Make your Expedition look like a Platinum?

[Drew47000000]

Has anyone done any mods to their XLT or Limited to resemble the Platinum?

I was thinking of buying some take off 22" rims, but not sure if not having the CCD suspension would make it ride any different? I noticed thats standard on Limited and above which all have 20" & 22" Rims.

Also has anyone upgraded to the Rear LED Tail lamp housings or done the Chrome Front Grille swap out? I also like the chrome C shaped accents around the fog light housings.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Molaf]

Main things would be to get the 22" wheels and swap out for the LED headlights and tail lights. In an earlier thread, I mentioned that I would be doing this. The person who would be making the wiring harness for me said he can get it done. Only thing holding me back is the $$. Nothing really available on eBay other than at dealer prices.

 

[Drew47000000]

I think I saw a quote of someone looking for a volunteer on this project? They made harnesses for F150's and wanted to experiment with Expedition.

I swapped out the headlight bulbs to LED which is good enough for me out front but the bright red tail lamp covers would look much better on rear end. Im not sure it's plug and play though?

 

[Deadman]

Why not make it unique instead of copying something that's already popular and all over the road? If you are dumping coin, make it how you want it, instead of following a pattern of a factory produced unit.

 

[st381183]

Why? I embraced buying my XLT for several thousands of dollars less to avoid expensive to replace tech. It’s the CCD, the lane assist, etc that will crap out and cost a small fortune to fix, replace, or just upkeep.

 

[aggiegrad05]

Why? I embraced buying my XLT for several thousands of dollars less to avoid expensive to replace tech. It’s the CCD, the lane assist, etc that will crap out and cost a small fortune to fix, replace, or just upkeep.

Or, ya know, all those things will be just fine for the life of the vehicle and I’ll get to enjoy a smooth, safe, ride while getting my butt massaged. That’s also a possibility. Everyone is so doom-and-gloom about all the new tech, sheesh.

 

[sjwhiteley]

Or, ya know, all those things will be just fine for the life of the vehicle and I’ll get to enjoy a smooth, safe, ride while getting my butt massaged. That’s also a possibility. Everyone is so doom-and-gloom about all the new tech, sheesh.

Haha. The wife is like that. Many years ago, got her a car with electric windows. Complained that this new tech would be something else to go wrong, even though electric windows are one of the simplest technologies.

ironically, after 150000 miles, both passenger side window motors packed in.

if you see a future problem, you will find a problem. We are surrounded by pretty advanced technology that borders on wizardry that just works - we just don’t notice it.

 

[Deadman]

Or, ya know, all those things will be just fine for the life of the vehicle and I’ll get to enjoy a smooth, safe, ride while getting my butt massaged. That’s also a possibility. Everyone is so doom-and-gloom about all the new tech, sheesh.

Let's be honest, anything that can fail, WILL fail at some time. Hopefully we are not the owners at that point, but there's gonna be a crapload of electrical issues at some point. I've never bought an extended warranty in my life, and this electronic nightmare caused me to purchase on to cover my azz on all this crap failing.

 

[Drew47000000]

I guess what im trying to figure out is if anyone here has replaced the front grille or rear tail lamps? Cant seem to find any info regarding that installation?
Thank you

 

[Flexpedition]

Can't speak for the Expedition itself, but other Fords that offer either/or incandescent and LED rear tail lights are plug-n-play after some FORScan tweaking is performed. Sometimes the verbage used is "high line" and "low line".

Well documented on F150 and Fusion boards. You could be treading new water trying to identify what voltage needs to be on what pin for the incandescent and then figuring out what the same position on the LED lamp is looking for. If you are FORScan comfortable you should be alright. But don't expect unplug and install & done.


The front grille will be bolt on. But just be forewarned, there is zero generic aftermarket, almost non-existent in salvage (most wrecks are going forward) and the dealer list price is pretty amazing. IMO the best bang for the buck here would be custom paint. To each his own though.

Compared to most vehicle, the grille is a little different in that the Plat, Limited, XLT, XL, and SSV all share the same behind-the-scene panel (Part JL1Z-8A284-AA) The chrome, dark grey, silver, etc. bits that then gets mounted to it, beit bars or honeycomb, are what makes each trim level unique.

