Well I know my other thread about wasting my time on looking at a junked out Excursion hit a nerve with other members so I thought I would now tell of my Excursion purchase.

Its a 2003 Eddie Bauer with a 7.3 and 95,000 miles.

Its purchase was definate unique. I was planning on buying a 2005 with a 6.0 for a little more, but when I called the dealership and had the saleman do a walk thru over the phone, the dents, scratches, stains, broken electronics kept adding up and the price was not coming down.

I just chaulked it up to another wasted effort but atleast I didn't drive 4 fours to find out that I wasted my time.

I started my search again and I took a look at this one. Called the dealer. I rarely like speaking with salesmen, but I felt like I had a winner here and actually believed a used car salesman. I did some soul searching on what I really wanted. I originallly did not want to buy this one because I felt the price was too high for a 2003 anything and my wife didn't like the exterior color. He said the problem with it was banks were not willing to loan for the full amount and that is why he still had it.

After much thought, I realized the engine model was really important to me. I really wanted the 7.3 over the 6.0 if it was well cared for. Against rationale thought I jumped and I purchased it over the phone even though it was white. My last two trucks were white and my Fox mustang is also white.

We drove 3 1/2 hours on Friday night, stayed at hotel near the dealership, and looked at it first thing Saturday morning.

I feel very fortunate now. This Excursion was well taken care of. It probably has the best leather I have ever seen in a vehicle of the years and miles. The 2nd row and 3rd row seats appear to be virgins. Everthing electrical works, heated power seats, mirrors, door locks even the hatch, windows, radios, HVAC. The motor clean but not "cleaned" and it was dry and not leaking anywhere (yet). The exterior and interior were in great shape with only a few small fixable scratches/dents. The ball joints have been replaced and the tires were newer and even E load range. The drive home was well, but it needs work.

My impressions so far:

A 7.3 is not a rocket. I just sold my 325 horse 2005 Cummins with a 100 horse chip and this thing is a slug. I know apples to oranges thing, but it will be getting some work. Lie O Meter is showing 16 mpg on highway. I was hoping for 17 but....

The suspension is giving up. I will be completing another V code front spring swap like I did on my 2002 before. This might be a later thing as it is OK now. It also needs shocks. I will be also tighting the steering gear soon.

On Sunday I gave my wallet a work out. I purchased the following:

New heavy duty floor mats for the front
Husky floor liners for 2nd row (It already had one in the rear cargo area)
Prodigy P3 for towing
Hellwig sway bar
Roadmaster Active Suspension system

I am going to change out all the fluids in the diffs and transfer case. I have been thinking about going with Royal Purple or Amsoil.

Going to change out the Tranny fluid. I was thinking about using the procedures I found here to flush out the whole system but I am still nervous about screwing something up with the tranny.

Also planning on trying to upgrade to a 6.0 tranny cooler for towing. We have a 8500 pound Avion Travel trailer we will be yanking around the country this year.

I am going to ordering guages sometime this week.
I will then order a new 4" exhaust unsure on brand
and I think I am going to use a Tony Wildman Tunes to help "liven it up"

I would post pics but I am not sure how on this site yet.


Thanks for letting me boast and be proud of my new tow rig.


Hunter

 

Congrats! I'd love to have the 7.3 again but settled for the V10 because it is what i could afford. Sounds like you found a good truck.

 

Sounds like a great truck. I'm glad you took the time and got what you wanted. and white isn't a bad color, just think of how much cooler it is in the summer time, and you blend in more in the winter.

 

Congratulations sir, you just grew a 3rd ball.

 

Hah, I took that the wrong way. Knowing your other thread was a hit with the guys, I thought you were saying that thread got negative responses.

I hear Tony is good people, and writes some really good tunes.

I prefer Jody at DP-Tuner. He's tuned my Excursion and he's live tuned my F250.

You can't screw up the trans using Mark Kovalsky's method. Aint no way.

I like the MBRP exhaust.

Clay at Riffraff diesel has gauges and exhaust systems for your rig.

Riffraff is the forum sponsor here in the Excursion forum.

Riffraff Diesel Performance Parts: Powerstroke Parts | Ford Diesel Parts | Ford - 00-03 Excursion 7.3L

Same way as on any other site Hunter, register at a photo sharing website like Photobucket.com and upload your pictures there. Photobucket provides you the link to post your pictures on UBB's like FTE.

Stewart

 

Congratulations! Welcome to the white Ex club!

 

Well done! You're gonna love the Ex, I don't think I'll ever get rid of mine. I'll probably start the search for another one soon, I want an '05 6.0. I actually wanted white and couldn't find one, ended up with the red....the kids were not crazy about the color but they love the room and 4 TVs.

 

What that guy said!

 

Congrats on the new truck, 95K miles is awesome!!

Here's a link for posting pics, https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-tutorial.html

 

Here are some pictures. I was having trouble because I was using lightning instead of safari for my web browser

 

I think I like your driveway more than your truck . Nice truck though, very nice shape .

 

The driveway is nice. I previously parked my triple slide 38 foot 5th wheel in the driveway and I could still get both cars in the garage and had plenty of parking. It did block the view from the front door.

 

Welcome to the Illinois Ex Club. Good purchase. Remember since you live in Illinois to rust proof everything!

 

Great looking Ex. I know you went through a lot to find a good one so congrats?

What are the two switches under the headlight control?

The 7.3 is a slug, but it will probably be one of the most reliable motors you will ever own. Take care of it and it will take care of you. + There are a lot of mods you can make to get some pick up and go!

 

The two switches are for the aftermarket alarm/valet and remote start. I am undecided what to do with it right now. At one time it was a premium Viper code jumping system. Right now the system or the remote does not work. I don't want to jack with it too much and trigger a disable. I was eventually going to take it into my stereo/alarm guy and him go through it to see if its salvageable or worth it.