My wife has taken to driving the Excursion lately and likes it so much she's been dropping craigslist ads on me.

If we get another one we want to keep the budget tight so I don't see another diesel happening.

I don't know much about the 5.4 or 6.8 other than hearing about sparkplug problems and/or exhaust manifold stud problems.

Regarding these engines, is one definitely better than the other in terms of reliability? Are there "good years" and "bad years" for either?

Point me in the right direction to get the right gasser FTE!

 

I had a 2001 and a 2005 V-10 and they were great. Had 150K on the first one-2WD and moved to MT so I had to trade it. The 05 had about 100k before it flipped like a turtle. IMHO its the best mix of power and every day usability. I have a 6.0 now and I love it but there is much more maintenace wise to keep up with. If you are towing, there are many who can tell you some modifications which help large loads

The later years didn’t have much spark plug issues, I don’t think. Many addressses the potential problem using a longer threaded plug Ford makes for later V-10 yrs. I think I would look for an 01 to 05, always younger the better-relatively speaking unless its been dogged-JMHO

 

None what so ever, bullet proof engines and trannys if you maintain them. The spark plug blow out was because they were improperly under torqued by some boso "mechanic". If your wife got used to the power of your current X I suggest you get one with the 6.8 and 4.30 gears, the 5.4 will leave you wanting for more.

 

Donald, I don't know if your wife only loves the ergonomics of the Ex, or if the engine has anything to do with how much she likes your Ex, but have her drive a 5.4L & 6.8L powered rig before you pull the trigger. She may not like the Ex with those powerplants in them.

Stewart

 

Thanks for the feedback everybody. Glad to hear that all the powerplants are fine from a reliability perspective.

Stewart, you're right. I'll be sure to let her make the decision from the driver's seat.