I'll have to look into that sway bar. The previous owner didn't say anything about adding one, so I don't suppose there is one. Are they really a good thing to have? Any idea how much they cost?

 

Adding a rear (anti) sway bar to an EX that didn't come with one is a very nice upgrade, makes the big wagon much more stable at speed and removes a lot of the inherent body roll these things have. While towing any considerable weight the rear bar will also help to lessen the trailer's influence on the truck in corners.
The Hellwig adjustable rear sway bar is about $200 delivered and is a fairly easy driveway installation.
Take a look at your rear axle from the front side, some lucky EXs came with factory rear bars, but most did not.

 

Agreed, I love my Hellwig. I was lazy and even had the shop install it while it was in for regular maintenance. I believe they charged me 2 hours to install ($150ish)

 

Really makes a difference, huh? We'll add this to the list of mods then, thanks.

 

+1 on the anti-sway bar.

When I first got mine, I did not like going very fast in it. It felt grossly unstable at highway speeds. I would stay in the right lane doing 60 because I just didn't trust it. After I installed the V/B codes and the Hellwig it made an absolute world of difference. I now cruise at 75+ in the left lane and feel very comfortable doing it.

It's hard to say which made a bigger difference because they were both installed at about the same time. But I can't imagine that one or the other made all the difference.

 

The Hellwig makes my Ex handle almost like a sports car.

 

LOL, if my X can handle like a sports car I'm in.

 

I checked when I got home and we have a front sway bar but no rear. See picture. I believe I've seen mention of the rear sway bar here.
We haven't put many miles on her since we brought her home but both my husband and I thought there was a wander in the handling, like if you took your attention off the road for a second she was apt to wander across the lane. Will a rear sway bar help with that, or is it more for side to side roll when cornering?

 

Rear sway bar (anti roll bar) is more for controlling the body's roll. It may help a little with a wandering wagon but there are other things to check and work on that should have a bigger impact on lane keeping control. First off check the tire pressures, both too low or too high can make the EX want to wander around on you. Next up have the alignment checked, there are a few recent threads that discuss what the alignment specs should be for the best control and steering feedback.

 

Thanks. I'll check it out.

 

For what it's worth, I had a 2001 v10 Excursion, put 150k on it and sold it during the gas crunch 10 years ago ($6K). Loved every minute I owned it. On the interstate it's like a 30 foot motor yacht compared to a 18 foot runabout. Found a 2001 250SD extra cab with short bed and V10and 110k. When I saw the Triton on it, I went for it. Now I'm happy again, and with the convenience of a PU. Preferred a quad cab but they were rare, even beyond the v10. I wouldn't worry about the engine, run Mobil 1 or equivalent, use 88 or higher octane, and have a ACE mechanic change the plugs if you ever have to have them replaced. For pulling they'll knock a 6.0 diesel over and much less pricey. Go for it. But then if it fails what am I out?

 

For what it's worth, I had a 2001 v10 Excursion, put 150k on it and sold it during the gas crunch 10 years ago ($6K). Loved every minute I owned it. On the interstate it's like a 30 foot motor yacht compared to a 18 foot runabout. Used it to pull a 28 foot Reinell to Lake Mead and Lake Powell with no trouble. Found a 2001 250SD extra cab with short bed and V10and 110k. When I saw the Triton on it, I went for it. Now I'm happy again, and with the convenience of a PU. Preferred a quad cab but they were rare, even beyond the v10. I wouldn't worry about the engine, run Mobil 1 or equivalent, use 88 or higher octane, and have a ACE mechanic change the plugs if you ever have to have them replaced. For pulling they'll knock a 6.0 diesel over and much less pricey. Go for it. But then if it fails what am I out?

 

Great thread...I've been looking at/for Excursions for a while now, but am serious about buying ASAP.

I'm on the fence about 2wd or 4wd. I'll be towing a '12 enclosed, single axle trailer with motorcycles in it, about 3000 lbs. But, i will be upgrading to '14 enclosed cargo trailer with dual axles sooner than later.

The X will only see maybe 5-6k miles a year. For trips to the racetracks a few times a year.

Definitely want the V10, but i have seen some low mileage 5.4's out there.

 

I'm on my second one. Hands down the best vehicle anywhere. You cant beat the F250 platform. My V10 has 212k and still going no issues.

 

Get the V10 with the 4WD!!!

Better to have it and not need it, than it is to need it and not have it.