains the cargo panels on the back of the 2nd row is missing ... the panels will not stay in an upright position.
The '01 did not have the adjustable pedals with memory settings. The switch for adjusting the pedals takes away some width from that handy lil' dashboard cubby-hole. There's still a cubby-hole, but it's smaller, and did not come with the little rubber mat that was in the '01.
The selector knobs in the front hubs actually WORK on the '05. I could never move 'em on the '01, and subsequently covered them when I installed aftermarket wheels and hubcaps. I'll have to make a note to keep them lubed ... possibly at every oil change. BTW, I change oil every 3K miles.
The HVAC & radio controls on the steering wheel of the '05 are a nice addition. The '01 had analog HVAC controls while the '05 are digital.
My stepson has already enjoyed the DVD player. Albeit, that's a feature that means nothing to this driver ... except for slowing down the incessant talking that used to eminate from the rear seat. I lost 4 CDs when I traded in the '01 because I could not get the in-dash stacker to spit 'em out. Fortunately, 2 were CD's that didn't mean much to me, and the other 2 were some CD-Rs I had burned with tracks from other CDs ... and I can replace those.
I rotated the tires today, front to rear. I did have a small fit trying to locate the lug wrench. It was stowed atop the radiator in the '01, but I had a time finding it in the '05. Now who in their right mind would think of keeping the lug wrench with the spare tire? (hee hee) Yep! Found it inside the spare tire cover. Always wondered what that pocket was for with the '01.
The '05 came with a rear cargo area carpet cover with slots for the tiedown hoops. Never had one on the '01 ... just kept that area covered with an old furniture pad. But the '01 had a small cover on the detachment lever of the 3rd row seats, and it's absent on the '05. It was a nice touch, but not absolutely necessary.
I removed the OEM roof rack crossbars (only 2 versus the 4 that were on the '01), and installed the 4 raised crossbars I modified from a couple Explorers.
My wife says the '05 rides better. I think so, too, but I haven't figured out exactly why. The handling seems a little "lighter," but I attribute that to the OEM sized tires versus the 305-70R-16s I had on the '01. BTW, I'll probably stay with the 265 tires 'cause moving up to the 305s didn't gain me anything other a better appearance on the '01.
I can feel the normal Excursion reverberation in the rear suspension, and have sensed some minor wandering, so radius-rods are in the '05's very near future. Also, I am impressed with the OEM rear anti-swaybar. I haven't measured it, but it attaches just at the edge of the pumpkin head, and it feels like it performs as well as the Hellwig bar I had on the '01.
The '01 had a tad over 94K miles on her, but I could feel that the tranny was starting to show some signs of a short lifespan. It just didn't move as well anymore, slipped a miniscule amount when I towed a buddy's car a week ago, and I could feel some vibrations that worried me ... slow-speed vibrations ... almost like a light grinding feel ... loose parts being chewed up ... I don't know for certain.
In any case, when the news came out last year that the '05 would be the last, I calculated that late this year or early-2007 would be the right time for me to get one ... and keep my payments about the same. Speaking of which, I bought the '01 in Jan.2003 with a $26,990 sticker in the window, and the '05 had a $26,995 sticker a week ago (not actual selling prices). I loved the '01, but she was going to cost me about $4,500 to $6,000 in maintenance costs within the next year, so when the opportunity arose to buy a decent '05 at the price I wanted, I jumped.
Still, a tear almost left my eye when I was pulling off the dealer's lot, and stopped to look at LANDYOT-I for the last time. I only put 41K miles on her, but they were the best 41K miles I ever had. |
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E. Long
 
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• Subscriber since 1/1/2001 |
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• Atlanta, GA, USA |
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• Registered on 1/23/2001 |
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• 2,229 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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Posted:11/27/2006 07:22 |
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Nice update so far on the "new" '05 X. Wish I could do a similar upgrade, but the 175K I've put on my X just has me attached to it that I want to put another 175K on it. Mine is in need of some TLC since I haven't been driving it much lately (the Mustang is a lot of fun  )...I think the power steering pump is dying a slow death, busted the top rear shock bolts again, front suspension is basically riding on the bump-stops, batteries keep dying so I have to do some electrical troubleshooting...which I hate, etc. etc.
