Alright new to this forum, I own a 1998 Explorer XLT AWD right now just not enough room for my family also in the Marines and when I am driving to work with my 2 other buddies the explorer just can't able all the packs and since Iam in the mountains in Coleville CA my skis and my rock gear let alone if I want to take anymore than 3 guys with gear anywhere. So what should I be weary of, it seems like no matter where I go I read nothing but awsome reviews, what can I expect maybe routine maintence disel over gas and the longevity of the motors, maybe average costs of fuel ect I know gas milegae and costs can fluctuate. I can read from sites all days but I would rather here from real owners I also have to drive about an hour to go grocery shopping ect and with wife 2 kids car seats the explorer is a now go and despite the minivan being usefull I hate it, is the excursion a rite sized vehicle for my uses or do I need to look at something else thank you

 

tow0369,

First off...let me say THANK YOU for your service!!!

Second...I'll be the first to say that the Excursion is an absolute AWESOME vehicle all the way around.

I use mine primarily to tow a 9000# travel trailer...ALL OVER the US...

It has more than ample room inside for my family and our stuff while traveling.

Gas versus diesel...that is really a personal choice IMO. I look at it from a purely towing standpoint and a V10 with 4.30 gear rear end will tug anything that an SUV SHOULD be tugging and I have been thru many challenging moutain areas with my V10...made it there and back with no issues in power...

It sounds like your desire is NOT towing though...so from that standpoint...the PSD will get better unloaded mpgs over a V10. Even with diesel fuel costing more...you should come out ahead. However you will likely pay a premium for a PSD Ex...so that goes back to the personal choice.

I know my V10 has gotten me there and back to every trip. I'm in a northern cold climate...so I care about making heat in a few minutes...so the V10 made sense to me. Plus they wanted $10K MORE for the same year PSD when I was looking 1 year old Ex's...that $10K buys a lot of 87 octane!!!

Some of the things to look out for on an Ex.

Common PSD or V10 issues:

- Door lock actuators (make sure all doors lock and unlock with the power lock switch). if not...there is a fix on here but lock actuators aren't that expensive

- Ball joints
- Rear sway bar (or lack there of)...if you don't have one...get a hellwig for ~$200
- Steering box adjustment
- Wander (see this thread https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...s-for-you.html)
- There is a wire in the steering column that is prone to wearing thru the insulation and shorting
- 2001 Trans diode issues (most have been replaced under warranty I believe?)


V10 issues:

- Spark plug torque is CRITICAL on earlier V10s
- Exhaust Manifold studs (lay eyes and hands on all 20 of them) They are prone to snapping due to thermal cycles


PSD Issues:
- 7.3's had the CPS issue
- 6.0's seems were either good from factory or prone to a few issues (turbo being the main issue)

Overall the Ex is a VERY reliable and incredible vehicle. Go looking and find what you like...I don't think you will be disappointed in it...I know not many if ANY on this site have much bad to say about the Ex!

And if you happen find an Ex and you are in the Gatlinburg area in July 2009...join us for the Second Annual Excursion Diversion Rally! https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...19-2009-a.html

Good luck and welcome to FTE!

joe.

 

I cant better what x hemi guy said, but I can come at this from a different perspective. Sounds to me like you haul a lot of gear in your vehicle as do I. The only issue for me is that I hate having to remove my third row seat all the time. When that seat is in there, there isnt a whole lot of rooom for "stuff". The rear seat does fold down, but its not a flat surface like that.

Not a big problem, but a pain in the rear, as I dont really have any place to store the darn thing when I take it out. If you can live with that, I would say that you are going to be a very happy Excursion owner.

Semper Fi

 

I'll echo all the sound and wise advice that Joe passed along and especially extend thanks for your service. I've owned 5 Suburbans prior to getting my Excursion. My only complaint is that I've been totally spoiled by my Excursion and there is no vehicle on the market today that will measure up to it so anything I'd replace it with would never make me as happy. I guess I'm stuck with it.

It's a solid stout vehicle that will hold up well to heavy use.

Please check back in and let us know what you got!

 

I use my X for road trips with friends and family vacations. I purchased a 2000 xlt V10 with 4.30's in 03 from a guy that towed a 4 place enclosed snowmobile trailer. It had 19,000 on it when I bought it and now has 33,000. This thing will pull a house down and I get 14-15 on the highway if I stay at 65mph. My 2000 Expedition got 12.5 on the highway due to the automatic 4wd. I love this truck and you won't want to travel in anything else after you get one. The only other major issue could be brakes. My rotors were warped at 28,000. There are plenty of threads on here debating the best combination for replacement.

ps: My 17 year old signed up on his birthday and leaves for basic the week after graduation

SEMPER FI!

 

I think Joe covered it all very well, rep points are due to you Joe

 

The diesel costs more to buy but you will get most of that back when you sell again. Sounds like the Excursion would be right up your alley. I would stay away from the 6 liter diesel except for the 2005 or newer model.

George