I didn't even notice that shield when breezing threw the pics the first time.

I always did find it very odd that ford put a caliper on opposite sides of the rear axle in the early years.

Really the only reason I can see for it is because they only had one caliper with the bleeder only on one end. But really what was the big deal of just drilling and taping the hole on the opposite side? I would think it would be more of a hassle to jig up and mount one caliper mount on the opposite side of the axle than the other? It doesn't make a single bit of sense what so ever.

I always thought 90's chevy trucks were weird because they had one rear axle shock in front of the axle and one behind. Looks dumb as hell.

 

Don't FORD's do that now as well?

 

I had my OASIS on the '01 run in '13.

If you have one of these vehicles go get your OASIS and file it, it would help you when trying to sell it (if so inclined).

 

I believe they do...

 

You'll see more rust here on the east coast than you will on the west coast. A lot of car restorers rather have a car from out west than here on the east side. Were used to it. I definitely will not post a pic of the under side of mine if you think the rust is bad on this one.

 

I've been saying what it was since the second page of this thread.

 

So we buying this thing or what? I need to call USAA today and get them to mail the check if so...Stewart, Mecdac, ExxWhy, Matt, Christina, Snow, Freaking LivingLarge where you at!.... What's the deal guys.

 

Apoc, I agree that you should not settle. Just keep looking for the one you WANT, not one that will do.

 

Think it over, then ask yourself what you gut instinct is telling you. You are the one who has driven it, so ultimately, you are the best informed to make the decision for you.

HOWEVER, If you have any doubt, any doubt what so ever, then pass it up and keep hunting!

This is something you should not settle on. There are always other Excursions out there.

 

My vote it no. Pass and we keep looking. From a selfish point of view.....if Michael capitulates I will have an excuse to learn how diesel engines work.

 

I agree the red one looks OK for the price considering it's not been very well looked after. However in my opinion I would hold out and continue looking for a later model with less miles that is a little nicer than that, I'm sure the one I'm describing will cost more but for a "lifetime" vehicle it would be worth it. I looked at a bunch of EXs before I found one that was just several steps higher on the Sweet-O-Meter than the herd, it cost more like it should have but it was worth it to me as I intend to keep it around for a while.
Is a "lifetime" truck worth some extra cost to start off with less wear and tear to you? It was to me but our situations are different.

 

Since he is inflexible on price I would keep looking.

Keep looking, if you find something better that's a big plus. If he sells it while you are looking for something better, then it wasn't meant to be. You aren't in a situation of "have to" because you extra vehicles.

"Patience my little weedhopper."

 

Going from the pics I'll give you the green light! It looks and sounds like everything is in order. The rust to me looks like just surface rust. Nothing that a little clean up and some POR15 rust converter wouldn't fix. I've seen way worse than what is in those pics. Everything else is maintenance items. The defrost issue you mentioned is probably just a split open ESOF actuator on the RF fender. Mine did the same thing a few years ago. A new one fixed it.
$4k sounds like a good price for it. And for something in fairly decent shape that cannot be purchase anymore as new from Ford, is hard to find.
To be honest I don't feel the difference between the V-10 and diesel is enough to justify. The V-10 when coupled with 4.30's or lower is just as good as a diesel and not noisy, plus the maintenance and cost of diesel is less. That is where your wife will love it! And your neighbors will appreciate no loud 7.3 idling away in the a.m.!

 

JuanHuevos has 2 carfax reports that are going to expire on the 18th. He offered to use one on the truck (and the other as well if I wanted, but I don't see me looking for another for awhile), so I think I'll see what it says. If it's clean I'll think about it a bit more. If not I'll try to get the price down more and just skip it if I can't get a better deal. Honestly as much as I want a new rig I'm thinking I'm going to have to pass on this one. If I do this I'm going to start looking for a 6.0 from a dealer though. I think that will be a better option for me since they can finance more and I can get a nicer truck.

 

Good news and bad news. The good is it looks like a clean (ish) report. The bad is I personally can't see it. It's an XPS document and I'm on a mac so I can't open the damn file. Anyone in here (USCG_PA) that I can email it to and you post it up for me?