I keep telling myself that I need to drive it into the ground in order to "get my money's worth." The fact that I've already driven it 175K is quite an accomplishment, but with a very short daily commute these days, I can't part with it just yet. I have a feeling '07 will be somewhat of an expensive year for it when I replace the suspension and other failed parts. I feel a new transmission in my future, too, as we slowly approach 100K on this remanufacturered 4R100.
Can't wait to see pics of your '05!
-Eric
'67 Galaxie 500 - 390 FE, .030" over, FE to AOD adapter, disc brake conversion. The Daily Driver.
'00 Excursion - 7.3L PSD, LANDYOT Gen-II Radius Rods, Factory Tech Valve Body, 200K+ miles and going |
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NASCAR-Mike
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• Richmond, VA, USA |
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• Registered on 9/14/2005 |
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• 20 posts |
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Posted:11/28/2006 06:32 |
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I have a 2005 EB X that I bought new in Aug 2005. I never really understood those radius rods you make as my EB X drives great on the road. I am not doubting that they work, I just never saw a need for my X. Do you think you will need to install the radius rods on your new EB X?
I just ordered bilstein heavy duty shocks for my X. I wanted to firm up the road a little more. The Bilsteins did wonders to my 96 Crown Vic.
I live in RIchmond so maybe we can meet sometime. I would like to see firsthand how your radius rods work.
Good luck with your new EB X!
2005 Ford Excursion Eddie Bauer 6.0 diesel
1996 Ford Crown Victoria P74
1994 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 SUPERCHARGED |
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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:11/28/2006 19:58 |
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| Quote: | | I have a 2005 EB X that I bought new in Aug 2005. I never really understood those radius rods you make as my EB X drives great on the road. I am not doubting that they work, I just never saw a need for my X. Do you think you will need to install the radius rods on your new EB X? |
Mike - Yes, I will definitely install them on my '05 EB. Admittedly, my '05 rides real nice compared to the '01, but I can feel the '05 rear axle reverberating over bumps (such as railroad crossings), and I do feel a bit of wander.
The wander isn't as bad as I remember experiencing in my '01 during its pre-radius-rod days, but I haven't driven the same roads where the '01 wandered to the point that it scared the stuffings out of me. Right now, I do not feel all that comfortable driving the '05 with only one hand on the wheel. After I installed the radius-rods on the '01, I could drive it with one finger and a thumb ... even while towing.
I sent you an e-mail. Send me your address (never post it in an online forum) and I'll forward the radius-rod info pack your way. And yes, after I get the radius-rods installed, I'll be more than happy to let you throw mine around some roads anywhere between here and Richmond. Drive a set course in yours, then do it again driving mine.
Right now, I've got another problem. I'm dropping off the passenger and 2nd-row seats for some minor repair (real minor ... estimate was $45). But I also need my local dealer (Bowditch Ford) to schedule an appointment with a "Leak Doctor." I've got dampness in the rear cargo area ... the pad and carpet are wet (pulled it all out tonight). It doesn't smell like antifreeze, so it's not the rear heater ... likewise with the rear windshield washer. So, I've got a leak coming from either the roof rack main rail bolts, the rear side vent windows, or the rear liftgate. One thing I've noticed is the the seals behind the rear side vent windows appear to be a different design than what was on my '01.
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NASCAR-Mike
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• Richmond, VA, USA |
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• Registered on 9/14/2005 |
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• 20 posts |
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Posted:11/29/2006 06:34 |
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Have you upgraded your shocks? I know the stock shocks are way to soft.
I am wondering how much better my X will drive once I get the Bilsteins on.
2005 Ford Excursion Eddie Bauer 6.0 diesel
1996 Ford Crown Victoria P74
1994 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 SUPERCHARGED |
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E. Long
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• Subscriber since 1/1/2001 |
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• Atlanta, GA, USA |
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• Registered on 1/23/2001 |
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• 2,229 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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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:11/29/2006 16:08 |
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| Quote: | | Have you upgraded your shocks? |
When I replaced the OEM shocks on the '01, it was at 53K miles. I installed Rancho adjustables, and it made a difference. Huge? No, but it was noticeable. I am not feeling or seeing the effects of worn shocks on the '05 ... and I only assume they are the OEM units. So for now, I am leaving the shocks on. In fact, it was after replacing the shocks and installing a Hellwig anti-swaybar on the '01 that I realized the rear suspension needed something more, and that's when I developed the radius-rods. I remember thinking back then that if I had installed the radius-rods first, I probably would've left the OEM shocks on the truck.
