Ford Anybody Ever Consider Diesel Excursion?

[Evoking]

So I'm still rig shopping... The truck will be driven quite a bit by wife but will also be my toy when I'm not driving the 2 seat toy

Looking for something with good space, reliable, not so common, decent off-road, good height and makes me feel like I'm actually in a rig rather than a crossover.

Always like the 80 and has been my choice thus far. But I just drove my neighbors 03 Excursion 7.3 diesel and wondering if I should be considering them. Surely not as capable off-road but -

Lets see:

1. Its somewhat rare (albeit not as rare as 80)

2. Live axles front and rear so easy to lift

3. Turbo Diesel sounds cool. And I was quite impressed by its power. I was totally expecting a dog that can't get out of its own way since its so heavy

4. The actually see 23-26mpg on highway and 15 in city

5. They look good with nice beefy wheel/tire combo

6. Tons of space. This could also be a con in terms of length

Anybody have experience with them or owned one?

 

[NLXTACY]

Mods, move to chat please.

 

[IdahoDoug]

If your goals are as stated, then it might be your truck. I evaluated one and the fuel numbers you've been given are highly optomistic, plus maintaining a diesel ends up evaporating any savings over a comparable large gasoline V8 SUV. Unique, heavily built - yes.

DougM

This IS kinda chatty....

 

[MaddBaggins]

Who's the new guy with the avatar ^ ;p

 

[IdahoDoug]

Heh - Skillet lent me a hand last night. Was quite the ordeal...

DougM

 

[Lka1988]

Other vehicle tech...

Excursions are awesome pieces of work, but they never really caught on. Stay within the 7.3L territory and you'll be good.

 

[warpdriv]

Go to Diesel Forum - The Diesel Stop.com and read up on what to look for. Like anything else research then find a good vehicle.

Good Luck!

 

[jasonmt]

4. The actually see 23-26mpg on highway and 15 in city

I have owned enough Ford SD diesels that those mileage figures seem a bit fanciful even if you are talking miles per Imperial gallons.

The economics of operation depend a lot on the cost of diesel compared to gas, where I am diesel is generally cheaper than gas, right now the difference is ~22%.

 

[mot]

... easy to lift.

I have a buddy in UT that owns one of those and wheels his other rigs in/around Moab quite a bit (H1 and a 4Runner crawler).

He told me that one time when he was driving it on the freeway and had to perform an evasive maneuver(sp) he just about lost control of it and thought that he was going to roll it.

That experience changed his mind about lifting it, espceially since it's his wife's DD.

Just my (or my buddy's) $0.02.

 

[96r50]

He told me that one time when he was driving it on the freeway and had to perform an evasive maneuver(sp) he just about lost control of it and thought that he was going to roll it.

Wasn't there a thread a while back (probably in chat) with pictures of a big lifted Excursion that rolled while taking a corner and took out a bus stop?

Excursions are huge. People harp on the 80's size and rear overhang for wheeling. I can't imagine that the Ford is any better. The diesel does sound nice and loud though

 

[jvazquez53]

I saw one off roading and it looked like the Titanic, Got stuck all the time, even with all the extras like suspension, tires and winch. If it wasn't for the winch, the truck would ended up as a jungle trophy. If you are planning to serious 4x4, The Excursion is not the best choice, How about the new Sequoia?

 

[Lka1988]

The diesel does sound nice and loud though

I've got a buddy with a Ford PSD... Man, when he romps on that thing, it's like every V8 fantasy has just come to reality...ever been thrown back in your seat by a turbo V8 pegged at 3500 RPM?

 

[IdahoDoug]

What's a PSD?

 

[lt1fire]

What's a PSD?

power stroke diesel

and to answer the original question. Excursions are great with the 7.3. I plan on getting one as a tow rig. Huge for any tight trails but can be made to wheel with some $$$. I'd say just lift it and make it look good and use it to haul things and people.

 

[Gordopescado]

PSD-Pick-up Super Duty? I h8 Fords.

 

[Evoking]

Why does everyone say 7.3? The 6.0 Powerstroke apparently on the 03 and newer have like 75 more hp and was smoother.

Are you all perhaps meaning "diesel" version rather than gas - but don't really know the difference/advantages of the 6.0?

 

[IdahoDoug]

Does the 6.0 also have more torque?

DougM

 

[jvazquez53]

This is how good excursions are for off road... They make good anchors!

 

[jasonmt]

Why does everyone say 7.3? The 6.0 Powerstroke apparently on the 03 and newer have like 75 more hp and was smoother.

Are you all perhaps meaning "diesel" version rather than gas - but don't really know the difference/advantages of the 6.0?

I buy a new work truck every year, usually a 1 ton Ford diesel and I skipped out on buying a 03 & 04 Ford due to the "difference/advantages of the 6.0".

I think you need to do some more research.

 

[Evoking]

Yep. So I've learned the 6.0 is a much more complex design to accomodate more strict emissions, sound and increased hp. It also had a lot of failures. But boy did it pull strong and smooth in my neighbors. I suppose the 7.3 is the tried and true mill and responds well to mods. Hopefully if I drive one I won't be totally put off by lack of power in stock form!