Purchasing First Excursion
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6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 6
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Purchasing First Excursion
I plan to purchase my first Excursion in the next few weeks. I have driven Super Duties for the past thirty years with both diesel and gas engines. I have several I am looking at but looking for the opinion of others. All are Limited models with 110,000 to 130,000 miles. They are a 2002 7.3, a 2004 6.8, and a 2005 6.0. With all other things being equal, which would you choose and why?
Thank you
Thank you
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 12,063
Likes: 1,573
From: Media PA
Welcome to the EX forum! 
Personally, I won’t buy anything that is rusty and that is a hard line for me. Hopefully you are in the South or SW and have access to nice rust free EXs.
You have experience with both the gas and diesel choices in your past pickups, I would lean heavily on those experiences as to which way to go on the EX. Personally, I would go gas for the same reasons now as I did 13.5 years ago when I bought my EX, I have other hobbies so I don’t need or want to be under the hood of a PSD frequently. My 6.8 has needed a fuel pump as the only engine related repair over my time with it which has included 85K heavy towing miles (9,500 to 13,000 lbs of TH/TT). Many others here have had very similar ownership results with both 7.3 and 6.0 wagons. Good luck on your choice and future EX!
Personally, I won’t buy anything that is rusty and that is a hard line for me. Hopefully you are in the South or SW and have access to nice rust free EXs.
You have experience with both the gas and diesel choices in your past pickups, I would lean heavily on those experiences as to which way to go on the EX. Personally, I would go gas for the same reasons now as I did 13.5 years ago when I bought my EX, I have other hobbies so I don’t need or want to be under the hood of a PSD frequently. My 6.8 has needed a fuel pump as the only engine related repair over my time with it which has included 85K heavy towing miles (9,500 to 13,000 lbs of TH/TT). Many others here have had very similar ownership results with both 7.3 and 6.0 wagons. Good luck on your choice and future EX!
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 892
Likes: 160
From: Gainesville
I second the 6.8 for what WE3ZS posted. Purchasing a very reliable/easy to work on drivetrain is a big plus.
Also, you are going to need that extra cash in your wallet because after 20 years of existence, unless the previous owner did some work, you are going to need to replace all sorts of stuff:
Steering components
Springs
Bushings
Bearings
The list goes on and on.
Our Ex is a pavement pounder and we purchased the Ex with that in mind, so we installed a TrueTrac limited slip with 4:56 gears. We have never gotten stuck in 24 years of ownership. The 4x4 is great for trails, but if you are a roadmaster, you can save yourself some maintenance cash and time, as well.
Also, you are going to need that extra cash in your wallet because after 20 years of existence, unless the previous owner did some work, you are going to need to replace all sorts of stuff:
Steering components
Springs
Bushings
Bearings
The list goes on and on.
Our Ex is a pavement pounder and we purchased the Ex with that in mind, so we installed a TrueTrac limited slip with 4:56 gears. We have never gotten stuck in 24 years of ownership. The 4x4 is great for trails, but if you are a roadmaster, you can save yourself some maintenance cash and time, as well.
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 295
Likes: 105
From: Eastvale Ca
Whil
I plan to purchase my first Excursion in the next few weeks. I have driven Super Duties for the past thirty years with both diesel and gas engines. I have several I am looking at but looking for the opinion of others. All are Limited models with 110,000 to 130,000 miles. They are a 2002 7.3, a 2004 6.8, and a 2005 6.0. With all other things being equal, which would you choose and why?
Thank you
Thank you
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,039
Likes: 310
I plan to purchase my first Excursion in the next few weeks. I have driven Super Duties for the past thirty years with both diesel and gas engines. I have several I am looking at but looking for the opinion of others. All are Limited models with 110,000 to 130,000 miles. They are a 2002 7.3, a 2004 6.8, and a 2005 6.0. With all other things being equal, which would you choose and why?
Thank you
Thank you
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
First Excursion
Thank you for your replay. I live in North East Tennessee, I am a Realtor and specialize in land sales. I plan to use the vehicle to carry clients while showing property. We are in the mountains an 4x4 is necessary.
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 304
Likes: 192
From: Northern California
Definitely could make a case for either one based on need and preference. I bought my '03 V10 (92K miles) a couple years ago because I was intrigued with the engine (a couple motorhome rentals w/V10s) and ultimately wanted an old school truck with that engine. 2 years later still enjoy driving it, towing with it, and hearing it. Yes, like that V10 tone and power delivery. Other than regular maintenance, only major thing I've done is a gear ratio change.
Not sure if you found it yet, but this guy compares those exact engine combinations you're interested in. Some good tidbits of info, he likes them all too, and makes a case for each one based on usage, etc.(click on watch on youtube as unable to embed here)
Not sure if you found it yet, but this guy compares those exact engine combinations you're interested in. Some good tidbits of info, he likes them all too, and makes a case for each one based on usage, etc.(click on watch on youtube as unable to embed here)
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 5,106
Likes: 1,423
From: Oologah, OK
IF,
your wallet is not overly blessed with overflow, I suggest going with a gas rig.
I have enough retirement savings to afford a play truck, I have a Suburban now, but it is a dullard pulling our 8k 27ft RV, and on the last trip, the rear Diff locked up. I used that as "an excuse" to buy my '02 7.3L Excursion.
follow my signature link to see what I have poured into the Rabbit hole.
you will have to zoom in to read the text.
my biggest splurge was the electric hide away steps, gawd they are a blessing, and the TrueTrac locker rear diff, and gawdly expensive aluminum rear diff cover so I could drain the fluids w/o removing the cover...
the 4x4 is rough rider...
just noticed, that my last rabbit hole investment is not listed,
I bought a full bushing kit, and had it installed locally.
oh boy, did that get rid of a lot of squeaks and looseness in the body fill.
your wallet is not overly blessed with overflow, I suggest going with a gas rig.
I have enough retirement savings to afford a play truck, I have a Suburban now, but it is a dullard pulling our 8k 27ft RV, and on the last trip, the rear Diff locked up. I used that as "an excuse" to buy my '02 7.3L Excursion.
follow my signature link to see what I have poured into the Rabbit hole.
you will have to zoom in to read the text.
my biggest splurge was the electric hide away steps, gawd they are a blessing, and the TrueTrac locker rear diff, and gawdly expensive aluminum rear diff cover so I could drain the fluids w/o removing the cover...
the 4x4 is rough rider...
just noticed, that my last rabbit hole investment is not listed,
I bought a full bushing kit, and had it installed locally.
oh boy, did that get rid of a lot of squeaks and looseness in the body fill.
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