Lifted Luxury: Inside the DPS 6-Door 2016 Ford Excursion Build

There are just some rides you can’t walk past without doing a double, or even triple-take. Diesel Performance Specialties (DPS) has built just such a vehicle by seamlessly mating a 6.7L King Ranch truck and a Ford Excursion SUV. With an insane 20 inches of lift, six doors, and wild amounts of chrome and powder coating, this 2016 “Excursion” is a truck like no other. But the question remains, how did they build it? It all started with two bare cabs and an idea. Shop owner Trevor Lima and the team at DPS wanted to build a flagship of a shop truck, but they didn’t want to build something cookie cutter. So the idea came about to build the SUV Ford didn’t–a 2016 take on a Ford excursion. Thus begun a project that was under the knife for over a full year.

Ford Excursions were built with 6.0L and 7.3L engines, neither of which were known to be powerhouses in stock form. Since DPS wanted to retain reliability and 100 percent emissions legality, they chose a newer ‘16 Ford with the 440 hp and 860 lb-ft 6.7L engine as a starting platform. From there, it was a complete custom build. Two frames were selected and then integrated into one, while also incorporating a drop frame that would allow for a huge lift. The body was also heavily modified (obviously) for the six-door setup, but the team also took the extra step of installing modern radiused rear fenders to compliment the setup up front. Virtually all of the bodywork was done in-house by DPS, including the fabrication of both front and rear bumpers.

Even with the skeleton of the truck finished (body and frame) there was still a ton of work left. Trevor was determined to have a drivable truck as well as a show truck, so they made lots of unseen changes, like re-gearing the front and rear axles with 4.88 gears, to help get the 11,000 pound ride moving. As the build went along, anything that wasn’t already painted white was either powder coated or chromed, including the entire underside of the truck. This meant the frame, axles, and suspension links would all become works of art, in addition to the custom crossover steering with PSC hydraulic assist.

Other than the body modifications, the bulk of the work definitely went into creating the wild 20 inches of lift that firmly sets the truck into the sky. Gone are the factory leaf springs, and instead the Excursion rides on Fox Racing coil-over shocks all the way around, that have a mammoth 14 inches of travel. The front Dana 60 axle and rear Sterling 10.5 are both hung by wildly unique rectangular 4-link suspension arms, that are also powder coated and chrome-plated. AMP Research Powersteps were also added so that passengers could actually climb into the Ford, and braided stainless brake lines were used because of the suspension’s immense travel.

After working hard on the Excursion for more than a year, it was finally finished. Is it an over-the-top show truck? Yes, but it’s also functional, and can seat a whole baseball team. Its stance is also something that’s immediately noticed, as the lift is nearly double the height that’s available in the regular aftermarket. For Trevor and DPS (who now builds show trucks out of Weatherford, Texas) it’s the perfect calling card, and quite a statement.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the preferences of vehicle enthusiasts regarding the number of doors on large vehicles like the Excursion?

Vehicle enthusiasts have diverse preferences when it comes to the number of doors on large vehicles such as the popular Excursion. Some enthusiasts dream of a spacious road trip vehicle, appreciating the standard model with multiple doors for easy access and storage. Others, who have already experienced the comfort and capacity of these large vehicles, might wish for even more doors, catering to their need for convenience and group travel.

Conversely, there are those who lean towards a different approach, preferring the sleek and adventurous look of a two-door model. This preference nods to the sporty, compact style reminiscent of a full-sized classic SUV, offering an appealing blend of ruggedness and style.

In summary, while many enthusiasts value the practicality offered by multiple doors, others are drawn to the unique appeal of a two-door variant for its sporty design and adventurous spirit.

How does the wheelbase of a 6 Door Excursion affect maneuverability and parking?

How Wheelbase Impacts Maneuverability and Parking for a 6 Door Excursion

When considering the purchase of a 6 Door Excursion, it’s crucial to understand how its extended wheelbase can affect day-to-day driving, particularly maneuverability and parking.

Wheelbase and Maneuverability

• Turning Radius: A longer wheelbase can increase the turning radius, making it more challenging to navigate tight corners or confined spaces. This can be particularly noticeable in urban settings or while executing U-turns.
• Handling: While longer vehicles often provide a smoother ride at high speeds, they can be less responsive in quick, low-speed maneuvers. Drivers might experience more difficulty weaving through traffic or changing lanes swiftly.

