Hello to all. My first post. Been lurking a long time and am going to see 2, 2004 V10 X's Saturday. Both under 100K and been represented as excellent and well maintained. Aside from the exhaust manifold bolts, ball joint issues, and injector issues, what else should I look out for? Already have looked at carfax and autocheck reports, and they are clean. Thanks guys.

 

Make sure the hubs turn freely if they are still stock. If they are stock and froze up, use as a negotiation tool as they are really easy to clean and lube up or even replace with Warn Premium hubs.

 

What makes up the towing package and how to tell if its so equipped? What is the code on the label for this? What are the codes for posi rear? What are the codes for 3:73 and 4:10? Thanks.

 

Towing package consist of a rear sway bar and towing mirrors.
Don't know the rest of your questions.

 

There is a sticker on the end of drivers door which defines
the type of rear end (gearing and tru-track or not).
Also I think the "chilton"-type shop manuals also provide
the codes as well. Browse one @ your local auto parts store
if they aren't shrinked wrapped.

If you do a google (or a search on FTE) there was some info
regarding the breakdown for each engine choice of what
rear-end options there were and they usually explain the
door codes as well.

The issue is always "did" the previous owner change them -
most likely not - but no guarantees in life, except taxes and death.
Likewise there is "often" a tag on 1 bolt of the rear diff which
provides a code for the rear-end data as well.

Towing package - supposedly contained tow mirrors & rear sway.
might be dependant upon model year, I don't know.
All Excursions came with the tow receiver, so that doesn't mean
it "has" the tow package.
No "code" on the vehicle for this either.
The tow mirrors could be separately ordered/installed, many have
done this as a "mod" as well. Even installing '08 F250 tow mirrors.
Visually check for a rear sway bar, and decide if you like the
mirrors or not that the vehicle comes with.

The "tow" package doesn't much matter, I can tow with the
paddle mirrors - and I don't have to fold them in tight spaces.
I can add a rear-sway bar if I want/need it.

 

Thanks for the responses guys. I'm getting closer. Do the Ex's all come with external trans coolers? or is that part of the towing package? I guess all Ex's come either with 3:73 or 4:10 ratio only for v10? Thanks.

 

Its actually a 4:30 gear ratio, which I would strongly recommend if you plan on towing.

 

Not going to be towing a lot for now. When I do will be about 5-6K for(boat) for short distances like 15 miles or less. Will be daily driver. Will also used to carry the family like 250 miles one way to our other place on weekends.

Fordboy, not understanding what you mean. Are you saying the rear axle choices are only 3:73 or 4:30? There is no 4:10 ratio?

 

This link will help you decifer the vin # as well as the sticker on the pillar once you open the door. A lot of info so you might want to just print it off before you go and look at the X's.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/4...lder_____.html

 

Stock ratios are only 3.73s or 4.30s, others may be available.

 

Not much more info just yet. One of the Ex's sold before I could get to see it. The other is still there. Mineral Gray and under 90K. Seems real clean but no DVD. Haven't wanted to travel that far to see it with all the bad weather we've been having. Weather channel says another 10-14" tonight on top of the 5 we got earlier today. Must admit the fuel thread I started is playing a factor as well. There is, no question that I will love having one once I get one. Need to be sure I will still love having it once fuel prices rise. I'm no stranger to suv's. Had 4 Yukons and currently V8 4Runner. I do miss the size of the Yukon XL's I've had.

BTW, the price is 15K, 2004 V10, LTD. What do you guys think of the price for that year and mileage? Thanks.

 

I think it's a bit high. More like $12k would be good for 04 v10.