Fuel is what it is. It's only a couple miles per gallon worse than the 7.3's I own. Not really a big deal in my opinion (it's more of a talking point than anything) and certainly not a knock when you consider what these 6.8L beasts can do. Again, just my opinion.

That Ex you're looking at is an '03 model year, which should have the "upgraded" heads that have more spark plug hole threads, which helps eleviate spark plug launching, a common problem with the '99 - '02 modular engines. My '99 Lightning with the 5.4 launched one many moons ago. You shouldn't have to worry with that '03 Ex.

The bottom end isn't weak. You aren't adding nitrous, a turbo, or supercharger, so you don't have to worry about beefing the engine at all. It's a strong cuss.

The tranny is the 4R100. I honestly do not know if the guts of that tranny are the same as found in the PSD versions. I know the 5.4 isn't beefed up like the PSD trans is (discounting the trans found in the Gen 2 Lightnings, which are the same as the PSD), but the guys here with the V10's can attest to how many towing miles they have on their rigs.

Stewart

 

I can find no references to differences in the transmissions between the Excursion PSD or v10.

However, the rear axle on the PSD is a 3 pinion , whereas the v-10 is a 2 pinion.

Bion

 

All I can say is that when I tow...I don't baby the V10...

I've logged 22,000 miles in 4 summers with two trips thru the Rockies and more 8,000'++ climbs (highest being 11,200'...Loveland) than I can recount...when I pull those steep long mountain passes I'm normally turning between 3200 and 4000 RPM's the whole way...the V10 is solid...at least mine has been...

From a reliability standpoint...when I load up my wife and two young daughters...I fully expect to arrive at my camping destination...no matter what state it is in withOUT a breakdown on the side of the road...and thankfully the V10 has been solid for me...unlike your misfortune with your 6.0H...

So I can say that I put my faith in my V10 when it comes to my family...I think you will be well served...

And from a tranny standpoint...the 4R100 is the same tranny that all Ex's got with the exception of the 2003 and newer Ex's that got the 6.0H...those got the 5R110 Torqshift...so if the 4R100 tranny is a weak link...there are many 7.3L's and V10's (in Ex's and Super Duties) still running and pulling with them out on the highways

I can say that if I had to hedge my bets on NOT getting stuck on the side of the road and my choices were a 6.OH or V10...I would say that for me...my personal hedge with my family riding in my truck...well it would be hands down the V10...and that is what I chose to pull my family around...and I couldn't be happier...I believe you will be well served with it too...

None of the states you have listed have any serious grades...and plus you aren't towing a HIGH wind profile trailer either like my Travel Trailer...wind BLOWS big time on my TT and I still haven't had any issues...a low wind profile open trailer that you will be pulling will pull like a dream...

When you head thru Indiana...if you are in Fort Wayne...give me a heads up.

Good luck,
Joe.

 

I recently purchased my 2000 v10 132,000 in excellent condition for just under 8 grand, I had looked at 5 others in the area that wanted up to 11 grand and none were even close in condition. interior mint, brand new tires, eat off the engine. i am completely happy with it, just finished moving cross town took everything I own except box spring for queen bed but tied it to the roof. no need to rent a uhaul.

 

All Excursions came with the Ford 10.5" ring gear rear axle. A variety of ratios were used, but only 2 variations on the carrier; open or limited slip. Both have only 2 pinion gears, 2 side gears and a single cross pin.

 

Quote:
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=6 width="100%" border=0 itxtvisited="1"><TBODY itxtvisited="1"><TR itxtvisited="1"><TD class=alt2 style="BORDER-RIGHT: 1px inset; BORDER-TOP: 1px inset; BORDER-LEFT: 1px inset; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px inset" itxtvisited="1">Originally Posted by X_Hemi_Guy
Anyone who should happen to try and tow 15,000#'s with an Excursion...
I'll bet they eventually end up with a PROPER tow vehicle...
let's say an F450 MINIMUM when they will DO see the light...
do you happen to know anyone that might fit that description?

There's more to towing than a motor and HP/TRQ numbers...but years of experience will eventually teach you these things...

The V10 will tow anything that SHOULD be towed behind an Excursion...
plain and simple...those that 'push' the limit on interstate long haul travels...
well...that's a different story...

Joe



</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Nickie,

Don't know how I missed your post...although I was traveling over the Thanksgiving holiday...so here's a reply...

If you mean that by the words in my post that you highlighted in RED...what I was saying...
from a towing standpoint...you are an inexperienced kid and I'm an experieced adult...
than yeah...we can finally agree on something

JK back at you and let me buy you a root beer to show you there are no hard feelings!...

...given enough seat time while towing...
you too will gain valuable experience that you just can't learn by reading on the internet...
life is a cruel but wonderful teacher...get out there and live it!

Joe.

 

how do i find a dod vehicle?

 

Best 3 sites I know of.

Government Surplus Auctions at Government Liquidation

GovDeals.com - Government Surplus Auctions

http://gsaauctions.gov/gsaauctions/gsaauctions/

 

I looked at several goverment owned Ex's for sale. Eventhough the maintenance was performed regularly they all did not have a 3rd row , were all cloth, did not have carpets instead had a rubber mat and were the XLT models.

 

well i cant have that

 

Probably no rear air either or alloy wheels and even though it says XLT, it's more like what Ford brands a XL. Most regular XLT Excursions have WAY more options than the government models do.

 

Going back through this thread, since it has come back again, I just want to mention something.

The information that I have is from the Ford Source books, and the Ford Servvice manual.

For example, where each year Source book says Differential type, it refers a footnote. The footnote says:

"(1) 2-pinion with 5.4L (330 CID) SEFI V-8 engine and 6.8L (415 CID) SEFI V-10 engine. 3-pinion with 6.0L (363 CID) V-8 Turbo Diesel engine."


The service manuals list the PSD unit as a 2 piece carrier, and the V10/V8 as a one piece carrier. The 2 piece carriers are 3 pinion.

 

Very good information, I bought a 2001 V10 Excursion 8 months ago with 120,000 miles for 6k here in AZ. Been looking for sites to get this kind of information, I think I found one! The previous owner did have to replace the transmission, so I second or tenth that fact.

 

I love it.....

All the baiting and bashing threads about the PSD being so bad and the v-10 gets one finally


J/K youse guys !!!!

 

Then you just made your decision. Don't even look at a 6.0L.
JL
edit: Wow...missed the original date of this post....