Tell me I’m not crazy, but I’ve got the itch to go out and buy a ‘01 7.3L Excursion. It is a one owner, garage kept, no rust, 82k mile machine that will hopefully be the last SUV I buy. I currently run a ‘15 Supercharged Tundra Crew Cab with 90k miles, and I am hoping to replace it with the Excursion as a daily driver and family/dad van. I have considered picking up a used hybrid or electric to make some of my longer commutes, but I’m not sure if I want to do that or not.

As such, I would like to reach out and see what all might be recommended to do/have done up front to ensure I am starting off on the right foot with a reliable truck. I am driving out this weekend to inspect, test drive, and likely purchase.

I plan to drive it stock for a couple months before looking into suspension, wheels, and tire upgrades. I would also appreciate comments on that front as well...We have kids 1-6 yr in age at the moment. I’d love to lift it a bit and go with bigger tires, but I’m afraid to go too high and make it an issue getting everyone in and out. Right now, I’m thinking 2-4” of total lift and 33-35’s depending on what works. I’ve looked at Icon and Carli, but they are $$$$ and most likely lift higher than I want to go. Not sure what the best options are for improving the ride and getting up just a touch.

Future goals for function: Daily or most daily driving of ~50 miles total, max double that if we were to go out to eat. Camping trips with the kids/family. Hauling and towing anything we need on our property. We are building a home on 5 acres on the outskirts of town.

Thanks!

 

Welcome. Great find on the 7.3L! I would get that deal done as soon as possible.

As for a lift, I would just look into new springs. I did my truck, basically the same as what you describe, and it looked like about a 2" lift. I run 305 tires on OEM 16" wheels and Im very happy with it.

Theres a ton of upgrades you can do. The first thing I would think about is a big trans cooler. There is a Ford part, 36 row I think, and there is also a Mitomo (sp?) cooler that is a direct fit.

Fairly low mileage but I would still have a hard look at all the suspension, brakes/lines and steering. May need shocks if they are stock.

So again, welcome! and Im sure you'll find plenty of advice on how to spend your money.

 

Thanks! I put $1000 deposit down on the credit card before I even extorted the boss for permission to buy the darn thing. I’ve been looking for months now, and finally found a bone stock EX with low miles. Up to now, everything had super high or sketchy lifts. I want something that hasn’t been wrenched by someone who may/may not know what they are doing. My family has had a auto repair shop since the 50’s. My uncle had to shut it down a few years ago due to health problems, but his brother took most of the gear home to his shop so we have a 10,000# lift and pretty much everything else we need to work on most problems.

Any knowledge about the Icon 2” mini spring pack? That and new set of shocks and springs to freshen it all up, or just start with springs and go from there?
https://www.iconvehicledynamics.com/...spring%2Dpack/

 

Welcome to the EX forum!

It sounds like a real nice find, good luck on the inspection and hopeful purchase.
I wouldn't waste my money on that mini pack lift, its just a glorified spacer block and doesn't actually do anything positive for the front suspension. For your desired 2"-4" lift I would I would look at the Pirate recommended ProComp suspension upgrade. If I was starting over on mine that is exactly what I would do vs the modded X code and modded B codes I have now, just seems like a better choice with an improved ride over my setup. I would need air bags to help with our very heavy TT but that has been discussed here also.

 

^^^ Lift it properly with a proper suspension upgrade ^^^

 

I agree with W3EZS, don't waste money on the ICON lift. My Ex had that installed by the P.O. and I took it and sold it to some poor guy wanting to put a straight axle under his Chevy. In the interest of transparency, I installed the Pro Comp setup on my Ex. However that Carli setup is designed specifically for your Ex. I talked to them and they actually advised me not to use it on my V10 because of the difference in weight between the gasser and the diesel. Their kit is designed for the diesel. Since you said this will probably be a keeper get the best up front. I'm happy with my Pro Comp, but you know the old saying " you get what you pay for". I'm sure Pirate is reading the mail and will chime in. Sounds like a really nice rig.

 

Like stated, the Pirate ProComp setup is a good suspension. The X/Mod B suspension is good. With you having access to a mechanic shop and depending on the size of ur wallet and time available, I would look into the 05-07 axle swap before I started spending any money on suspension, brakes, tires, wheels. (I would have done this if I would have came across it before I spent the money on my steering, brakes, and tires). Here's a link to it:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...on-thread.html

I don't have much knowledge on the 7.3. though from what I have heard, and seen, is they are reliable and can modded/tuned to get descent fuel economy.

As an EX owner, another thing to always keep in the back of ur mind, and you will find threads on, is doesn't matter how much money you can prove you have invested in these rigs, if somebody totals it, you won't be getting all that money back. You will get market value + a few grand. Some have been looking into stated/agreed insurance plans for this case, though i haven't seen anybody report back how successful they were.

Not trying to scare you away bc I love my EX. Though I have held off on some upgrades (cummins swap/05-07 suspension) due to the value. And its not me I'm worried about, its the others out there not paying attention. I live in a high crash rate area.

My $.02.

 

Drove up the 3 hours to Kansas to look at and purchased the EX. Minimal corrosion underneath. A few paint scratches that have some touch-up paint on them. 2 brand new batteries installed by the dealer. Power was great, no blow by, brakes were solid. My father said it drives better than his ‘01 F250 that he has had for a very long time. We drove it back and it purred on the highway. No problems cruising 75+ on the turnpike. Cold started at just under 30 degrees this morning without a hitch. Gonna put it through the paces over the next month before deciding where to go from here.

 

My only big hesitation with the Carli (besides the price tag) is that I am afraid it will be too much of a vertical lift for the family.

 

if you decide to upgrade the trans cooler, the OEM 05+ cooler is pretty cheap now compared to a few years ago. i just did mine over the summer

 

where do you recommend ordering the part(s)?

 

i either use ford parts giant or autonation white bear lake, but it depends on where you live for which online shop has the best shipping rates for you, there are a few other good ones but their shipping is too much because they are too far away

oem was only like 30.00 more than aftermarket iirc when i bought mine, couple years ago they were double
https://www.tascaparts.com/oem-parts...er-5c3z7a095ca

 

That is definitely something to be considered.

 

My wife is not super thrilled with the 4" procomp lift I did on ours and we have smaller kids. However with running boards it is ok. For us the issue isn't getting the kids in, they climb up with no problems. Its the car seats. We have one who still hasn't grown out of needing a 5 point harness in his carseat and my wife has a hard time properly tightening the straps without climbing into the vehicle.

 

we have a hard time with that at stock height. Only a few more months and everyone will be in boosters though!