Yup, now we just gotta keep this thread on track. Rolfe, the excursion section of this forum is very different from the other sections on ford truck enthusiasts. The excursion section has its very own random discussion thread (known as the gatlinburg meet on top). Feel free to post what ever u want in it!

 

Well, it's not supposed to be random but the X mafia tends to do that to every thread

 

I have to also add that this is a great forum. X_Hemi_Guy brought me over from RV.net, and I have been hooked! Great discussion to read, as I am looking at purchasing the Excursion and upgrade from my Expedition. I have to say that I was torn between diesel and gas, but looking at the V10, as I am only going to be towing with it, and probably between 5-10k miles a year. I am being a little picky, and looking for the captains chairs in back, and 4WD, but am not sure if I need the 4WD. Welcome, and thanks to all of the great members!

 

Well, 4wd is a GOOD to have thing, not necessarily necessary (damn that came out good). I know Matt wishes he had it but for a different reason. I LOVE having mine as I know it CAN get me out of trouble and they are fairly easy to find.

As for captains chairs. Don't let that hinder you. It's hard to find them with the chairs so just get the truck that suits you and your budget and worry about the chairs later.

 

I wish i had it for muddin just like george said.

 

I would imagine I will end up with a V-10. I only drive about 15,000 miles per year. The only things I generally tow are the the ATV trailer and a 20ft Lund boat so nothing too heavy and I don't generally tow for long distances.

I would like to have 4 captain/bucket seats as well as opposed to the passenger bench seat but I think I have only seen one of those for sale. That may be an upgrade down the road once I find an X.

 

guiri (george) do swapped his bench for buckets

 

Yep, I was lucky but my point was that this will hinder/limit your options of truck so get what you really want and worry about the seats later. IF you have the option of a truck that does what you want AND has the seats you should of course get it but don't let that hold you back or it will severely limit you.

 

Is that an upgrade that is hard to do, or hard to find someone to do?

 

Nah, bolts right in. The holes are there but you have to cut a few holes in the carpet for the position of the new bolts.

However, my buddy says you also have to tap the holes as they dont have threads but he could be wrong.

 

who put ur seats in for you george? Was it the redneck that did it?

 

Yep but he still needs to tap the holes to get the seat bolted down right.

I'm just waiting for someone to sit in it and I slam the brakes

 

Welcome !
You are in a good place to find out all kinds of great info !!!! It very much is a Diesel vs V10 thing here but all in fun!!!

But really here is how you need to look at it..

V10's are for boys...

Diesel's are for Men!!!!

I'm just sayin

JK, enjoy your search and good luck!!!!

Beth

 

This coming from the V10 groupie? Sheesh

 

Rolfe,

I own two 2000 7.3 diesels. One is a 2000 E350 that I ordered new and the other is a 2000 Excursion that I referred to in my earlier posting.

The E350 averages about 12,500 miles a year as a computer tech van and usually does shorter, in-town trips. It's just getting ready to turn over 100,000 miles and the reduction in costs for fuel and maintenance have just paid for the $4200 diesel option for the third time. This is compared to the 1995 E250 5.0L six that I used before getting the E350. Other than oil changes, changing fuel and air filters, transmission service, coolant flush/fill and 1 set of brakes, I just did the first real engine maintenance on it since I've owned it. The water pump started leaking out of the weep hole so I replaced the water pump. Since I had to pull the air box and the radiator, I decided to replace all the hoses, the serpentine belt, belt tensioner and belt idler pulley while it was all easily accessible. From all indications, I won't need to do much else rather than normal servicing for quite some time. My actual maintenance has been less on the diesels than on my previous gas engined vehicles.

As to the trip to Hilton Head Is., SC that I referenced earlier, I had the Excursion fully loaded and had a tandem bike on top and ran 75 - 80 most of the way averaging 15 mpg. Once up to speed, it never kicked out of overdrive and this includes some pretty long, steep mountain grades. The best that my 2500 Suburbans would do, either with the 350 or the 454, was 10 - 12 mpg on a trip like that and they'd always kick out of overdrive and oftentime drop a gear going up grades. The difference in fuel consumption is really pronounced when towing my 8500# car trailer. When towing, I'll often get double the mileage using the diesel over my previous gas trucks. Also, I absolutely love the power of the diesels and both tow my trailer almost like it's not even back there.

Short hop trips DON'T hurt the diesel. If it did, you wouldn't see UPS, Fed-Ex or other delivery companies using them. I talked to several fleet operators before I ordered my van as to the pros and cons of the diesel and received nothing but positive comments. My van does mostly in-town runs and the Excursion is my daily driver. I guess the main difference between the gas and the diesel in short hops is that the diesel takes longer to warm up and the real difference in fuel consumption between gas and diesel happens in over the road and particularly in towing applications. However, I've been able to compare the cost of fuel and other operating costs of my 8 year old diesel van to its predecessors and would buy another in a heartbeat IF I could get another 7.3. Thankfully, it looks like I'll be driving this van for a long time.

I still have mixed feelings as to whether gas or diesel is better in a used Excursion. It depends on how you're planning on using it, particularly if you're doing much towing, and how long you plan on keeping the vehicle. I've sure seen some good deals on gas Excursions, particularly the 5.4 V8 models and I wouldn't hesitate to buy one if it met my needs. Both the 6.8 V10 and the 5.4 V8 are well engineered engines and should have a high life cycle with reasonable care and maintenance.

We have a large Ford dealership here with a separate division that works on nothing but heavy trucks and diesels. Without exception, the mechanics and the Service Mangers have told me to stay away from the 6.0L diesels. I know that many folks have had excellent luck with theirs but if you get one of the bad ones, you're in for some really high repair costs if it's out of warranty. I specifically looked for a 7.3 Excursion when I was shopping because of my experience with the van and from recommendations from the diesel mechanics who work on them every day.

Good luck with your search and please let us know when you "adopt" your new Excursion!