2000 Ford Excursion - Full-Traction 4-link Coil-Over Conversion & Rear RTLS Suspension

This was a complete suspension installation both front and rear done for FOURWHEELER magazine back in February 2019. My goal was to utilize all "off the shelf" products. I had known about the FTS ICG system since they first released it and have driven several vehicles with the kit installed, so it was a no brainer. We installed the Full-Traction ICG (Instant Center Geometry) 6.0-in Ford Excursion 4-link Coilover conversion system with Bilstein 8125 coil-overs with remote reservoir paired with Eibach 500lb, 18” coil springs in the front. At the rear we utilized Full-Tractions very unique RTLS (Rear Torque Link Suspension) paired with Bilstein 5165 Remote Reservoir shocks.
The ICG system removes the stock leaf springs and adds a Four-Link system that reduces caster change by over 50%, which improves feel, ride, and control. A trick, adjustable sway bar set up replaces the stock unit and heavy-duty Heim joints provide smooth action and near-infinite tuning options. The RTLS system retains the stock leafs, but adds long Adjustable Torque Link Arms, improved leaf shackles and mounts at both ends of the leaf springs along with an Adjustable Rear Track Bar to vastly improve the characteristics of the rear suspension. Both kits use various frame stiffeners and plates to provide strength and durability and both kits come with all necessary hardware to do the job. All pieces are made from mild steel and are powder coated for long-lasting protection from the elements.
Finishing off the install and to gain the much-needed ground clearance, is a set of huge TOYO Open Country MT (38x13.50R) tires mounted onto KMC XD829 HOSS II Satin Black Dark Tint wheels. Both companies have a long history of off-road racing victories and both will make the Excursion just that more capable when Adams hits the trail.
Though both the ICG and RTLS systems are designed to be bolt-on installations (albeit with a lot of holes to be drilled) Full-Traction recommends that a professional shop do the installation. That’s not to say that a well-equipped and experienced home mechanic can’t do these installs, they can. Just know that the Excursion is a big, heavy vehicle that has big heavy parts on it. The pros at Full-Traction did this install, but even they raised the Ford only just high enough off the ground to get the job done.
Follow along with this install and see if you don’t agree that an Excursion, with the proper upgrades and improvements, is a great choice for overlanding adventures.
Minor text mistake at 4:14 it should read:
BILSTEIN 8125 COIL-OVER FRONT SHOCKS W/REMOTE RES.
24” LONG, 8” STROKE, 2.5” BODY W/EIBACH 500LB PER INCH, 16” TALL COIL SPRINGS
SOURCES:
FULL-TRACTION
800.255.6464
www.full-tract...
BILSTEIN
858.386.5900
www.bilsteinus...
EIBACH SPRINGS
800.507.2338
www.eibach.com
TOYO TIRES
800.442.8696
www.toyotires.com
KMC WHEELS
www.kmcwheels.com
If you enjoy the content we produce and would like to see longer extended adventures? Please consider supporting us on Patreon!
/ excursionoverland
EXCURSION OVERLAND Merchandise (COMING SOON!)
LINK TREE:
linktr.ee/Excu...
Outro Song: ONE-MAN GARAGE BAND!
Artist: Justin Johnson - / justinjohnsonlive
#ExcursionOverland #Overland #AdventureTravel #FordExcursion

[@Moosekeys]

Looks awesome! Interested in a follow up video with your thoughts on the ride quality vs price. I know it’s pricey and have been eyeing that setup myself.

[@excursionoverland7315]

Absolutely! That's one of the reasons I've waited this long to start posting videos. Since the install in Feb 2019, I have put MANY miles on this rig both on and off-road. Everything from 1000's of miles traveling highway all over filming for work stuff, to 100's of miles off-road, forest roads, running into unfortunate roadblocks (Tank Traps), hunting, etc. Even got me into a couple pretty sketchy situations off-road solo! But NEVER left stranded. There are some recent plans in the works for some additional add ons, bumpers, winch, roof rack, finish out the cargo area/camp kitchen, etc. I will absolutely be doing a video on the long term review of the Suspension as well as some of the changes I've done.

