Diesel Excursion

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Nov 15, 2005 | 09:44 AM

Justforfishing

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Diesel Excursion

Don't know if this is the right forum but I am looking at getting a used excursion (diesel) with 60K -120K miles and wanted to know the good and the bad with the truck. How long do the trannys last? ANy thing you guys can tell me (what years to loook for, what options to get, etc ) will be helpful. Thanks

Nov 15, 2005 | 06:19 PM

hink10

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Joined: Jun 2004

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From: Coal Valley, Illinois

Quote:

Originally Posted by Justforfishing

I have an early '03 with the 7.3 PSD, the 6.0 PSD came later in the model year. There were reports of problems with the early 6.0 PSDs so you would probably be better off with an '03 or earlier 7.3 or '04 6.0. They made some changes to the X in '02 (I think), so you might be better off with '02 or later. The 4R100 trans. with the 7.3 will last if it's taken care of. It's not uncommon to have to rebuild the trans. after 100k miles, but may last much longer. A few easy mods will help trans. shifting and probably longevity. I have an XLT model, would like to have the limited trim, but no big deal. Just a warning, if you get a diesel and frequent this site, be prepared to be addicted to mods. The 7.3 especially, has a huge amount of untapped power. Intake, exhaust, tuner or chip and gauges will get you a bunch more power! You will also want to do some suspension mods as the Excursion is prone to wandering. It's actually a problem in the rear end of the truck, the weaker springs cause spring wrap. A guy with the user name LandYot fabricates a set of radius-rods that many of us use. They solve the wandering problem and make the X drive as it should. I really wish they didn't quit making these, they really are a fine vehicle, especially with the diesel. Check out the diesel forum for tons more info.

Nov 15, 2005 | 07:42 PM

CaptEd

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From: Connecticut

Don't think twice about it..Go for it. I have a 2000 Limited with the 7.3PSD with 125k miles ((90,000 in the last two years). Truck runs great, no tranny problems. I did change the front springs to the "W" (I think not "X") code springs used on the F-350SD. The ride improved 100%. The stock springs always bottomed out on the bump stops. This made for a PoGo stick ride. I to went to the ATS 4"SS exhaust, SuperChip, and K&N Air Intake. I tow a 22' enclosed toy hauler (4 Harley Road Kings) with out the truck even knowing the trailer is there. Rotors front and rear at 40k and new pads up front at 100k. Change the oil every 6k. This is the second best truck I ever owned and if it keeps running this good it may make it to the number one spot.
Ed

Nov 15, 2005 | 08:29 PM

Justforfishing

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thanks for the reply's. I am looking now and will problably make a purchase in the next couple months. I'll let you know when i do. Thanks for your help!!

Nov 15, 2005 | 08:35 PM

hink10

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 1,296

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From: Coal Valley, Illinois

Quote:

Originally Posted by Justforfishing

thanks for the reply's. I am looking now and will problably make a purchase in the next couple months. I'll let you know when i do. Thanks for your help!!

Good luck! Going diesel may be the best decision I've ever made. Find a good one.

Nov 17, 2005 | 09:32 AM

Big Sky

Laughing Gas

Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 852

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From: Billings, MT

We got our 2002 PSD 4x4 a couple of years ago at a dealership in Chicago. Found it using Autotrader. If you are willing to travel you can find good deals. Out west here I found the Denver and Salt Lake markets way out of my price range. We paid less than $30K and it only had 26,000 miles. After making a few mods, you will enjoy driving it. Ours is a Limited with everything except DVD. Fuel mileage on the highway has been a constant 19 @ 75 mph. The extra room is great. Good luck in your search...

Nov 17, 2005 | 04:18 PM

Fire Rooster

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From: Phx, AZ

I own two 7.3L, mine is the 02 F250 crew 4x4, with tons of mods. Momma's is the 03 excursion limited. Both are fantastic vehicles!!!!!! gO DIESEL go 7.3L and never look back!!!

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Nov 18, 2005 | 07:07 PM

Fire Rooster

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From: Phx, AZ

I use mine as a daily driver and a tug boat to tow my 35 ft 5er

Nov 18, 2005 | 07:47 PM

#10

djb

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you can use a x to tow a 5er?? (5th wheel)

Nov 18, 2005 | 09:36 PM

#11

Fire Rooster

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Joined: Feb 2004

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From: Phx, AZ

No, well yes but you will need a work horse or similar adpter that supports the front of the 5er that also has a regular hitch type connector. They run about 1500 bucks. But that was not the question I was answering. I was answering to " can you use a diesel as a daily driver and short runs" I said I do and I also use it to tow my 5er. My wife uses her PSD X as a daily driver as well and to tow our small ski boat.

Nov 19, 2005 | 09:41 AM

#12

Justforfishing

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i have a Jeep GC (daily driver) and a 1990 f-250 7.3 IDI (Fishing and boating truck) now. I like the excursion b/c i could sell my 2 vehichles and have only 1 that would do both jobs.

Nov 19, 2005 | 05:20 PM

#13

CaptEd

Freshman User

Joined: Feb 2004

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From: Connecticut

Just drive it like you would any other vehicle. Short runs are not good for any vehicle and the diesel is no different. I Just put on 1300 miles almost non stop towing a 22' enclosed trailer with four Harley Road Kings. The truck did not even know the trailer was there (The fuel gauge did -10mpg's @ 75mph). You have a PSD now so you should know what to expect (Wait to start and cold weather starting).
Go buy it and don't look back.
Ed.

Nov 20, 2005 | 12:04 AM

#14

dougger222

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Joined: Mar 2004

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From: May Township, MN

Another vote for the 7.3 diesel.

Any year from 00-03 will work.

Here's a list of changes that I know from the 00-03 7.3's
00-01 forged rods, 02-03 powder coated rods
01's were known for the dreaded mechanical diode failure in the tranny
00-01 Dana 50 front end, 02-03 Dana 60 front end
02-03 got the nicer looking head lights

Most repeat owners of Excursion I've met say the vehicles got more refined as they got newer.

My wifes X is great, 151K miles still runs super strong, original tranny, and gets up to 20 mpg and averages 17 mpg. Nicest vehicle I've ever owned.
BTW, the 99 F250 diesel has 206K miles and also runs perfect!