Our forums always help those who are down on their luck with a broken down truck, yea that rimes, but I wanted to share the joy of a well running truck.

I spent two years cleaning up my 2002 Excursion to make it the most reliable and best running stock truck possible. I feel I've succeeded. This summer has been a long summer of travel.

In July we left Oklahoma and spent a week wheeling in Rio Grand mountains around Creede, Co. Heading back we went further west to the Four Corners before heading back on I-40 to Oklahoma. Total trip was 1900 Miles averaging 17.5 MPG

Then in late August, we took off to Disney for a week only to be chased out of the state by Irma. This trip was 2500 miles where I averaged 17 mpg.

On the trip out of Florida, the excursion ran for 25 hours straight and kept my family safe and comfortable.

Before Creede, I switched to the Motorcraft branded oil (10w40) sold at Walmart. My overall usage was so minimal I couldn't' detect it on the stick. Before Florida, I changed my transmission fluid as it was due.

The truck purred along. My wife even noted how nice and smooth the Ex operated.

For those facing problems, I know it can be disappointing. However, once you get your 7.3 running right, it's the best thing in the world. Hope you all have a great day. Do something nice for your 7.3 today.

 

Jesser02EX, thanks for posting this. I will share a bit of my story as well...

3.5 years ago I bought the truck in my signature. Over this time, I have brought the truck up from a "running" state to a "running very well" state. I have replaced numerous sensors, hard parts (clutch, waterpump, etc) and some upgraded parts like compressor wheel and OUO traction bars.

Since we bought the truck with 228,000 miles, we have put ~20K miles on it traveling the country and the southeast. It has pulled a travel trailer from GA to Seattle and back and smiled at the Rocky Mountains.

I love my truck and think it is one of the best purchases we ever made. Installing a 45 gallon tank in the bed gives us nearly 1400 miles unloaded and 900 with the trailer attached. That is pretty dang good for a 17 year old truck in my mind.

Keep them rolling!

 

Sous,

Good add.

On a funny note, I've been on the site a year longer, but you have 2800 more posts then I do. That made me chuckle.

 

Ya, I get a bit chatty at times.

Also, I racked up a ton from my Holiday Season modification thread and the Clutch Chatter thread.

I get a lot of questions about the videos I post up.

Lets see if we can get some more good nature posts going...

 

I've only had mine for 2 weeks now, but I love seeing your success stories. I picked up a 99 f350 4x4 supercab drw with the 7.3, and even though it's not running right now (glow plugs and injector cups) i still think it's my favorite vehicle I've owned. I have spent hours detailing the inside, even takin the dash apart to clean trying to make it look as good as new. I hope the next 325000 miles are as good as the last 325000 that this truck has seen!

 

I did similar mods to my 2002 F350 to make it dependable, although it was a very well cared for 1 owner truck when I got it. I have replaced everything under the hood known to commonly fail, rebuilt the front end and added gauges and other toys. It drives like a dream, never gives me any trouble. Towed a 29' TT to NM & back in July like a champ. I am wary however, being 15 years old I am sure it's day will come. When it does I'll just fix it with all the knowledge and support I get from this forum, and keep going.

PS I got the 18" Lariat rims just a couple weeks ago.

 

Even though I've been chasing the extra 7lbs of boost for the last 6yrs, I've acquired new found glory with her, since the axle rebuild and 4.10's installed. Tows like how she should, pulls holds in 6th where before I couldn't sustain speed limit(55) on flat road..yup, still dig jumping behind her after 7yrs