PEARL : A 6 Door V10 Excursion

[Julebakken]

Every story needs a main Character. This is Pearl’s story.



Pearl started life as a slightly rear ended “stay around brown” V10 excursion. She collected dust and mud wasps in the back lot at Custom Autos By Tim (CABT) for nearly a decade.

During the lockdowns, Tim of CABT decided to wield his magical sawzall and torch of wisdom to stretch and mate Pearl with an F250 crew cab to create what we see today.

I’ve been stalking the for sale section on CABT off and on since I’ve had more children than hands. Initially, with 2 children, I wanted a 2007+ excursion. Custom built by CABT from a diesel F350. Then came child 3 and child 4. Now 6 doors sounded less crazy to me. Far less crazy than overlanding a dodge caravan.

I opened my email on a wintery Tuesday to find a beautiful white excursion 6 door for sale. Built by the legend Tim himself…and in my budget?…. We called Tim up and now my family affectionately calls her Pearl.

(Note: This is not Pearl! This is a helpful photo I keep in my pocket at the gas station to explain what is going on.)



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Julebakken]

We had her delivered to our office and told the kiddos we had to stop by work real quick to pick something up. They had no idea this was waiting there for us. My oldest is nearly 15 and my youngest 9. Still plenty of years left to make amazing memories in this Rig.



Pearl basic Specs:
Chassis:
2002 Ford Excursion XLT
Engine:
V10 6.8L/415CI Gas engine 310 HP@4250 and 425 NT@3250
MPG: (All Hand Calculated)
Highway: 13
City: 10
Towing 4,000lbs+ and loaded with 6 humans, 4 dogs and gear: 6
Fuel Capacity: 44 Gallons
Seating Capacity:
Total: 12 (11 Comfortably)
Row 1: 3 (F250 Bench Seat with flip down)
Row 2: 3 (F250 Bench Seat with flip down)
Row 3: 3 (Factory Excursion Seat - Fold and Slide)
Row 4: 3 (But really 2 - Factory Excursion Seat - Fold and Remove)
Gearing:
Front Axle: Dana 50/Open/3.73
Rear Axle: Sterling 10.5/LimSlip/3.73
Transmission:
4R100/4spd Auto: Stock
T-Case:
NV273 - 1.0:1 / 2.72:1
Wheel Base:
173.2"
OAL (Overall Length):
262"
OAH (Overall Height):
81"-82" depending on air bag fill
Tire Size:
35x12.50r17
Wheel Size:
TBD
Suspension:
Leaf Spring: Factory with leveling block front and lift block rear.
Shocks: Bilstein
Air Bags: Airlift 5000 ultimate

 

[Betarocker]

How much longer is it than a CC LB? V10 with the diesel door emblem? Why did it go back to the 2005-07 front? (Last image of 1st post has the 11-16 grill, bumper, lights, fenders, hood). Leaf or coil front suspension?

 

[Julebakken]

How much longer is it than a CC LB? V10 with the diesel door emblem? Why did it go back to the 2005-07 front? (Last image of 1st post has the 11-16 grill, bumper, lights, fenders, hood). Leaf or coil front suspension?

It is almost nuts on exact to a CC LB. It is aprox 1" longer in wheelbase and 0" longer bumper to bumper.

Door emblem is for the V10.

Image is an example only. Closest thing I could find on the interwebs to the process. Pearl has always retained her age appropriate front clip.

Leaf front and rear.

 

[Julebakken]

Badlands 2022


NITTO Ridge Grappler 35x12.50r17

Westin Full Length Step


Factor Leafs with lift Block and Bilstein's. Super Saggy!


Front of Chassis Back


Back of Chassis Front


Airlift 5000 Fillpoints.


Customized Factory Roof racks by CABT


V10 Bling!


Our Gentle Giant

 

[SDDiver5]

Awesome. I had the pleasure of driving the family excursion from age 16-18 and loved every minute. Have always wanted another one.

 

[Julebakken]

Awesome. I had the pleasure of driving the family excursion from age 16-18 and loved every minute. Have always wanted another one.

Join the mailing list! : http://www.customautosbytim.com/list.html

I did not intend to but I daily drive this rig right now. Have been all summer. I love it, the kids love it, and it is a fun conversation starter with total strangers.

 

[Julebakken]

Exteriors From CABT (Before Leveling Kit & Lift Blocks)

 

[dbhost]

Wow that is an awful lot of SUV...

 

[Julebakken]

Wow that is an awful lot of SUV...

Just a crew cab long box with a topper really.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[dbhost]

Just a crew cab long box with a topper really.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I can't imagine trying to wheel something that big down to say Chivo Falls, or trying not to sink axle deep on the beach at Padre Island... I get nervous enough with my supercab 6.5ft box F150...

If it works for ya though, go for it!

 

[Betarocker]

Blocks under the front spring are not a recommended application. A mini pack bolted through the leafs is safer.

 

[Julebakken]

Blocks under the front spring are not a recommended application. A mini pack bolted through the leafs is safer.

Completely agree with you. First order of business on my mods list includes proper suspension. Unfortunately, a lot of the kits that were available for these are not anymore or are $5-7K.

I'm working to source an Old Man Emu F250 Kit or a Deaver Kit. Neither are responding.

 

[Betarocker]

I had Icon leafs on my old truck and they rode very well. Mate them to some Fox shocks. Finish off with Icon adjustable tracbar. Should be enough adjustment in the drag link.