shopping for Excursions, i'm finding a lot of 2000 models in my price range. this is the first year for the Excursion...any reason not to buy a 2000?

 

There are 2 issues with the V10 in 2000-01 models:
1 is there were not enough spark plug threads in the heads so if torqued incorrectly you can strip out the threads or a spark plug could loosen and be ejected.
2 is the exhaust manifold bolts will eventually snap off and cause an exhaust leak.

Problem 2 exists all model years and I just corrected it on my 03. Problem 1 is resolved by an improved head design with additional threads in late 01 or the 02 model year (can't remember which).

Otherwise - I think you're good to go. Most of the major items are the same through all years with just option packages changing until the front end redesign of 05. Good luck in your search!

 

I just purchased a 2000 three weeks ago. Drove to central New Jersey from central PA to pick it up. I like it. Just keep watching your sources (eBay, Autotrader (where I found mine) and find what seems best for your price point). Maybe buy a 5-pak of Carfax just to be able to check them, and negotiate and drive the ones you are interested in. i drove three before I bought mine.

I haven't heard anyhing really specific about 2000's except for lack of a rear sway bar... and the previous poster has enlightened me about the exhaust manifold bolts. The spark plug issue I have heard about, but I am not sure if its an action item, until it happens, or a to do. I shudder to think about the price of new heads. I'd be interested to hear form others about what that might cost/entail.

However, an 11 year old truck is going to have some issues, and I budgeted about 1500 over what I wanted to spend on it, for immediate fixes/repairs/upgrades. I did the whole new rotors,pads and sway bar... but just because I wanted to start from scratch as it were.

Good luck!

 

i have heard a lot about the spark plug issue... but to get an '02 or newer with lower miles will cost me more compared to a 2000 or 01 than it would to have threads repaired if needed...i think.

it seems like there are a lot of 2000s with 100k miles or more...seems to me the spark plug issue can be overcome? the exhaust manifold studs are a nuisance but since the diesels are out of my price range it's a necessary evil.

i know i'll have to add a sway bar if there isn't one already. i have a 16' enclosed cargo trailer and a 30' travel trailer i will be towing.

 

If you buy 00 or 01 X, have your mechanic change the plugs when you get it. If he is not familiar with doing it on a V-10, find someone who is. There is a few things to do other than just pull the plugs and change them. Blow out the plug hole before you start, use only Ford OEM plugs, lube the COPs properly, right torque values, etc. There are numerous threads about plug changes. Do a search. Done right, you won't have to worry about the plugs for another 100k...

Bob

 

I know that the bolts used for the hitch receiver on the 2000 model year is smaller than the 2001+. Those smaller bolts is what makes the tow capacity on that year lower than the rest.

 

10,000 vs 11,000 lbs

 

Therein lies my problem. i live in the snowbelt and want a rust free truck...or as close as i can get. i had planned to fly out west to buy one and drive it back but it's not in the cards. (i have done that before and it was fun but expensive). i will be looking south...but within driving distance. but it will be the luck of the draw. i don't know how many i will be able to test drive since around here they all have some rust. i'll probably drive one locally to make sure i like Excursions but after 4 years in my F250 (which i like a lot) i have a good feeling about the Ex.

 

I live in Wisconsin and found a Missouri truck on a local dealers lot. It was a fleet vehicle (not a lot of bells and whistles) with virtually no rust. You just have to look and ask the sellers about the vehicle history. The 5 pack of carfax can help you out on that too. Take your time and look all sorts of places including craigslist.

 

I drove to virginia to buy the last one that came from north carolina. It was unbelievable underneath absolutely 0 rust of any kind. Being a tech I rarely see anything like it. My friend was amazed. It is worth the drive. My 2000 was starting to get bad underneath.

 

did you buy it sight unseen? when i bought a super clean '86 f350 CC in CA it was from a private owner..i basically had to trust him and his word and in the end it worked out well. i have dealt with lying salesmen before, though. once i drove over 3 hours with my dad to look at a "clean" f250 and when i saw it it smelled like a dirty ashtray and looked like it had been run through the woods and there was mud clumps and rust underneath that they painted over with undercoating. i had been reassured the truck was clean and i was not wasting my time driving from lake erie to the ohio river to see this truck. needless to say i was pissed. my dad couldnt believe it when i took one look at the truck and turned around and jumped back in his car and headed home.

i have carfaxed 3 Excursions so far...i'm glad i did because the one that was first in line got ruled out since it was in 2 accidents and was a rust belt truck. the other 2 are still in the running, but not exactly what i want.

browsing 7.3 Excursions they are few and far between, with high miles or high prices. i'm a little nervous to take the V10 plunge with the way things are a nd the cost of gas but my current 7.3 only gets 10 towing anf 12-14 otherwise so i guess it won't be too bad a mileage hit.

 

well i drove one locally and i'm sold. 8'2" of floor front to back with the middle seats folded, smooth and quite ride compared to my F250.
V10 was adequate, i didnt romp on it too hard with the sales guy in the passenger seat. definitely not the same feel as the 7.3, but i could get used to it. this one sounded like it could have used a tune up (slight miss sound in the tailpipe) and it did have a loud knock cold that went away as it warmed up which i guessed was a leaky exhaust manifold.
the one i drove was a little beat and rusty but i still got a good feel for the vehicle. now to find one rust free and well optioned...

 

best way to find your truck craigslistcrawler.com and there are several other site like this too. perfect for that hard to find item