Prepping for Overlanding: Installing Full-Traction’s ICG and RTLS Systems on an Excursion

Though maybe not the first vehicle you would think of, the four-wheel-drive, 7.3L, turbodiesel-powered Ford Excursion can be a great overlanding vehicle. Built on an eight-lug, 3/4-ton Super Duty chassis, the Excursion has solid axles and can easily pull a large trailer. The huge rear cargo area can be configured as a sleeping area with ample storage, including a slide-out-style overlanding kitchen, and still have room to spare.

All of these considerations were carefully evaluated by Steve Adams, and he knew his '00 Excursion would be the perfect overland vehicle for backcountry adventures.

Adams looked to Full-Traction Suspension for the parts to majorly transform the Excursion's harsh, stock, leaf-spring suspension into one that would be supple off-road. To do this, he had the company install its front Instant Center Geometry (ICG) four-link system. The ICG system removes the stock leaf springs and adds a four-link system, complete with an adjustable sway bar. It features Bilstein 8125 remote-reservoir coilover shocks adorned with Eibach 500-pound springs.

Full-Traction's Rear Torque Link Suspension (RTLS) system retains the stock leafs, but it adds long Adjustable Torque Link Arms, improved leaf shackles, and an adjustable rear track bar. Bilstein shocks are again used, though this time they are the 5165 remote-reservoir models.

Both kits come with all the necessary hardware, are made from mild steel, and are powdercoated for long-lasting protection from the elements.

Finishing off the install and helping to gain ground clearance is a set of 38x13.50R18 Toyo Open Country M/T tires. The huge tires are mounted to KMC XD829 HOSS II Satin Black Machined Dark Tint wheels.

Though the ICG and RTLS systems are designed to be bolt-on installations, Full-Traction recommends that a professional shop do the installation.

Follow along to see the highlights of the install and how this Excursion's suspension was prepped for overland travel.