I've seen references in various threads that imply there are differences between the 2000 Exs and later MYs. However, I've never seen anything (or been able to find anything) to indicate just what those differences are.

Since I'm planning to buy a used Ex in the next few months (fingers-crossed) I want to make sure that my search is as informed as possible. I know (or *think* I know!) that there were few mechanical differences in the trucks I'm looking for (4x4, V10) - same motor, same trans, same axles, etc. for the whole run.

What are the differences between the various years? Depending on the responses, I'd like to put together a reference document for the site, might make things easier for folks down the road.

 

Mechanical differences are limited to the engines available through the model years.

The differences you are asking about are electrical in nature. Both under the hood, in the dash and on the steering wheel.

 

Also things like:

Heated seats?
Turn signal mirrors?
Power fold / power telescope mirrors?
DVD?

etc etc

Thought it'd be useful to capture that data in one place.

 

No turn signal mirrors were available until 05 I believe. Even then, you had to order them special (tow package), as Ford was putting the little "dog ears" on the Excursions all along. Power fold was never available on an Excursion. We here at FTE have mastered the process of retro-fitting them, though.

Heated seats were available all along, it was the trim level that determined if you got them. XLT did not get them. Limited and Bauer did get them. Again, it was something you could order special from the factory in an XLT if you paid extra.

DVD was available from 00-05. You had to order it, though. I know several Limited/Bauer models that DO NOT have them. So no consistency there at all.

Adjustable brake pedal/seat position was available starting in 02, and you could save/remember two settings I think.

The upgraded climate control system made its debut in 02. 00-01 were very basic like the trucks had.

Some Excursions did not come with rear A/C or heat, but those were usually govt models that were stripped down to nothing but the drive train, body and seats. Plenty of those floating around. They had the vinyl flooring as well.

 

My 2002 Limited has the auto climate control. I believe that they added a power adjustable passenger seat in 2002 as well.
Somewhere in production they also changed the hitch weight rating by a bit. I believe this was due mostly to a mounting bolt size change but someone with more knowledge can correct me if not.

 

I know it had to do with the bolts, but I don't know exactly what it was.

 

Models:
XL govt issue
XLT
Limited
Eddie Bauer

No Boundaries Group Black Monochromatic Package
- Monochromatic Black Paint
- Chrome Strip Inlay in Molding
- Crystalline Headlamps
- Reversible Cargo Mat
- Retractable Cargo Cover
- Black Illuminated Running Boards

And don't forget the "No Boundaries" Camping Chairs

 

Where are the rest of them??? Only two!?

 

I would bet that WE3ZS could answer this rather quickly.

What is this "Retractable Cargo Cover" that you speak of? My old 1997 Tahoe has this and I always thought that it would be something nice to have in the Ex as well.

 

During the '03 model production Ford updated the PI heads with more spark plug threads to address the plug blowout events on the gas engines.


Yes the early production EXs had hitches rated at 1,000lbs Tongue Weight/10,000 trailer Weight (with WD) and that was updated on later rigs to 1250 Tongue/12,500 Trailer Weight. The EX frame and the actual receiver hitch were unchanged between the two ratings, the only change was to the hitch to frame mounting bolts which were increased in size.

 

Michigan, I sent you a PM

 

the '02 (?) (maybe 2001/2003 also?) had an Ultimate Limited pkg which provided other features. (or was it Limited Ultimate?)

All designed to make everything more confusing.

(To help spur other's to confirm/correct my beliefs

The 2005 6L PSD Excursion, generally came with a 2004 left-over engine.
However, Ford ran out near the end of production, in May/June of 2005 and began using 2005 MY 6L Engines with a special PCM to retain the older style Excursion instrument cluster used prior to 2005 in the Super Duty as well.

The XLT pkg Leather Seats are different than the EB/Limited Leather Seats.
Not sure when the swing out rear windows came out, it was an OPT on XLT and STD on EB and Limited.
The XLT power adjustable pedals, lacked the 2-position "memory" feature (I believe)
The EB has two-tone leather seats, vs. Limited having single tone (although the dual-tone was an option with the Limited pkg).
The interior dash/seat colors are different between the earlier models and '05 (not sure if it's only '05 or not).

The dog-ear mirrors offered turn-signal indicators in the glass (my '05 had it)

All Excursions came with the "tow pkg" (the rear hitch and wiring plug)
The Tow mirrors were a separate option.
The Trailering Pkg, included a rear-sway bar AND Tow Mirrors (since the rear hitch was already included it made folks think IF you have tow mirrors you HAD a rear sway bar - WRONG)

 

FWIW, I've seen '02 models with and without the heated seat option. My '02 Limited has power and heated seats on both sides.
My factory hitch decal states 500lb. tongue weight, which I think is ridiculous. With my car trailer attached and loaded, I find that figure to be too low.

 

500 lbs is for the bumper, not the hitch.

 

FWIW, my 2000 Ex Limited had heated seats (at least on the drivers side) and the power swing out rear windows.