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Buying another Excursion...Help please

Old Nov 2, 2013 | 06:58 PM
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Magnolia Tom
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Buying another Excursion...Help please

I have located an 03 Eddie Bauer Excursion with 7.3 that I am looking at buying. It is a 4x4. I currently have a 2000 Limited 2wd that has been fantastic with no issues. I recently got stuck in some mud while pulling my camper which led my to think I need a 4 wheel drive model. Anything I should be aware of or look for as I inspect this vehicle? This will be my first 4x4 that I have ever owned. I have heard about some front axle problems (hubs?), anything else? It is a one owner vehicle with 200k on the clock. This is basically the same vehicle I own but in a 4x4 version.

Thanks!
 
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Old Nov 2, 2013 | 07:40 PM
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Put it in 4x4 and check to see if you can move u joints by hand, then back into 2x4 and check again. They should come free by themselves if the auto works. Maybe check to see if the 4x4 hubs move freely from auto to manual...

Does it have oem hubs or aftermarket?
 
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Old Nov 2, 2013 | 08:30 PM
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Originally Posted by jayjjcc
Put it in 4x4 and check to see if you can move u joints by hand, then back into 2x4 and check again. They should come free by themselves if the auto works. Maybe check to see if the 4x4 hubs move freely from auto to manual...

Does it have oem hubs or aftermarket?
Not sure but if the hubs are oem... I'm going to look at it on Monday. Forgive my ignorance but how do I check the u-joints? Just wiggle them?
 
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Old Nov 2, 2013 | 10:21 PM
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Yeah, you'll see them right on the inside of the tire. Grab hold and try and turn'em. When you see them, you'll likely have an "ah hah" moment.
 
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Old Nov 2, 2013 | 11:40 PM
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You might want to use a large screwdriver and stick it in there through the u joint to help you turn it...
 
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Old Nov 3, 2013 | 06:27 AM
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Again, forgive my ignorance but am I looking for them to move or not to move...I'm guessing they shouldn't move?
 
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Old Nov 5, 2013 | 02:34 PM
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any other things I should be looking for?
 
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Old Nov 5, 2013 | 03:08 PM
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IMO, spend the $75 or so to have it inspected a a diesel shop. It will save you money in repairs and give you stuff to negotiate the price down.
 
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Old Nov 5, 2013 | 03:34 PM
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Originally Posted by Crunk
IMO, spend the $75 or so to have it inspected a a diesel shop. It will save you money in repairs and give you stuff to negotiate the price down.
I'm going to try to see if they will let me take it to my mechanic that is 45 minutes away....if they are unwilling to let me take a 2-3 hour test drive, I have a fairly good idea of what to look for as far as the 7.3 goes, I've just never owned a 4 wheel drive and have no idea what things specific to the 4x4 should be looked at.
 
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Old Nov 5, 2013 | 04:10 PM
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Originally Posted by Magnolia Tom
I'm going to try to see if they will let me take it to my mechanic that is 45 minutes away....if they are unwilling to let me take a 2-3 hour test drive, I have a fairly good idea of what to look for as far as the 7.3 goes, I've just never owned a 4 wheel drive and have no idea what things specific to the 4x4 should be looked at.
If it is a good deal go for it. If you have a 2wd version and like it, then you are familiar with 80 percent of the vehicle. If it is a good deal then jump on it. There is nothing that can't be repaired on a 4wd Excursion and no mechanic in the world can predict what is going to happen...only suspect. If it drives good,,,and you like it...get it...and enjoy.
 
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