Howdy folks, you probably don’t see me too much around these parts; however, that may not be true for much longer. I have wanted to move to an oil burner for some time and that time seems to be now.

My question is thus: which year/drive train should I be looking for or staying away from (I’ll be buying used). I recall the 6.0’s having some issues, but other than that, what should I be buying?

I have had my dealership try very hard to find an 02 excursion with the 7.3, but they have come up empty handed (and I think the search has been in progress for 18 months).

 

Herman, are you saying you specifically want an Excursion with diesel?

If so, there is only one year with the 6.0 that I would consider, and that is the '05. This is because most of the 6.0 bugs were worked out by '05, and it is the last year they made the Excursion. Said another way, if you can't find a 7.3, then avoid the '03 and '04 model years and go straight to the '05.

If you are considering a pickup, then an '05-'07 with 6.0, or an '08-'10 with the 6.4. They all have potential issues, but are a reasonably good foundation.

We all know how good the 7.3 was, but those trucks are OLD and good ones are hard to find. Unless you want an older project truck to build up.

 

I had an 03 Excursion with the 6.0 that had no issues at all. Strange isn't it.The 03 has the round EGR cooler which is less likely to fail than (square)other years. Whatever you get if it's a 6.0 and your able to(by law or otherwise) you'll want to do an EGR delete.

 

Yes, lots of '03 and '04 with no issues at all. But the odds are in favor of the later models.

 

I was hoping for a low mileage 02 with the 7.3. Since this seems to be a lost cause, I've turned my attention to a Crew-Cab. I drove an 07 Harley Davidson the other day and while I liked it, I'm not a fan of HD and didn't see a need to overtly express favor to something I do not identify with. That leaves me with a KR or Lariat (I think I've got that right on my 'high' end trim packages.

The longer story is this: some of you know that I supercharged my Navigator, simply stated these motors are just too fragile (even 'built'). You can see in another thread where I busted the driveshaft last week and now I've since found that I've also busted both trailing arms that connect the rear axle to the body. (See where I'm going now?)

Given that, I've heard on the fringe that there were some motors to stay away from and was hoping you all could tell me what to get and what not to.

 

X2 Bpounds..... my son bought a really nice 01 out of texas. 7.3 he landed up doin the tranny/ converter, other wise it has been a great truck for the money. He has about 10g's initial purchase, and $2500 tranny and converter. rest is toys. He has a edge joice with attitude/ straight pipe, and some other performance stuff, and he will beat a gt mustang in the quarter mile. Its a runnin reliable truck.

 

The trim levels go XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch. The HD is about the same level as KR.

If you are someone who likes to get under the hood and upgrade stuff, you would love the 6.0. Lots of room for improvement and upgrading. If you SC a Navigator, then sounds like you are that guy. The 6.0 forum is great in that endeavor.

You can do good things with the 6.4 as well, depending on your smog requirements in your state.

 

Not to mention people are so afraid of the 6.0. That you can get a steal on one. And use the savings to add longevity and performance. I'm going to buy my wife a 05 Ex with the 6.0. Its a awesome motor that everyone overlooks due to people not doing correct PM.

 

You two recomending 6.0's Ill join in too since the lynch mod will be looking to hang you two. Go for a 05-07 6.0 and if you like to tinker come down to the 6.0 section and we will help spend you money.

Just so you know my 155's and Power Max are on the way...wink wink.


Sarge

 

How do you feel about traveling?

Nice 04/05 X's are a dime a dozen in Texas. Decent mileage on them too. I've seriously given thought to selling our Expy, flying home to Austin to visit family and X shop. Then drive to Cali and ship to Hawaii

Sounds like a 05+ is right up your alley

 

Where are you located? There's a 2000 7.3 with 107k at a dealer in my town.

 

If it were me...I would look for an '05 to '07 Super Duty along with an '05 Ex. Any of the vehicles you mention could be a good find...even the early ('03 and '04) 6.0's and the 7.3's...depending on what kind of use and maintenance they have had, and price. One big advantage to the 6.0's is the Torqueshift tranny v.s. the 4R100 w/ the 7.3 . I bet the '05 and up Super Duty will turn tighter than the Ex ( Ex's did not adopt the coil spring front end) because of the improved front suspension...I don't know this for a fact but I feel certain that my truck turns tighter than my '01 Ex did ( and my '03 Crew Cab SD).

 

I would ONLY recommend a 05 6.0 because they changed the front end body parts on them, I like they way they look way better than the 03's and 04's

But I would not shy away from an 03/04 6.0 at all.

 

An interesting insight and just up my alley. Like the time I bought an H1 with a blown up motor. What would you want with a truck with a blown up motor they asked... He, he he.

 

Yes but... in 4x4? I really can't get down there to shop, but if one of you wanted to for me... Well, I could make it worth your while.