[@Moosekeys]

@@excursionoverland7315 hell yeah, sounds good! I'm here for it :)

[@scottygear1]

@@excursionoverland7315 this comment is a sub from me

[@cchang52]

Got any new updated vids?

[@Lawaxiee]

My truck would be a blast with this kit. I’ve got a ‘00 F-250 7.3L King Cab/Short Box 4x4 with 228k miles. I’ve adopted the truck as a lifelong hobby, toy, and work vehicle. Shouldn’t ever need another truck.

[@nd7368]

Damn! Such a great setup.. just looked it up, runs about $8k front and rear. Big price tag. But I would love to put it on my 02’ ext cab long bed.

[@kapulu6259]

How much does the front and rear lift the excursions?

[@renegadeuvfunk]

Can I just hire you guys to do this for me? Looks awesome, I want!

[@rj3_golf]

I have a 2002 7.3l excursion for sale. Anyone interested?

[@Mondo888]

Can this be modified to fit a 95 F250?

[@excursionoverland7315]

Full-Traction released an explainer video on their Rear RTLS Suspension. We helped with some additional video footage, edited and produced the video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jISxhWZqZdCjrq8

[@williameisenhower2401]

Where are you guys located at?

[@RandomGuyNumber12]

I know this is old but i was wonder how much of an increase in wheel travel did you get over the leaf springs? I think about picking up a front and rear kit and i do some decent crawling in my excusion.

[@brokenwrench404]

I had full traction install their 4 link coil over kit back in 2015. It is the best upgrade and money spent on my ccsb superduty. The ride difference is night and day. I wish they made a coilover 4 link for the rear.

[@excursionoverland7315]

Awesome! If you don't already have the rear RTLS, you would totally love it! It IS essentially a 4-link suspension. Watch the complete video, he explains everything.

[@rasheenpugh467]

How much does this cost. I have a 2005.. I need this

[@Glenb13]

The rear shackle on leaf springs move back and forth as the leaf springs flex. Why does so many companies make traction bars designed for a coil / coilover suspension that only move up and down? That solid mounted traction bar is limiting the ride and flex of the rear leaf spring. Put a pivoting shackle on the front so it moves with axles movement as well as controlling axle wrap when the leafs flex.

[@excursionoverland7315]

Glen, Absolutely correct! ANY sort of rear "traction bar", "ladder bar", etc. Actually, LIMIT movement and cause bind! Where the RTLS allows the leaf springs to flex without ANY bind and eliminating 100% of any axle wrap! Uploading a video as I type specifically on the rear RLTS.

[@Glenb13]

@@excursionoverland7315 I am wanting to put superduty springs on an older ford. They are a nicer riding spring then old school stuff. But unless you make your own, not many companies make them where you get all the perks of traction bars, and keep the ride. So will be watching for your next video.

[@superdutyscaler6823]

Actually a quality built and designed traction bar WILL NOT LIMIT travel OR make the ride harsh. You clearly have no idea who OUO or PMF is do you?

[@Glenb13]

@@superdutyscaler6823 lol.. you obviously have NO CLUE what I even wrote. Or any experience with leaf spring style suspensions to see for yourself. And don’t get the difference of the two. If you don’t understand how they work, which it shows. Do some homework before coming on here to troll. I would not bring up PMF in this topic. Basic copied design as so many others. Not gaining any benefits with their product. One Up had a pretty sweet huge leaf sprung SD on 46’s that I wanted to copy over 10 years ago when they first became known. They had some cool lifted builds. Haven’t heard of them for years.

