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So I just sold my 98 Expedition in May, its been a good truck and has served me well over the past decade + ...
I have always wanted an Excursion, so now is the time I think...
I found a lightly damaged 2003 Limited V10 4x4 truck in Oxford White with around 120k on it. Just needs a fender and a set of tires from the looks of it. Its a Northern truck so I'm sure there will be plenty of rust(a pet peeve of mine.) I am handy with bodywork so I don't think I should have any issues there.
I know some of these may have been answered before so please bear with me:
-Anything serious I should watch out for at 120k with a v10 gasser? I'm guessing the standard plugs/COPs deal as they go out at that mileage.
-Big suspension repairs? Not too sure what the longevity in these solid axle trucks is as far as suspensions/steering components.
-Any general specific tips as far as buying a 2003 Excursion from the knowledgeable folks here? I know just about all there is to know about the 1st Gen Expedition(thanks to FTE) and modular motors in general, but some additional knowledge would be helpful.
Thanks all, and looking forward to hopefully joining the Big Excursion crew soon enough.
Hmm? I wonder why you would? Seems like my questions were generally directed at the Excursion folks and not the v10 folks? But I guess you know best haha.
The V10 is what's referred to as the "poor man's diesel". It will pull a house down and whatever you hook behind it. Be it 3.73 or 4.30 gears, you won't be disappointed.
Things you want to check
-Since you have an idea about the Triton engines, you know it's the start the engine cold and listen for exhaust leaks which will quickly make themselves apparent.
-Once you're done inspecting the engine, it's time to drive. Does the transmission shift effortlessly smooth? If it doesn't it either needs work or a fluid change. Unless it was abused and neglected, it needs a fluid change. The man who helpded design it left us a way to do it ourselves: Changing ATF Fluid in a E4OD and 4R100 transmission - Ford-Trucks.com
-Try flipping the switch for 4wd while driving along, do you feel the transfer case engaging? Chances are it may need a fluid change. Aside from the diffs, it's the most commonly neglected part of the drivetrain. Bob has a great write up on it. Welcome to guzzle's Transfer Case Fluid Change Web Page
-Unless they have documentation refelcting this, always plan on flushing the front and rear diffs. Bob again has a great write up on both:
-Felpro now makes gaskets for the front and rear diff, so no more RTV.
-The 2008 rear diff cover is finned to keep the fluid cool while towing and driving.
Suspension
-If while you're on your test drive, you find the truck wanders while driving (you'll know it when you feel it) start by checking the pressure in the tires. If you have load range "E" tires, inflate them to atleast 60 PSI front and 65 psi rear. What's on the door isn't what's always best for the handling of these trucks, especially with tires that are able to handle more.
-Should the wandering continue, new springs may be in order along with shocks. The V/B and V/C spring mods are common mods that give an Excursion a better ride and towing performance. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...ml#post6722938
2003+ is the better of the truck/engine combos. 2003+ got more spark plug threads, the wiring is the same for 02+ which means the 08+ tow mirrors are a direct swap. If your not looking for headers which come with a y pipe check out the SPD y pipe 5star tuning sells.
Toreador- Guzzles transfer case is an excellent write up, however his fluid recommendation is no longer accurate. Mercon XL-12 is now the correct fluid. Check out the link below for more information. Also the second page has a couple more links regarding the issues.
As far as the exhaust manifolds go, I've done 2 sets on my 98 5.4 so i have an idea of that thats going to be like. I wasn't sure if the 2003 got the "PI" heads with extra spark plug threads, nice to know this is the case.
My Expy had Bilsteins on it so I will likely do a set of those on the Excursion as well.
Also, I believe the tire size is 265 75 16? Can I go with a bigger tire or is the stock size always going to be the cheapest/best handling option?
As far as the 4x4 system, I know the Excursion does not have an AUTO 4x4 mode like the Expeditions do, so does that mean i have to get out of the truck and turn the hubs before I engage 4x4?
The tips for flushing and minding after the front axle are very helpful, thank you for those. As far as the tuner and y-pipe, I already looked through 5 star tunings website and pretty much talked myself into picking up a tuner/ypipe combo.
Furthermore I have the door tag from the truck, but i'm not too good at deciphering axle codes and stuff, any chance some guys can help me out with axle ratio for example?
Also, I believe the tire size is 265 75 16? Can I go with a bigger tire or is the stock size always going to be the cheapest/best handling option?
The stock size works well for me, but people upsize to 285/75/16 or 305/70/16 (largest you can fit without a lift).
Originally Posted by Greenscobie86
As far as the 4x4 system, I know the Excursion does not have an AUTO 4x4 mode like the Expeditions do, so does that mean i have to get out of the truck and turn the hubs before I engage 4x4?
All Excursions came with ESOF or Electronic Shift On the Fly. You can flip the switch to 4 high and not have to get out. The ONLY reason you have to get out of the truck is if your vacuum hoses are dry rotted or you have a leak.
Originally Posted by Greenscobie86
Furthermore I have the door tag from the truck, but i'm not too good at deciphering axle codes and stuff, any chance some guys can help me out with axle ratio for example?
You have a 3.73 open diff. I have the same thing on my '01 Excursion, don't know what Ford was thinking....
You can fix this with a Detroit Tru Trac, there are no clutches to wear out and you always have traction.
Just won the truck... Excited to get it in my driveway in a few days to start working on it, and ask more questions. I'll probably start a build thread in the Excursion forum.
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