| Quote: | | I've got a leak coming from either the roof rack main rail bolts, the rear side vent windows, or the rear liftgate. |
Update: While driving to the upholstery shop this afternoon, I tried a little test. Today was dry except for a brief shower early this morning. I left the front & rear AC blowing full blast the whole time. When I got to the shop, about 6 miles away, the rear cargo area was still dry (carpet is out). I figured the leak wasn't the AC due to the dryness, and condensate was falling onto the tailpipe. However, I left the AC blowing, and once I got home, there was water coming from beneath the right rear interior panel. My source of water must be the rear AC condensate. I'll pull my factory '01 service manual tonight, and review what all is involved to repair it myself. In the meantime, I've got an appointment penciled in with the service dept. at Bowditch on Monday.
BTW, once I get around to ordering a set of '05 service manuals and wiring diagrams, I'll list the '01 manuals in the classified section here for a couple weeks. |
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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:12/7/2006 17:28 |
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| Quote: | | Right now, I've got another problem. I'm dropping off the passenger and 2nd-row seats for some minor repair (real minor ... estimate was $45). But I also need my local dealer (Bowditch Ford) to schedule an appointment with a "Leak Doctor." I've got dampness in the rear cargo area ... the pad and carpet are wet (pulled it all out tonight). It doesn't smell like antifreeze, so it's not the rear heater ... likewise with the rear windshield washer. So, I've got a leak coming from either the roof rack main rail bolts, the rear side vent windows, or the rear liftgate. One thing I've noticed is the the seals behind the rear side vent windows appear to be a different design than what was on my '01. |
UPDATE:
1st - I heard wrong ... the seat repair estimate was $45 for EACH of the 3 seats. Oh well ... was still a bargain and Lee's Upholstery in Newport News did a wonderful job.
2nd - I found the leak on my own. The condensate from the rear AC is not draining properly. It is dropping out onto the tailpipe, but some of it is ending up inside the cargo area. The problem now is I need to wait for warmer, more humid weather to duplicate the problem at the dealer. They couldn't get any condensate to fall (rear or front) on a 50-some degree day with a humidity level that was below 45%.
I glued a new pad onto the carpet this evening, and will let it sit a couple days before putting it back in. I may stick a Post-It note on the rear AC control panel knobs to remind me NOT to run that unit until the water source is verified and repaired. |
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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:12/9/2006 15:31 |
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Another observation (minor) ...
When I filled the tank on the '01, it would take 50 to 70 miles before the gauge needle started dropping below the full mark. With the '05, the needle is down to the 3/4-full mark after just 75 or 80 miles of local driving. They both get the same MPG, it's just that the gauge on the '05 drops sooner. |
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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:12/26/2006 16:51 |
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| Quote: | | I have a 2005 EB X that I bought new in Aug 2005. I never really understood those radius rods you make as my EB X drives great on the road. I am not doubting that they work, I just never saw a need for my X. Do you think you will need to install the radius rods on your new EB X? I live in RIchmond so maybe we can meet sometime. I would like to see firsthand how your radius rods work. |
After assembling a few Christmas toys for my stepson, and installing a set of new Mustang GT "take-off" wheels/tires (zero miles) on my wife's V6 'Stang, today was a day for me to tend to my own stuff. I finally got a chance to install a GEN-IV weld-on radius-rod kit on the new-to-me '05. This GEN-IV kit was one I had set aside a few months back for this occasion.
Granted, y'all may think I'm biased with my comments, but it was so nice to drive the '05 with the radius-rods installed. The rear end now feels "sure footed" ... much less squirrelly (is that a word?). I could tell a pronounced difference before I got out of my neighborhood ... found myself aiming for bumps in the road just to feel how much better the X responds now. Bump-bump and it's over with ... done ... no more bump-bump-oompity-oomp. Braking in traffic was better, too. I popped out onto the interstate for a few miles ... smooth ... one-finger control is back. My confidence in driving this X is back up to the level I enjoyed with the '01.
So Mike? Give me a holler if you still want to try mine, and we'll schedule a meeting place and time. Do you like Williamsburg? And do you like barbecue? Pierce's Barbecue (visible from eastbound I-64) is a local favorite that's usually not full of tourists.
ANOTHER THING I've noticed different between the '01 and '05 ... the '01 had an underhood light where the '05 does not. |
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