I posted originally in the car buying section but not a lot of traffic there yet...

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...uper-duty.html

Looking to replace a 2006 Expedition that was totaled in an accident at highway speeds. It performed beautifully keeping us all safe with only minor injuries. We are torn between getting another Expedition or a Super Duty. We love both though we had to trade the F350 in for the Expedition after the 6.0L started spending more time in the shop than on the road...

We are looking all the way back to the 7.3Ls but are having zero luck in finding any of those or even 4x4 low mileage Expeditions in the central TX area... We are also looking at the 6.4Ls as they seem to have some great reviews.

Any words of wisdom as to what models/years to avoid? "Holy grails" of each vehicle model/engine?

Thanks!
Dave

 

I would avoid 03 6.0L powered trucks.

Why not another Expedition? Those ELs are nice and roomy. I mean, if the previous one served you so well...

Would you consider a v10 powered Super Duty? Might be less headaches but they are harder to find.

 

I think you really want something 05 and up so you get the best tranny. Power plant wish there are good reviews with the V10, most of the 6.0 and the 6.4 are all pretty good.

If you get a SD though Crew Cab is the way to go. Gives you all the seating for the family/friends and some of the stuff you liked about the EXP and the versatility of a truck.

 

If you had a suv, why dont you consider the 7.3 excursion?

 

We are seriously considering another Expedition, including the ELs but there are almost NONE within a 200 mile radius that meet all of our criteria! The few that do are Limited and King Ranch models ($$$). And 4x4s are hard to find! It's crazy! Though I can understand why no one wants to sell theirs. We loved ours! The major downside to the Expedition was the poor hauling capability with our 2-horse trailer with 1 horse and 800 lbs of feed (close to comparable to a second horse)...

We toyed with the idea of an Excursion when we got the Expedition but have never driven one. I'll have to look and see if there are any nearby to test drive...

If we get a pickup, it will be diesel. Haven't driven a V10 but had a Chevy 8.1L for a while. It drove beautifully but only got about 10 mpg on a good day...

 

Problem with the new Expedition is the independent rear suspension. If you really want an SUV that will haul people and has a solid rear axle, I'd check out the Suburban, especially if you can get a 6 or 6.2 in it.

However, sound like what you really want/need is an F250 Crew Cab short bed with the 6.4L Powerstroke. Since a few issues with the early builds it's proved a pretty reliable motor and will last you a lot of years.

 

This is my choice, but it's convincing the wife... As we've discussed it more, we may make a compromise and get a used Excursion. There appear to be quite a few in the area for sale. The few folks we know that have owned them liked them.

 

Currently there is a 7.3 poster selling his truck because he is going to Australia.

 

Well, found a fire red 2001 F250 Lariat 4x4 7.3L SB locally that my wife LOVED! Probably paid a hair too much for it but had ranch hand front and back and a 50 gal fuel/truck box in the bed. Drove very nice with a newly rebuilt tranny. Had a very light leak at the rear main seal making the underside a bit wet but no drops hitting the ground. Needs tires before my wife drives it to AZ this summer but that's it! 112K miles.

Thanks to all for the help and insight!

Dave

 

got pics ???

 

You probobly should purchase a CPS (cam posistion sensor) and keep it in the glove box !

The 7.3's had some issues with these, cutting out,,truck dies,,20 mins later starts up,,drive 2 miles and dies again,,,10 mm wrench,,and the CPS is located,,lower front engine, just above oil pan,,easy change,,and peace of mind to carry an extra one,,,!

 

Thank you! Will look for one. Where is the best place to buy? Is there a preferred online dealer/distributor for 7.3L parts and/or upgrades?

Pics to follow! The wife has them on her computer.

Dave

 

FTE parts guy can get them to you, he is a sponsor here.

 

I wouldn't count on it being a rear seal. Very rare for the rear main to give on the 7.3L. Oil can come from many places, drain into the valley between the valve covers, then leak down the back so everything looks like a rear main. ICP, EBPV, turbo pedestal, and HPOP are all known leak areas. If you post (or search) in the 99-03 7.3L section there is a lot of information you can get to pinpoint the leak location before you shell out $$$ to have it fixed so you know what to expect (or fix it yourself).

Just my .02

 

Thank you!


Good to know, thanks!
Dave