Excursion 12v/nv4500

[Gots_a_sol]

So some buddies and I decided to start racing our dirt bikes, problem was, my old club cab did not have the necessary seating to haul everybody.




I made the decision to part it out, but kept the drivetrain for future use



While collecting some parts, I decided to wash up the engine and throw on a coat of paint. I also at this time converted the nv4500 from a 2wd to 4wd.





I had picked up the Ex about the time I parted out the dodge, which looked like this. Way too soccer mom.



This is what it looks like now. 2005+ lights/grill/bumper/side steps/front coil suspension and wheels plus 2008 tow mirrors which are amazing. Also got rid of all the side moldings.




But she still suffered from too-many-cylinders-itis (v10) so decided to fix that this week.



And with the 12v sitting in there. It will probably get moved back some from this pic






And that is where I'm at now.

[ellis93]

Sweet project......Andy is pondering on one now,tho with him,it'll only take 10yrs to do it. If it doesn't get sold first

[dazedandconfused]

Sweet project......Andy is pondering on one now,tho with him,it'll only take 10yrs to do it. If it doesn't get sold first

Bite me Ellis. I got a deal I couldn't pass on a V10 Excursion with a bad transmission.

[thrashingcows]

Very nice...what tranny are you going to use?

[Gots_a_sol]

NV4500.


I flipped the manifold/bolted on the he351cw and mocked up the accessories. I made life more difficult for myself because I wanted to keep the ford a/c compressor and alternator (parts are easier to get and my a/c worked great, so I didn't want to break the system).

The compressor had to go on top because down low the lines blocked off the lower water outlet. No such issue with the alt down there but I'll need to notch the frame slightly for clearance.





*edit* played with the motor mounts and got the engine shifted to the drivers side and back a bit.




Also bolted the trans/t-case in. Had to swap the input shaft of the t-case (np273 ford) to match the nv4500. Ran in to another issue in that the bolt pattern on the nv4500 tail housing is a few degrees off from the ford and puts the front output VERY close to the crossmember. Not sure if there is enough room to redrill the pattern the few degrees or if I need a clocking ring.

[Gots_a_sol]

Got some more done today

Power steering is all hooked up, just needs fluid.
Sorted out throttle cable, although I may need to limit pedal travel some. I used the stock v-10 throttle bracket and modded it. The cable itself is quite long, so there is a big loop I'll have to tuck away.
Swapped to the newer air horn (it looks better imo)
Moved the battery from the pass. side to the drivers. The stock tray was able to be flipped around and 2 of the 4 holes lined right up.
Shortened front driveshaft and installed it. There is just enough room for the driveshaft to fully droop out to the point that the joints bind at the t-case end and not hit the crossmember.
Loosely bolted in the rear shaft to see how short it is. Will need one 2" longer. Fun fact, I have an extended cab short bed super duty parts truck (wrecked it last fall) and its rear driveshaft is 2" longer than the Ex's. Win.
Mounted fuel filter and ran fuel line from it to the pump.

[Gots_a_sol]

Btw, the guy at ford who designed the front core support is an awesome dude So nice not having to climb over it to work on this.

[dazedandconfused]

What did you use for motor mounts?

[Gots_a_sol]

Stock 1st gen mounts. Drill a hole on each side in the cross member and drops right in.

[dazedandconfused]

Have you checked radiator clearance yet?

[Gots_a_sol]

4.75" from the end of the fan hub (where the fan clutch would thread on) to the core. About 1" from the back valve cover to the firewall.

I'll be running the ford taurus electric fan I had on my dodge. I had less room in that truck than in this one and it fit (barely). Also the ford radiator is massive compared to the 1st gen dodge one, so that should help a bunch.

[Gots_a_sol]

Oh, had some casualties over the weekend. First was my phone which I rolled over with the creeper The second is the hvac duct to feed the second row floor vent runs right over the tunnel where the shifter has to come through the floor, so that had to go.

[thrashingcows]

Those in the back will just have to endure the torture of cold AC being blown back from up front, can't always pander to them.

Looking good!

[dazedandconfused]

So did you have to modify the rear driveshaft too or does it work?

[Gots_a_sol]

So did you have to modify the rear driveshaft too or does it work?

The stock Excursion shaft is too short by ~2". It appears that an extended cab, short bed super duty w/ powerstroke/auto trans shaft is going to be the correct length. I just haven't removed it yet to confirm, but the tape measure says damn close.


Oh and here is the engine to radiator clearance. I no longer have the stock mechanical fan to check fitment with, plus the threads on my hub are very badly messed up so it wouldn't screw on anyway.