[@louislang6639]

Looks awesome. Am I going to have to be checking all the bolts for tightness constantly? I was really surprised it’s 100% bolt on, no welding. How long does it take you to get all the adjustments dialed in? Is that something I’ll have to be messing around with constantly? Looks very well thought out great job I want it

[@bbearhug]

Do you guys ever use a torque wrench? lol

[@excursionoverland7315]

Only on the radio antenna. 🤪

[@jimbrunett9224]

Do you know of a 4 link suspension system on the market that does away with the leaf springs all together?

[@excursionoverland7315]

Yes, this one! The front is a complete Coil-Over conversion. Although the rear still utilizes the rear leaf springs, we did go with their RTLS rear link system. Watch the video, it's all in there. 👍🏼

[@excursionoverland7315]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jISxhWZqZdCjrq8

[@daemsivart]

What is the cost for the front and back for just the kit? How much for labor to install?

[@excursionoverland7315]

@@daemsivart You'll have to contact Full-Traction on that. Make sure you mention you saw our videos and we sent you to them directly. www.full-traction.com/contact.php

[@excursionoverland7315]

@@daemsivart You'll have to contact Full-Traction on that. Make sure you mention you saw our videos and we sent you to them directly. www.full-traction.com/contact.php

[@ryansnyder998]

Since you had it on for a year now how it holding up about to pull the trigger to do it on my excursion.

[@wilfredomartinez5371]

I’m really serious about it if u are in Texas u can get my money I need this front set up . Hope u can read this message

[@eraticc6259]

Is there a kit I can buy where I can convert from leafs to coils with the 4 link with out having to lift my truck a minimum of 4 inches?? Or will I have to do an axle swap if I want to keep it level with coils

[@Clapped_Racing]

$10k suspension kits.. why am I poor

[@joegonzalez8075]

What was the name of the complete kit excluding wheels and tires. And where are you guys located

[@excursionoverland7315]

Hey Joe, It’s actually 2 systems: Front: 4-link Builder Kit Ford Excursion 4wd 1999-2005 Part #FTS7849. I used BILSTEIN 8125 Coil-overs with Remote Reservoir with Eibach 500lb per inch, 18” tall spring. Rear: RTLS 1999-2004 F250/f350 4wd Rear Torque Link Suspension Part #FTS7849 with BILSTEIN 5165 Remote Reservoir shocks.

[@joegonzalez8075]

@@excursionoverland7315 would you happen to have a number where I can call you guys with an estimate for that setup and your name

[@excursionoverland7315]

@@joegonzalez8075 Absolutely! Please make sure to mention our video and that we sent you their way. 800-255-6464

[@joegonzalez8075]

@@excursionoverland7315 thank you I appreciate your help and you guys are located in Bakersfield?

[@excursionoverland7315]

@@joegonzalez8075 I'm not personally located in Bakersfield but Full-Traction is.

[@soberville4579]

Love it but, do you have this same setup in a 4in lift?

[@Leprosky251]

I ordered the 4-link Coil-Over Conversion & Rear RTLS from Full Traction back on Aug 5th 2022 and still waiting. I was excited about it when I ordered it but now I'm losing interest. Anyone interested in buying it from me or capable of installing it for me in the Oregon or Washington area? No telling when I will get it.

[@andrewisemailingyou6220]

You ever get your kit and still interested in selling?

[@dlorenz77]

what size lift is this, 8 inch? Also do you know the length of those rear shocks?

[@excursionoverland7315]

This suspension system can be set to 4-6" depending on what you want and use in the Coil-Over up front. The rear shocks, no longer than 35” extended length.

[@grantdavis5992]

What I have now is a 2000 Excursion Powerstroke with 6 inches of lift. Looks like I will be doing this upgrade.

[@excursionoverland7315]

​@@grantdavis5992 Awesome! You will NOT be disappointed. Please tell them you saw the video and we sent you their way.

[@KiyaWarrior]

Cool build but after owning a FZJ80 Landcruiser I will never go back to a Ford, Chevy or Dodge. Poorly made and rattle like crazy. Feels cheap and shit to drive compared to Japanese products. I drive my 7.3l about once every two weeks now and my 80 gets driven daily.

