Changes from '02 to '03?
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 241
Likes: 1
From: North Dakota
Changes from '02 to '03?
Well I've got a 2 year plan on an Excursion build. I'm down to a '03 with 161K miles for $8900 or a '02 with 173k for $6700. Both are LTD Edition with V10. Both are the same color. the main thing I want to know is there any BIG differences between the years that might sway a guy one way or the other? I should add that I plan on doin the Cummins diesel swap either this summer or the next and eventually turning it into a family touring beast.
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Harwood, MD
I'm still learning these things, but I do know a few items that the 03 would have over the 02.
Fix for the spark plug blow outs. 03 had the improved cylinder heads to prevent the plugs from blowing out. For me, this one reason made me find a 03.
Trans temp gauge on the dash. Not a big deal, but nice to have.
If your not keeping the V10 long term then the spark plug issue might not be a big deal for you.
Fix for the spark plug blow outs. 03 had the improved cylinder heads to prevent the plugs from blowing out. For me, this one reason made me find a 03.
Trans temp gauge on the dash. Not a big deal, but nice to have.
If your not keeping the V10 long term then the spark plug issue might not be a big deal for you.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 625
Likes: 0
From: Stafford, VA
I think 03' brought the digital odometer in the dash and clear turn lenses up front, but still amber backing and bulb. Small stuff I know, but just what I can think of. Mines an 04', so this is just what I know of by seeing them.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 12,258
Likes: 770
From: Houston, Texas
The '02s, '03s, and even '04s are all vitually identical and got the amenities the Excursion should have had since day 1.
The only things that changed were the trim names, diesel motor's offered, colors, and paint scheme. I've done my homework on these trucks over the years and honestly, that's it...
The only things that changed were the trim names, diesel motor's offered, colors, and paint scheme. I've done my homework on these trucks over the years and honestly, that's it...
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FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 12,258
Likes: 770
From: Houston, Texas
Late '01 brought the crystaline headlights as part of the "No Boundaries" package offered to help slumping sales for the 2001 MY. The digital climate control and the rest made it's debut in '02.
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Junior User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Harwood, MD
On the spark plug issue, I'm just going by what other people on the board have stated:
Stewart_H:
AlaskanEx:
As far as the temp gauge, I was looking at the white gauges offered on ebay and some of the listing show 99-02 W/O the trans temp. My further research shows the gauge was added in 02. Sorry. Like I said...still learning..
Stewart_H:
Being an '03 should also mean that V10 has the updated heads with the 9+ thread spark plug holes.
if you can find a '03-up v10 they have updated heads so the plug popping isnt an issue.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 241
Likes: 1
From: North Dakota
thanks for all the replies guys....is the "popping" spark plugs problem fairly common....even tho I plan on replacing the engine, this would still be my winter vehicle until I do so....
Modular motor junkie
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 8
From: Texas
If you use the wrong plug, under tighten, over tighten etc. then they might not stay in.
I always replace them unless I know they were put in right by the PO.
You can find the directions on here. If you are not sure of any of the steps don't be afraid to ask.
Bleed Ford Blue
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 13,578
Likes: 157
From: Anchorage Alaska
they do pop, my expedition is on stock plugs at 63k miles it blew the #4 plug. it happends. yes its a 5.4 but they have the same issues.
did that stop me from buying my '00 excursion? nope..its possible and even if it does happen its not a huge deal. even a shop doing the fix should be under $500 or you can do it yourself.
but if you can, i'd go for the '03.
did that stop me from buying my '00 excursion? nope..its possible and even if it does happen its not a huge deal. even a shop doing the fix should be under $500 or you can do it yourself.
but if you can, i'd go for the '03.
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 657
Likes: 4
From: Pueblo, CO
Nope... My 02' Had the DVD Player as part of the Limited "Ultimate" package.