I have been reading up mostly on the heavy duty trucks but due to some health issues with the wife recently considered an SUV. But I still wanted a diesel and having had experience with the GM 6.2 in the 80's wasn't sure it was wise or even avail until I ran into this forum on the X.
anyway here is what I found: 2002 with the 7.3. It is fully loaded and I am going to go look at it tomorrow and before I go wanted to get a little heads up from the group that knows.
1. Anything to stay away from?
2. anything to check out specifically?
3. Is there anything that would be a definite "NO GO" on these trucks.
4. vehicle has 200K and if I like will be having my mech. check out (he has a couple of 7.3 SD of his own) so want to make sure not to waste his time.
Any help appreciated.


Thanks,


Dan

 

Do it, Dan. Can't speak to the specific ex, but I bought the same rig a few years back and it has been incredible. 2002, 4wd, 7.3. There are tons of possible issues, like any other 200k mile vehicle, but personally, the majors are not mechanical, per se. Like any car, I check for signs of repaint, climb under and look at the frame rails for condition/damage, rust or filler, etc. The mechanical stuff is all fixable, and chances are, you can do much of the stuff yourself. leaks/minor body electrical stuff, common, generally easily dealt with. 200k is a lot onthe stock Trans, as with any automatic, but the engine is amazing. Good luck, hope you get a good one!!

 

Thanks Abinsur. This is what I like about the people I've had contact with here, they will tell you the problems you may encounter but will also cheer you on and encourage you to go for the gusto.
I hope this is a good one...I'll know a lot more tomorrow and will post what I find.


Dan

 

I've had mine for 11 years and love it. If you are mechanically inclined you should be able to do most of the repairs yourself. That is the great thing about this forum, you can always find help

 

Well I went to see the truck and it definitely had 202K on it. They had removed the running boards due to supports being rusted out and the doors are bubbled. Had good maint. records (guy had all the work at local Ford dealer) and it may have had new tranny (hus. not there). I'll have to mull over as the rust places it as a possible money pit.
Does anyone have an idea what door skins and running boards would be to replace? I might could handle the running boards but the body work is beyond me.
I liked the truck and the motor started very good (needs batteries), no smoke no funny smells but will still have to have mech. ck. out if you guys convince me the body work isn't a deal breaker. Undercarriage is reasonably rust free just the 4 doors and rear wheel wells.
Any thoughts/suggestions?


Dan

 

I know around here (central CA) there are quite a few 7.3 Excursions. Personally, I hate rust. We're spoiled here, but as a mechanic for another manufacturer I can tell you that working on a car with rust issues is no fun. Every nut and bolt is a potential headache. Having said that, the east coast guys and shoreline mechanics that have worked on rusty cars for a career, are magicians... Magic, I say. Around here, it's dry, dusty and never rusty. We are definitely spoiled. You can't say no to a really good deal, a seriously good deal, but I bought my Ex with only one small dent and 160k for $10k. Knowing the work I've done to it so far, there is no way I'd have bought a rusted out excursion. Just not worth the stress if you're doing the work yourself. If you're set on an Excursion, they're out there. Might have to go away from where you are to find a nice one, and it could take a while (took me over 6 months (closer to a year) of searching CA for mine), but it popped up 15 miles away on craigslist. Just got to keep at it and have cash... Good luck either way, Dan. A good Excursion is a keeper for life.