2004 4X4 V10 73K Excursion
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 762
Likes: 7
1) LOOK at and SMELL the engine and transmission oil dip-sticks. Walk away if they suggest poor maintainence
2) Same for rear axle. Many people, like myself, bought the EX to tow our boats. Ever seen how deep into the water some people back their boat towing vehicles ? Putting a surface vehicle into water above the bottoms of the rear axle seals is a guarantee of VERY expensive repairs. "Milky" differential oil is a sign that you need to walk away fast from that vehicle - obviously, if the owner is that much of a clown, pretty good chance he's screwed up other aspects of that vehicle too.
2) Same for rear axle. Many people, like myself, bought the EX to tow our boats. Ever seen how deep into the water some people back their boat towing vehicles ? Putting a surface vehicle into water above the bottoms of the rear axle seals is a guarantee of VERY expensive repairs. "Milky" differential oil is a sign that you need to walk away fast from that vehicle - obviously, if the owner is that much of a clown, pretty good chance he's screwed up other aspects of that vehicle too.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 762
Likes: 7
Good point - my apologies for not explaining this to those of you who are not mechanically inclined.
A competent "pre-buy" vehicle inspection should include an inspection of all the vehicle's major fluids. A lot can be learned from this. As Foster notes, I should have pointed out the specifics of how you check front (if four wheel drive) and rear differential fluids for signs of contamination. (as a side-note, it infuriates me that the industry is so cheap these days, they dont put drain plugs on the bottom of the axle - to drain them, you have to pull the covers.)
In any event, the "add fluid" plugs have an indentation in which you place a 3/8 sized ratchet wrench. You un-screw the plug, and simply look at the inside. Fluid should NOT show any "milky" bubbles (indicating water contamination).
A competent "pre-buy" vehicle inspection should include an inspection of all the vehicle's major fluids. A lot can be learned from this. As Foster notes, I should have pointed out the specifics of how you check front (if four wheel drive) and rear differential fluids for signs of contamination. (as a side-note, it infuriates me that the industry is so cheap these days, they dont put drain plugs on the bottom of the axle - to drain them, you have to pull the covers.)
In any event, the "add fluid" plugs have an indentation in which you place a 3/8 sized ratchet wrench. You un-screw the plug, and simply look at the inside. Fluid should NOT show any "milky" bubbles (indicating water contamination).
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
Also, this may sound simple, and nothing to do with mechanical issues, but I would climb up and take a good look at the top of it. If it was a rental, or someone did not know the size of the garage/carport, you may have some damage up there. Good luck, I absolutely love mine, and you are at a terrific site for information.
