[keith_1963]

I saw a thread here a few days ago that listed the first things to do as a new X owner, I remember changing wipers as one, can someone point me to that thread or give me the list? I've been going nuts with my rear wiper staying on the glass, even bought some spring gizmo from the net, it worked for a few months but now the wiper wont stay again.

 

[MotionMan]

I bought a contoured one, not the rain X expensive one but the same design, it holds the rear window great, I drive 1000s of miles in the winter and it always clears from top to bottom. You can get the 2wd rear struts for the hatch, it gives you another 2"s of lift. These are the cheap fixes, shocks, front leaf springs Vcode) air bags, sway bar in rear, cab lights, mud flaps...the sky is the limit.

 

[keith_1963]

Thanks moto

I'll look into those shaped wipers. I did the mod where I put the 2wd gate lifts on, it helps, although at a little over 6'3" I still need to duck a little, much better than before though. Im reading about the hellwig rear sway bar, I might do that pretty soon, then the front spring mod. Also thinking about replacing the muffler with the Walker BTM, do you take out the cat when you do that?

 

[MotionMan]

I bet you don't have a CC, my 03 with a 7.3 doesn't one.

 

[Hoowasat]

I saw a thread here a few days ago that listed the first things to do as a new X owner ...

Is this the one you saw?
Top 5 Must Do's for new Excursion Owners | SuperMotors.net

 

[MattN]

Having installed the Hellwig rear bar last night, I'd like to insert some comments about it. Yes, it has a dramatic effect on handling. But, it is a MAJOR P.I.T.A. to install. The directions are incomprehensible. The install photos are useless. And the hardware is ill fitting. For $200+, I expected better quality than that. If there are other options out there, I might check those out. Being a weekend car racer, I am a veteran of several suspension installs. If I didn't have that previous experience to fall back on, I would have been completely lost with those directions.

 

[caryt]

1st and most important thing to do ASAP is throw away the K&N filter..not for diesels!!!
If you want the best filter you can get get a Tymar or do a clone system.

Second get a exhaust system..4" of your choice.

Third a TW 6pos chip

4th a WW and a boost fooler

Suspension:

V and modded B codes with Bilsteins and a 30 mm rear factory swaybar

I only have experence with my modded B codes and they ride great and tow very well. I have helped many over the years do this mod and can get you instructions and pics, PM me with your email.

Since the price for a 30mm factory bar is so reasonable thats my choice.

Correct shock valving is a key factor in the ride comfort and handling...Bilsteins.

The perfect setup IMO is a 3" hanger kit V and B codes a 30mm bar and dual Bilsteins in front. The Ex needs wider rims..9" min with 12.5" wide tires to get a stable base under it. These mods will turn the unsafe handling EX into a canyon carving joy to drive.

Cary

 

[Pharmer]

For the rear wiper you may need WD40 on the hinge. Just changing the wiper won't help. The rear window collects alot of road debris that binds up the wiper pivot. A nice addition is the 08 Ford finned rear diff. cover. I also added 3rd row headrests from a Dodge minivan.

 

[dougger222]

The best thing I did to all three is to put 03 dash mount cup holders in them. The X also got a newer cup holder between the seats.

No more Super Sized drinks on the floor!

 

[BobBarry]

Having installed the Hellwig rear bar last night, I'd like to insert some comments about it. Yes, it has a dramatic effect on handling. But, it is a MAJOR P.I.T.A. to install. The directions are incomprehensible. The install photos are useless. And the hardware is ill fitting. For $200+, I expected better quality than that. If there are other options out there, I might check those out. Being a weekend car racer, I am a veteran of several suspension installs. If I didn't have that previous experience to fall back on, I would have been completely lost with those directions.

Huh; my Hellwig bolted right on, and made a dramatic improvement in handling. Aside from trying to figure out which pre-existing hole in the frame to mount the upper link to, and jacking the truck up/down to get a straight shot on that bolt with a socket-wrench, and tightening the bend on the supplied u-bolts in a vise, everything slid right into place.

Better shocks (Bilstein or Rancho 9000XL) and tires are my suggestion for first improvements.

 

[MattN]

Huh; my Hellwig bolted right on, and made a dramatic improvement in handling. Aside from trying to figure out which pre-existing hole in the frame to mount the upper link to, and jacking the truck up/down to get a straight shot on that bolt with a socket-wrench, and tightening the bend on the supplied u-bolts in a vise, everything slid right into place.

Better shocks (Bilstein or Rancho 9000XL) and tires are my suggestion for first improvements.

:Shrug: I dunno. All the hardware needed alot of force to go together correctly. Nothing was "easy".

Handling is improved though.