New to the site, diesels and Ford so would appreciate some straight advice from the experts. I'm looking to pickup an Ex to tow my travel trailer (about 9,000 lbs.) but haven't found the perfect one yet. I've been limiting my search to 2005 6.0Ls because postings on this and other sites warned away from the early 6.0L due to multiple durability concerns. Considered the early 2003 7.3L because they sound rock solid but I like the extra gear and power of the 6.0L driveline so am leaning that way.

Here's where I need your help...

• Is a 2004 PS (if it has all the recalls done) the same as a 2005? If not, what mechanically is different?
• Any known valve issues on 2005? Test drove one (26k miles) this morning that had a nasty shutter right after a hard accel and the Ford mechanic that joined me on a follow-up drive said it was a valve. Check engine light was on before returning to the dealer.
• Any known head gasket issues on 2005? Test drove one (45k miles) a couple weeks back that was practically squirting oil. The tow receiver looked like it'd never been used so I can't imagine why a diesel would have this problem after so few miles (no visible mods).
• Any advice on specific things to look for when checking on a used PS Ex?

This looks to be a great site with an active group. I look forward to joining your ranks as soon as I can.

 

I would highly recommend the 7.3 PSD, prefferably 2002, 2003 (those last two years are the cats meow). I currently own a 2002 Excursion Limited, 7.3 PSD and love it. From the factory the 7.3 comes 65% of it's potential, so added mods are endless. Wheras the 6.0 PSD comes from factory 95% of it's potential. So, adding mods are very limited without going to the extreme. I have a 2003 F350 6.0 PSD and have all kinds of problems. We chipped it and it was in the shop every 10,000 miles, blown head gastket, two turbos, fuel thickem (not sure if the spelling is right). BUT, after removing chip and running it back to stock I have had 70,000 miles of no problems. I have 169,000 miles on it, drive 200+ miles a day (business), pull 15,000 pound trailers daily and I can't complain. The transmission is pheonominal. No problems there. I love the shift points. But, getting back to your excursion purchase, I would get the 7.3 PSD, build the crap out of it, and transmission and enjoy 33.8 miles the gallon. I currently get 33.8 miles to the gallon @ 55 mph, 32.8 @ 60 mph, and 31.8 @ 65 mph. I have alot of mods. Write back and I'll go on about what we did.

2002 Ford Excursion Limited, 7.3 PSD
mcallister

 

Thanks for the info. I saw your mods on the fuel economy thread... pretty impressive. I'll definitely have to get the cold air kit.

My brother-in-law had a 2002 and said the same thing about sticking with the 7.3L. I'm considering it but the 2003 4x4 EX seems to be running about $25k around here (Detroit) and the 2005 version is going for about $30k so for the 2 years of time and usually 40k less miles it seems like a better deal going to 2005. But now I'm noticing that all the 2005s for sale have had engine problems and multiple owners already.

 

33 MPG on an Ex doesn't sound right to me.

 

Ok so I'm coming in as a newbie in this forum. I am in the market right now (this week) for a diesel excursion. I've been only looking at the 2004 and 2005 models with the 6.0. Can you give me more information on the modifications needed to get 30+ mpg? I typically drive 72-76 mph on the interstate.

For some reason I thought the 6.0 was a better motor than the 7.3?

 

If I can get 33MPG on my Ex then please point my A$$ in the right direction for this!!

 

mcallister,

What mods did you do to the 7.3 to get that type of mileage?

 

im sure he gets that while idling behind the V10 towing it!!!

 

Theirs no way u can get 33 mpg out of a 7.3! The most i have ever heard of a 7.3 getting is 24 mpg. That was modded very heavley towards fuel mileage and was featured in the diesel power mag.