DeafBringer
Well-Known Member
Hello y'all. I picked up a 2011 Expedition SSV with 115k miles on it for a song. Other than some minor trim damage, typical seat tears in the driver seat, and a few holes in the body for lights, it's in pretty good shape.
Been lurking this forum while bidding on the SSV and managed to snag it for $250 below my max bid price. Got into a bidding war with someone which shot up the price by $2k which irked me but it is what it is. Used vehicles in decent shape are NOT cheap in Arizona by any means.
My guess is that this is a standard SSV, 2wd with absolutely no bells and whistles, XL trim according to vin decoder. Sadly doesn't have the HD towing but that's alright.
First order of business is to have the local mechanic look it over for any items that should be replaced or monitored as well as to identify a slow coolant leak. Once that is fixed, then tires. Will probably keep the 17" steelies and pick a set of tires that are comfortable and quiet enough, likely some BF or Mitch ATs unless someone has recommendations. Then want to replace the headlight housings, they're yellowing which is typical for Arizona. I've tried fixing other headlights and they just repeat the cycle no matter what once it starts. Will either source from a local parts yard or rock auto depending on prices.
Those are the top 3 to get it road worthy for daily duties. Then from there I want to find a center console, 3rd row set up, and figure out a cell phone holder using the coin holder slot (I agree, stupid decision by Ford). I also wouldn't mind getting rid of the spotlight on the driver side if possible. My son begs me to keep it but I don't want people thinking it's an unmarked police unit and cluster around me, afraid to speed. There are some interior trim pieces I want to fix in the rear as well such as the latch gate surrounds for example.
Are there any QoL mods that are considered a "must" when converting from SSV to civilian duty?
Been lurking this forum while bidding on the SSV and managed to snag it for $250 below my max bid price. Got into a bidding war with someone which shot up the price by $2k which irked me but it is what it is. Used vehicles in decent shape are NOT cheap in Arizona by any means.
My guess is that this is a standard SSV, 2wd with absolutely no bells and whistles, XL trim according to vin decoder. Sadly doesn't have the HD towing but that's alright.
First order of business is to have the local mechanic look it over for any items that should be replaced or monitored as well as to identify a slow coolant leak. Once that is fixed, then tires. Will probably keep the 17" steelies and pick a set of tires that are comfortable and quiet enough, likely some BF or Mitch ATs unless someone has recommendations. Then want to replace the headlight housings, they're yellowing which is typical for Arizona. I've tried fixing other headlights and they just repeat the cycle no matter what once it starts. Will either source from a local parts yard or rock auto depending on prices.
Those are the top 3 to get it road worthy for daily duties. Then from there I want to find a center console, 3rd row set up, and figure out a cell phone holder using the coin holder slot (I agree, stupid decision by Ford). I also wouldn't mind getting rid of the spotlight on the driver side if possible. My son begs me to keep it but I don't want people thinking it's an unmarked police unit and cluster around me, afraid to speed. There are some interior trim pieces I want to fix in the rear as well such as the latch gate surrounds for example.
Are there any QoL mods that are considered a "must" when converting from SSV to civilian duty?