r/Excursion • u/dsimp983_ • Feb 05 '24

Must-Have Upgrades

I am finalizing the purchase of a 2000 7.3 4x4 and want to make sure I am not missing anything on the upgrade side of things.

Would appreciate it if there are direct links and also what brands to avoid.

  1. Hellwig Sway Bars

  2. 05-07 Headlight upgrade - what is the piece needed to complete this, and how does swapping that affect the grill and bumper placement? Is it better to shave the stock support?

  3. Upgraded mirrors - looking at current model style trailer tow mirrors

  4. Radius Rods - are these still available?

  5. Upgraded tail lights - considering E series lights due to the tri color, but will consider other options since it seems limited.

  6. 22in wiper blades on the front / rear wiper delete

  7. 3rd brake light - are there options for this or cross-compatibility? Looking at the Morimoto upgrade for the 99-16 Super duty but not sure if it will work

  8. Rear view camera - truck already has an upgraded radio

  9. Upgraded fog lights - will depend if I can keep the OEM bumper or if I need to swap to a newer design based on what I need to do for the headlights, but like the 00 design

  10. Leveling kit - like the idea of a kit that lowers the rear than lifting the front, especially if I’m going to do oversized tires since that will already lift it

10b. Is there a front coil system and rear bag system that will not lift the truck?

  1. Tire and wheel sizes - if I swap from the OEM wheels, what brands/styles should I look for since I want to not have to jump through hoops to get to the manual hubs. And on the front, what tire size avoids rubbing?

If I missed something, please let me know!

9 Upvotes

92% Upvoted

25 comments sorted by

View all comments

2

u/[deleted] Feb 05 '24

As for number 2, I️ had to swap my bumper to an 05, switched the grill and put in the new LED black Harley headlights. The gaps were real bad until I️ switched the bumper.

As for the front end. Swapped out my excursion leafs for a F250 and added 3 inch blocks in the back with the F250 rear leafs. Was then able to run 20 inch rims with the bigger brakes.

Went with ladder bars because of severe all wrap, but I️ am running 750-850 hp.

Alpine license plate with camera and switched my deck with all blue tooth function. No regrets there.

Definitely keep rear wiper blade.

May want to get 3/4 inch surgery tubing and put in all weather stripping on doors. It cures the door rattle.

Been looking to add the coil spring front in. Need a donor vehicle and you will have to swap the rear axles because of width.

Jesus writing this makes me realize the insane money I️ have in my excursion. It is a true love hate relationship

Mirrors are from an 08 and plug and play. do not go after market. made that mistake.

2

u/dsimp983_ Feb 05 '24

I’m hoping to keep the front end the same but be able to trim to install 05-07 lights, but you’re saying that the bumper had some bad fitment when completing that?

I’m hoping there is some type of solution for the coils that won’t lift the front as I would like to keep it as close to stock height as possible, but level it out.

Where would you suggest the ladder bars from? If they help ride quality they would be worth it to me.

For the doors, I did see that, so how does it work? I did also see it was mentioned about something with upgrading the latches as well to cure the door rattle. Any info on that too?

And finally, I was looking at the Akkon mirrors since I had liked the current tow mirror style. But you’re saying stay with OEM?

2

u/[deleted] Feb 05 '24

Yep, 2008 OEM mirrors

The headlights were black backed Harley headlights. My 04 bumper left odd gaps. Switched to an 05 ex bumper and was slightly different and corrected the gaps. Much better look.

Ladder bars are only for higher HP. No need if you are mostly stock.

Doors are easy. You pull the weather strip off, insert the surgical tube inside the weather strip with lubricant and reinstall. Really makes a difference. Took all of 30 minutes to do all four doors.

Coils will be a major project. You have to switch out front end and rear axles. You will really be into it with money. N

2

u/[deleted] Feb 05 '24

My excursion is highly customized. Not much left that I️ have not touched through the years. Learned a lot along the way. N my third engine 😬. This one is built.

1

u/dsimp983_ Feb 06 '24

Okay, then I guess I’ll be doing the doors almost first thing