Front end upgrade

[OldManSlerm]

This seems like something I should have been able to find already here, unless I missed it.

I have some questions about updating the front end of my 05 Excursion. I've seen pictures of them with the 08, 11, and 12 superduty front ends. Is there anyone who could answer some questions or point me in the right direction?

First, and most doubtful.. is this by chance a direct bolt on swap?

Thank you.

[jesilvas]

Most front end upgrades are from 04 and down to yours, the 05-07. There have been a number of 08-10 and 11+ upgrades done, but your doubt is well founded: it's no where near a direct swap. New hood, wiper cowl, bumper, fenders, and idk what else.

[OldManSlerm]

Well, I know there are a lot of pieces involved for the full conversion. What I mean when I say 'bolt on swap' I am asking how much, if any, welding and cutting is involved.

Searching for images of 'excursion front end conversion' on the web brings me beautiful looking Excursions with 08, 11, and even 12 superduty front ends.

Here is an example:

[sanchezrc2]

from my understand the only real cutting would be the frame section because the bumper sits lower, but all sheetmetal should be the same as the front end conversion for the super dutys as well. anyone care to correct me? i have an 03 excursion and i plan on doing this swap, there is a build on this forum for the f250 which all sheet metal is the same for the excursion

[Wed Turner]

There are a few good threads on the boards here that will give you some ideas of what is involved. This one is a good one: F350 08 front clip conversion has begun!!!

[OldManSlerm]

Excellent link! Thank you!

I only got to page five or so, so far, but I am heading out for the evening. I got it bookmarked, so I'll read through it a bit more thoroughly later.

[7.3dofbft]

The easiest way to do the conversion is to buy a front clip, remove the core support/radiator support and weld the new one on. There is a guy in the OBS section that took his cab and body off put on 99+ superduty, then did the 2011 front conversion the easy and right way. You can do the 08-12 front end buy just buying sheet metal, that is how I did mine, but I tell you in the future if I do another ,unless a member wants to pay me and do it only with sheet metal swap, I will be doing it with full front clip as a donor truck.