Parking Considerations

• Space Requirements: Finding an adequately sized parking spot can be a hurdle. This vehicle may not fit in standard parking spaces designed for smaller cars.
• Precision: The extra length makes parking more labor-intensive. Parallel parking or backing into a spot demands greater precision and potentially more attempts compared to a standard-length vehicle.
• Technological Aids: Many modern vehicles offer parking aids like sensors and cameras, which can help offset these challenges. Utilizing these features can ease the parking process despite the large size of a 6 Door Excursion.

In summary, while a 6 Door Excursion with a longer wheelbase offers ample interior space and comfort, it does present challenges in maneuverability and parking. Prospective buyers should weigh these factors and consider their typical driving environment before making a decision.

How does the turning capability of a 6 Door Excursion compare to a bus or other large vehicles?

When comparing the turning capabilities of a 6 Door Excursion to that of buses or other large vehicles, a stark difference becomes apparent. The Excursion, measuring 35 feet 10 inches from bumper to bumper, is notorious for its challenging turning radius, a common issue with standard truck designs. This often necessitates backing into spaces due to its wide swing, making tight spots like driveways difficult to navigate.

In contrast, large buses, such as a 40-foot MCI, offer surprisingly better maneuverability despite their size. These buses, with their more advanced steering systems, enable smoother and more precise turns. The driving experience is enhanced by the driver’s position in these diesel pusher buses—situated several feet in front of the tires—allowing for greater control and ease when executing turns.

Thus, while both vehicles are substantial in size, the engineering differences in steering mechanisms and driver positioning give buses a clear edge in handling turns effectively compared to the Excursion.

What is the turning radius like for different large vehicles, including the Excursion and other trucks?

When it comes to large vehicles, understanding their turning radius is crucial, especially in tight spaces like driveways. The turning radius is the measure of how tightly a vehicle can turn, and it significantly impacts maneuverability.

Size and Design Influence Turning Radius

• Excursion (35 ft 10 in): This large vehicle, despite its substantial length, struggles with maneuverability. Its standard truck design contributes to a poor turning radius. Drivers often find themselves backing into spaces because the front swing requires more room to navigate corners effectively.
• 40-foot Trucks: Similar to the Excursion, these vehicles also have challenging turning capabilities due to their size and steering configuration. Maneuverability in tight spots might compel drivers to adopt the same back-in approach.

Comparative Performance: Bus vs. Truck Design

• Diesel Pusher Buses (approx. 39 ft 4-6 in): Despite being comparable in length to the large trucks, these buses excel in turning efficiency. The seating position, being ahead of the front tires, allows the steering wheel to make sharper turns. This advantage means they can navigate spaces more effortlessly than the traditional truck design of the Excursion or similar vehicles.

In summary, while the Excursion and similar large trucks offer substantial size, their turning radius presents a challenge in confined areas. Conversely, certain buses, designed with the driver’s position ahead of the axle, demonstrate a superior ability to navigate tight turns, highlighting the importance of vehicle design on maneuverability.

How does the suspension of the Excursion compare to other vehicles, and how does it affect handling?

Other than an S&B intake, the 6.7L Ford engine is pretty much stock, and at 440 hp and 860 lb-ft, is nearly double the 250 hp that the Ford Excursion had when it was released. The front suspension is a one-off custom design courtesy of DPS. They built the truck with an estimated 20 inches of lift by using a set of monster King coil-over shocks with 14 inches of travel. There’s no zip ties here; everything from the reservoirs to the brake lines have their own custom brackets.

There’s a lot going on in the front of the Excursion. The Dana 60 has been fitted with 4.88 gears and a Mag-Hytecdifferential cover. The truck also features a custom hydraulically assisted steering setup, because the length of the truck involves a lot of lock-to-lock steering.

Comparing Suspension and Handling

When comparing the Excursion to other models like the F350 and F250, the handling dynamics reveal distinct differences. The 3/4 ton suspension of the Excursion shares handling issues similar to the F250. This includes a wider turning radius that can be challenging in tight spaces. However, the F350 stands out with a notably better turning radius, making it more maneuverable despite its larger size.

These comparisons highlight the Excursion’s robust yet cumbersome handling characteristics, especially when considering its size and suspension design. The custom modifications in our featured build aim to enhance these aspects while retaining the Excursion’s formidable presence on the road.

By addressing these handling nuances, the custom setup not only boosts performance but also strives to improve the driving experience, providing a unique blend of power and control.