[@do4267]

Cool 🤷🏼‍♂️. Are you a vegan too?

[@douglasdonegan9372]

How much is this kit installed

[@josephhernandez5848]

How much for the kit

[@twayland6186]

When you say f350 is that single rear wheel only?

[@excursionoverland7315]

It’s been awhile,. I’m not sure. Call @Full Traction Suspension - 800-255-6464

[@leecovette6895]

i would love to have one of these i have the same color truck v10 with 400k miles

[@excursionoverland7315]

You would NOT be disappointed in the suspension! Hands down the BEST upgrade you can do!

[@roguepowersports3576]

Damn man 400k on a v10. Any major work done and is it the 2v or 3v v10. Just curious because I have a later model 2v with the updated heads on my 03 f250. She still runs perfect with 150k miles on it....the truck itself on other hand is slowly rotting out.

[@leecovette6895]

@@roguepowersports3576 its the 2000 year early 3v no major work just one spark plug insert and wheel hub is about it as far as major goes but no rust yet

[@brokenwrench404]

Leeco VETTE 2000 is s a 2 valve. The 3 valve came out in 2005

[@brokenwrench404]

Rogue Powersports I have a 2000 ccsb with 220k on it. In 2015 at about 185 I had this 4 link front suspension installed along with some pmf rear leaf spring front hangers that allow you to use the longer 2011-2016 leaf springs. I went with the 4.5” carli multi leaf deaver springs that also allow you to ditch the factory lift blocks. All spring. They ride super plush and match the front coilover nicely. Most of the rubber hoses were rotting away so all of them were replaced. After all that it was still cheaper than making payments on a new truck

[@iddddaduncan]

Looks great, is the ride quality as improved over stock as the mechanic said?

[@excursionoverland7315]

ABSOLUTELY! I've said it many times and will continue to do so,. Hands down the BEST upgrade you could do to the suspension on an Excursion or Super-Duty

[@florintudic5093]

181065

[@florintudic5093]

65

[@planbeeapiaries]

Can this be installed without a lift?

[@excursionoverland7315]

That is NOT recomended.

[@williambrunson4922]

Where exactly do you get all your parts from?

[@excursionoverland7315]

For this build most of the were direct from the manufactures.

[@loiusmonroe1146]

Where can I get the kit from?

[@excursionoverland7315]

Check the Full-Traction website. www.full-traction.com/

[@jamestweedy963]

How hard would it be to put the body of the Excursion onto the frame of 250 or 350

[@excursionoverland7315]

That really depends on the abilities, resources, time, and money of the person attempting the project. Although the Excursion is built on part of the f-250 chassis, the wheelbase is totally different. Ford achieved this in several ways. I'll just leave it there,. those that may want to do this, should do all the research themselves. on another note: Unless you have a spare COMPLETE f-250 chassis, and a spare COMPLETE Excursion body, why do this. Just go buy the Excursion you want and put all the $$ building it how you want it. Just my .50¢

[@jamestweedy963]

@@excursionoverland7315 thank you for the reply

[@kapulu6259]

You need to use the E250 frame. I guy I know had to do this. He said it’s a E250 frame not the F series

[@superdutyscaler6823]

Not a single tab of never seize, not a drop of thread lock, reused the shit soft factory rear leafs, re used the ubolts, dropped the fuel tank and let the wires stretch, impacted the new lug nuts on with no concern for torque specs, every bolt was just impacted beyond torque specs... more than enough reasons to stay clear of this "shop" SMH

[@louislang6639]

The backyard mechanic putting his 2 cents in. Thanks for your invaluable input 😆

[@twayland6186]

New u bolts are part of the kit and why would they need a stiffer ride in the back? You have no clue what the application is

[@doitdirty2u]

Hell yeah!