I chose.... poorly
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
I chose.... poorly
I never should have bought the Ex with the 7.3L. This thing is a money pit.
Consider the costs:
~$15k truck (purchase price + TT&L)
~$2500 in upgrades in 2014 - Hutch, 6.0 cooler, V/B springs, chip, gauges, etc.
Now I'm looking at spending $9600 MORE in fixes/upgrades. The total comes to $13,208 if I decide to throw in a 38R and a set of new PIS injectors while I'm at it. Granted that some of these things are things that I would need to do on any truck. I'm re-doing the seals in the front axle now to get the ESOF working again, for example. I would realistically have to do this on any 4x4 Excursion.
Some of the stuff is downright necessary - the up-pipes are leaking and it needs a transmission because of a failed coast clutch that makes coming down grades downright scary. I would have to fix those two things at a minimum if I were to cut my losses and trade it.
I don't really want to cut any corners and "save" money with a locally rebuilt transmission (still $2500), Dorman up-pipes instead of International, etc.
Total cost to have a reliable 7.3L tow rig with all the right upgrades to make it a solid performer for the next 5 years: about $30k.
I could do the same thing with a V10 Ex and save myself more than $15k.
Why did I choose this?
Consider the costs:
~$15k truck (purchase price + TT&L)
~$2500 in upgrades in 2014 - Hutch, 6.0 cooler, V/B springs, chip, gauges, etc.
Now I'm looking at spending $9600 MORE in fixes/upgrades. The total comes to $13,208 if I decide to throw in a 38R and a set of new PIS injectors while I'm at it. Granted that some of these things are things that I would need to do on any truck. I'm re-doing the seals in the front axle now to get the ESOF working again, for example. I would realistically have to do this on any 4x4 Excursion.
Some of the stuff is downright necessary - the up-pipes are leaking and it needs a transmission because of a failed coast clutch that makes coming down grades downright scary. I would have to fix those two things at a minimum if I were to cut my losses and trade it.
I don't really want to cut any corners and "save" money with a locally rebuilt transmission (still $2500), Dorman up-pipes instead of International, etc.
Total cost to have a reliable 7.3L tow rig with all the right upgrades to make it a solid performer for the next 5 years: about $30k.
I could do the same thing with a V10 Ex and save myself more than $15k.
Why did I choose this?
Thread Starter
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,727
Likes: 42
From: Almost back in TX biotche
I feel ya man. I have a total of $40k in my truck as it sits right now. I purchased it for $8000. I have owned it for about 3.5 years.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,174
Likes: 2
From: Flat Rock, MI
I worked with a fellow who once said...either you're a diesel person or you ain't. Another guy said owning a diesel engine is like sipping from a spittoon, you never know when the chunk is going to hit you!
In all seriousness, they aren't for everybody. I had an 04 6.0 Ex and really enjoyed it but sold it and bought a V10. As much as I liked my diesel, the V10 fits my needs and by comparison, very simple.
Use your spreadsheet to estimate how much more you need/want to put in it, you might be able to go a few years with minimal repairs and use up some of your new parts. Or stop the bleeding now...
In all seriousness, they aren't for everybody. I had an 04 6.0 Ex and really enjoyed it but sold it and bought a V10. As much as I liked my diesel, the V10 fits my needs and by comparison, very simple.
Use your spreadsheet to estimate how much more you need/want to put in it, you might be able to go a few years with minimal repairs and use up some of your new parts. Or stop the bleeding now...
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 12,064
Likes: 1,574
From: Media PA
Andy, If that clackety clack of the 7.3, turbo whistle and the smell of the ULSD makes you smile, that has to have some value that you could subtract from your total. 
A BSEG has to be worth something. 
I'm sure that 7.3 gets way better unloaded MPG than a V-10 would and still a bit better with the trailer on the hitch. And a nicely modded 7.3 (I'm guessing some of that stuff above is performance enhancing gear) will pull those highway grades better than the gasser.
I'm not sure just how serious you are with this thread so I won't get into what I have into my EX. It's a great gas tow rig, but it will NEVER be the equal of a modded PSD rig.
A BSEG has to be worth something. I'm sure that 7.3 gets way better unloaded MPG than a V-10 would and still a bit better with the trailer on the hitch. And a nicely modded 7.3 (I'm guessing some of that stuff above is performance enhancing gear) will pull those highway grades better than the gasser.
I'm not sure just how serious you are with this thread so I won't get into what I have into my EX. It's a great gas tow rig, but it will NEVER be the equal of a modded PSD rig.
Thread Starter
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
The BSEG value is about $500 if I had to put a number on it... $15k is a lot to spend on a grin. (nice acronym BTW... what do I get for figuring it out?) 
Sure, it will pull better and get better mileage. I don't know if you remember that diesel vs gas cost thread I made a few years ago, but diesel was going to be cheaper. However, it didn't take into account the mods and repairs.
Does the diesel get me to the top of a grade $15k sooner? Do you know how much gas I could buy with $15k? It's not that I'm a diesel guy or not a diesel guy... it's a matter of dollars and cents to me. I really do like the clatter, the turbo whistle, the smell of the fuel and exhaust, but I don't need to PAY for it.
Sure, it will pull better and get better mileage. I don't know if you remember that diesel vs gas cost thread I made a few years ago, but diesel was going to be cheaper. However, it didn't take into account the mods and repairs.
Does the diesel get me to the top of a grade $15k sooner? Do you know how much gas I could buy with $15k? It's not that I'm a diesel guy or not a diesel guy... it's a matter of dollars and cents to me. I really do like the clatter, the turbo whistle, the smell of the fuel and exhaust, but I don't need to PAY for it.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,522
Likes: 1
From: Liberty, NC
I completely understand, but remember you have a 17yr old rig. Spending 15k is hard to swallow and the decision is yours to make. Also, jumping into the V10 could be someone in your shoes. It's easy for anyone to make the what ifs, but it falls into your lap at the end of the day. I'm a diesel guy and I wanted the biggest SUV is the only reason I bought mine. Good luck with your decision and hope it doesn't turn into a regret. It could be a alot worse...you could have the 6.0
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,770
Likes: 1
From: Lake Stevens, Washington
I say you could just give me the 7.3 and I will be happy to put that money into it. Then you can just go buy a V10? Hell you could just take my V10 Ex that is likely to need maybe $2500 in front end repairs and tires. Even swap?
I will just give my 6.0 to my wife since is reliable and dependable and then fix up the 7.3.
Or you could just get a 6.0 they are far more superior than a 7.3 lol
I will just give my 6.0 to my wife since is reliable and dependable and then fix up the 7.3.
Or you could just get a 6.0 they are far more superior than a 7.3 lol
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,770
Likes: 1
From: Lake Stevens, Washington
All jokes aside brother you are going to make your decision if you didn't already so just go with your gut feeling because we will sway you left and right and you will never get a solid answer here. We are full of experiences of our own and opinions based with some facts "experiences" but we will never be able to give you the right decision. That is a lot of money to swallow but if you love that truck as much as I love mine I think you will do it and then at least you won't be doing it again in the future. Or wait it is a 7.3