What are the general handling characteristics of the Excursion?

The Excursion has handling issues, implying that its performance in terms of steering and maneuverability may be less desirable compared to some other trucks.

How does the handling of the Excursion compare to similar vehicles?

The Excursion seems to share similar handling challenges with the F250, suggesting that it may not offer the best handling experience.

How does the turning radius of the Excursion compare to other vehicles?

The Excursion’s turning radius is not as tight as the F350, indicating it may be less maneuverable in tight spaces compared to the F350.

What are the advantages of having a 6 Door Excursion for road trips?

There’s a King Ranch interior on the inside of the Excursion to keep everyone comfortable. Looking a lot like an airplane, there are four rows of seats including a rear bench seat, which means room for about a dozen people! This setup makes the 6 Door Excursion an ideal choice for road trips, accommodating large groups with ease and ensuring everyone travels in comfort.

Imagine taking long road journeys with friends or family, where everyone has their own space to relax. The expansive interior isn’t just about luxury—it’s about practicality, providing ample room for luggage and travel gear while still offering enough seating for everyone to enjoy the ride.

The 6 Door Excursion’s spaciousness and comfort make it more than just a mode of transport; it’s a road tripper’s dream, designed to enhance the experience every mile of the way.

Is the Excursion considered a good vehicle for road trips?

Yes, the Excursion is seen as a great option for road trips because it offers ample space and convenience, which are essential for traveling comfortably over long distances.

Why would someone want a 6 Door Excursion for road trips?

The 6 Door Excursion is highly desirable for road trips due to its spaciousness and comfort, making long journeys more enjoyable for larger groups.

What are some challenges faced when driving large vehicles like the Excursion in tight spaces?

There’s a lot going on in the front of the Excursion. The Dana 60 has been fitted with 4.88 gears and a Mag-Hytec differential cover. The truck also features a custom hydraulically assisted steering setup, because the length of the truck involves a lot of lock-to-lock steering.

But what does this mean for everyday driving, especially in tight spaces? At 35 ft 10 in to 40 ft bumper-to-bumper, these vehicles are giants on the road. Their size presents a formidable challenge when navigating confined areas.

• Turning Radius: Due to their standard truck design, they suffer from a less-than-ideal turning radius. This means steering can be cumbersome, particularly when making sharp turns.
• Parking Challenges: Picture this—you often have to back into spots. Why? The sheer swing of the vehicle makes it difficult to simply turn into them. This is especially true in tight driveways and cramped parking lots.

Incorporating these practical considerations into your driving strategy is essential for managing the Excursion’s impressive but daunting presence on the road.

What are some real-world scenarios where these challenges occur?

Drivers may find themselves needing to reverse into parking spots or other tight spaces because the vehicle cannot make the turn directly, especially in areas like driveways.

What are the maneuverability challenges of large vehicles?

Large vehicles often suffer from a poor turning radius, which can make navigating tight spaces difficult.

How large are these vehicles?

The vehicles in question measure 35 feet 10 inches and 40 feet in length, highlighting their substantial size.

How do people react when seeing a 6 Door Excursion for the first time?

There are just some rides you can’t walk past without doing a double, or even triple-take. Imagine driving through the scenic stretches of North Carolina, when suddenly, out of the corner of your eye, you glimpse a vehicle that seems to defy the norm—a 6 Door Excursion.

At first, you might think it’s a trick of the light or perhaps the result of a long road trip with restless kids in the back seat. But no, it’s not a mirage; it’s real, and it’s turning heads everywhere it goes.

That initial disbelief quickly transforms into a sense of wonder. It’s not every day you stumble upon something so unique that it forces you to pause and reevaluate what you thought you knew about vehicles.

In a world filled with conventional cars, a 6 Door Excursion stands out like a unicorn in a field of horses, making it impossible to ignore and compelling enough to inspire stories you’ll share for years to come.

How does the person confirm the vehicle’s existence?

The realization hits that the unusual vehicle is indeed real, providing a moment of clear acknowledgment and acceptance.

What context or situation might someone be in when they see this vehicle?

The sighting occurs during a drive through North Carolina, with the added stress of dealing with restless children in the back seat, providing a relatable and chaotic scenario.

What is the initial reaction to seeing a 6 Door Excursion?

The initial reaction is one of disbelief, akin to questioning one’s own perception, suggesting a mix of surprise and incredulity.