 

[Drew47000000]

Thats all really good information. Thanks for sharing.

I'm hoping to score some LED tail lamps on ebay because the price at the parts counter is gut wrenching. If and when I find some I will come back on here to try and get Forscan tips. I have very limited experience but think I can get through it when the time comes. But its good to know its not just a quick plug and play operation. As long as I dont have to wire in resistors or solder anything im up for trying it.

For the grill I noticed that the Platinum has a camera enabled Ford emblem. Does my XLT Ford emblem and center chrome bars need to come off or can I leave it? I'd really like to just swap out my charcoal painted mesh/honey comb inserts and put the bright chrome Plat inserts in if possible. I couldn't make heads/tails when searching the Ford Online part stores which # was the correct piece unfortunately. Open to ideas or tips if anyone has any.

I also saw these knock off chrome fog trim pieces. I noticed in the pictures they did exactly what I'd like to with the Grill. That must be an XLT they used given those running boards.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Chrome-Fro...a=0&pg=2060778&_trksid=p2060778.c100278.m3478

 

[Going_Going_Gone]

I don't care that much about the look of a Platinum. Externally, for me it would be the grill... but I would like having the speed limit (sign) display next to the digital MPH as in the Platinums. I didn't buy a cheap model either. Makes no sense to withhold a safety or ticket preventative option to push buyers to the next level--fancier seats plus more and different interior features ought to be the draw.

 

[1alembic]

You'll have not problem with the 22" wheels.

 

[MxRacer965]

Why? I embraced buying my XLT for several thousands of dollars less to avoid expensive to replace tech. It’s the CCD, the lane assist, etc that will crap out and cost a small fortune to fix, replace, or just upkeep.

None of the above technology is “new”, it’s been around for quite a while. My wife had a 2008 Infiniti M45x with adaptive cruise, lane keeping, etc, etc. Every bit of technology was rock solid right up to the day we sent it on it’s way. The transmission went at 142K miles and we sold it for parts since it wasn’t worth putting $5K into a transmission for a $7K car. I’d more concerned about the technology in the engine and transmission than I would in the rest of the vehicle.

 

[Molaf]

I think I saw a quote of someone looking for a volunteer on this project? They made harnesses for F150's and wanted to experiment with Expedition.

I swapped out the headlight bulbs to LED which is good enough for me out front but the bright red tail lamp covers would look much better on rear end. Im not sure it's plug and play though?

I did a full conversion on my XLT F-150 - both front and rear OEM lights. Ryan B was the guy who built the harness for the fronts. It's pretty easy to do the conversion. The only reason I have yet to do it is because of the cost. I was able to snag like new headlights and tail lights for my truck for $1300 all in. It's easily double that right now for the Expy based on all of the listings I've gone through on ebay.

 

[Drew47000000]

I did a full conversion on my XLT F-150 - both front and rear OEM lights. Ryan B was the guy who built the harness for the fronts. It's pretty easy to do the conversion. The only reason I have yet to do it is because of the cost. I was able to snag like new headlights and tail lights for my truck for $1300 all in. It's easily double that right now for the Expy based on all of the listings I've gone through on ebay.

So the Led Tail Lamps arent plug and play?

Anyone know how to disassemble the front grille? I cant find anything online.

Thanks

 

[Molaf]

So the Led Tail Lamps arent plug and play?

Anyone know how to disassemble the front grille? I cant find anything online.

Thanks

Nope. On my F-150, I had to make an adapter harness that went between the lights and the wiring harness. Then I had to recode via Forscan. Sounds complicated but it wasn't. If you can follow online instructions and have basic wiring/soldering skills, it's cake.

 

[bushpilot]

I owned a platinum f350...I prefer less chrome / bright work....I bought a MAX, Limited, STEALTH!

 

[aggiegrad05]

I owned a platinum f350...I prefer less chrome / bright work....I bought a MAX, Limited, STEALTH!

The platinums actually have very little chrome, it’s brushed nickel instead. The Ltds have a lot more chrome than the Platys do.

Yes, I’m being pedantic.

 

[bushpilot]

The platinums actually have very little chrome, it’s brushed nickel instead. The Ltds have a lot more chrome than the Platys do.

Yes, I’m being pedantic.

until you get to the GRILL!