I'm kinda new to the Ford lineup. Thinking of getting one for towing purposes and dog carrying. I will be hauling an RV that is 8500# tops. So, since GM doesn't make an SUV with a diesel, I will consider supercharging my 5.3L Vortec engine in the Suburban or a Diesel Excursion. Can someone tell me what the difference is betwen the 00, 01 and 02? I don't know much about Excursions tho. Since it is more recreation and very light duty as a second car, I doubt I want to get a newer vehicle. Also, I am not too confident of the 6.0L Powerstroke so I want to stay with 00-02 for the 7.3L Powerstroke.

What is this about difficulty in removing the 3rd row of seats? Does the 2nd fold down or what? Currently in my Suburban I fold downt he 2nd row and take out the 3rd row for my dogs to travel with me while I tow my ATVs in the back

TIA

 

I am not too sure about the differences between the years. What I can tell you is that with the X you will not have to take the 3rd row out for your dogs to go with you! You can fit 2 large dogs back there with no problems. If you do need to take the 3rd out they are pretty easy. Yes, the 2nd fold down with no problems.

The diesel X will tow your RV and beg for more. The problem with super charging your Suburban is that the tranny life could be shortened and it still won't come close to towing like the X would.

I know that you can get a 2003 X with the 7.3 PSD OR the 6.0 since they switched to the 6.0 in mid year.

GOOD LUCK!

 

I have a 01' 7.3L X I just bought. Lots of power for towing. Even before the Dp Tuner Chip I just added . Removing the third rowe in mine was no problem. Pop the seat out of the latches, roll it straight back to the rear doors and put it on my right shoulder and the third rowe is gone.


Nick

 

The area behind the 3rd row of seats is approx 34" front to back, and its wider than it is long, maybe 55" across. Its huge. To remove the 3rd row seat simply open teh barn doors, reach in and grab the metal rod going across the back of the back seat near the floor (Its under a flap of fabric). Pull the lever and the seat un-hooks and starts rolling to you as you pull/lift to unclip it. Just roll it back and get a helper to assist you in taking it in the house. Now you can go buy plywood in 4'x8' sheets. If your dog is not comfortable like this you need to buy a RV!

The burb is a nice rig, my father in law has always had one at all times since I knew him......15 years, and he LOVES them. He borrows my 2000 7.3 Excursion if he needs to tow a car hauler or anything heavy. He agrees that his "burb" is more car-like and my Ex is more truck-like...and he agrees that my Ex is the better family car/work hybrid while his burb is a better grocery getter/family hybrid. They are so differant its not even comparable. Go take a Ex for a drive and you will understand.....your driving a serious truck.

 

I figure that even with headers, exhaust and 4.10 gears I will be at the point where I can tow my Toy Hauler. However, if I get up to any elevation, I will be hosed. I towed a 1 place enclosed ATV trailer with ATV up Scenic Bypass 12 in Utah and was barely doing 30 at WOT up the hill while Dad's Powerstroke was chugging along barely working at all. With the supercharger, I would have to beef up the tranny and all that. Maybe I will be looking into trading in my Suburban towards an Excursion. Don't know why but I seem to be able to get 6.0s all day long but the dealerships don't have a single 7.3

 

I have an early 03 w/7.3 PSD. I have been very happy!. I used to tow with 5.4 Expedition, it was too hard on it, not enough power. I will never go back to a gasser, the diesel is just too much fun. Don't hardly notice the load when towing. You can start modding the 7.3 if you have extra cash and want a hobby. There is a huge amount of untapped power in these mules!

 

Over built engine/tranny+big turbo=Mondo power potential and great towing capacity. If you don't think you'll need the 4x4 I would can it. You save 200lbs, have independent front suspension and have a much tighter turning radius (handy when parallel parking!) I love my 02 that I got about a month ago. Only mods I'm going to do is the chip/exhaust/intake to get the extra 2mpg/80hp but I'm going to keep it at that. I have been loving this truck so far and can't wait to get the car trailer behind it!

my .02

 

You may have the power with all the mods you mention but you still won't come close to the 7.3. Honestly. Also, even if you did manage to get the power the suspension would NOT be up to the task. Toy haulers are notorious for the heavy tounge weight and you will probably have 12%-15% on the hitch. That's about 1000lbs. Even with weight distribution a Sub's suspension just isn't up to it. Then you have to factor in the wind resistance with the RV's sail area (makes HUGE difference in a head wind).

I like Sub's! Don't get me wrong. I am a firm believer in using a tool that is built (or over built) for the task. You may get your Sub to do it but I honestly don't think you would be happy with it. I speak from experience!

Good luck!

On edit: Post your question here. You will get information from folks that tow all the time and can give you tons of info on RVing.

 

Good point about suspension. Even though the X doesn't have quite as stiff a suspension as the Superduty, it will carry the tongue weight well. I put air bags on mine and I can't hardly get it to squat if I try!

 

Also, the good thing about the X is that you can get springs from a F250/F350, bolt them right on and you will be good to go. I am about to go that route myself because I miss the ride of my 2003 F250!

 

Yeah, I was thinking about doing my fronts. Think it would raise it a couple of inches for a bit more suspension travel and to help level the truck out. Backs are okay with airbags and I'm not sure rears would fit with the radius rods I have installed.

 

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Ford the 2000 model year it was pretty basic, there wasn't much to it. For the 2001 model year here's what you got:

1. The Powerstroke went from 235 hp to 250 hp and from 500 ft/ibs to 505 ft/lbs.

2. The Reverse Sensing System became standard feature as opposed to an optional one.

3. Fog lights were a new and standard feature. (they weren't available on the 2000s)

2002 was a big year for the Excursion, the bigger and better changes occurred, some of which are still being used today.

1. A new set of Crystaline Headlights were introduced. They look whole lot "cleaner" and really light up the road with aftermarket bulbs.

2. The Powerstroke's HP stayed at 250 but the Torque numbers went up to 525 ft/lbs.

3. The Limited "Ultimate" became the top of the line. Features included two-tone leather seats, dual power heated front seats, on-wheel controls for the radio and a/c (in addition to the normal Cruise Control), automatic climate control, a vcr tv combo, and later a dvd player.

In 2002 they also made a few major and minor mechanical improvements that made the Excursion what it was in 2003, 2004, and 2005. So if you really want the 7.3, look into a 2002 or even a 2003 with the 7.3. Happy Hunting!

 

Reverse sensing and fog lights must have been standard on the Limited's. I have a 2001 XLT and dont have either one of them.

 

That they were, fogs as well as the RSS, were standard on the Limited.