UZJ100 vs. 7.3L Diesel Excursion

[limerence]

Hi Guys,

So I'm in the market for a landcruiser. I initially started looking for a V8 60, then it slowly gravitated to a locked 80. Now, its a 100 (with VSC). But actually all of the above is still being considered and searched for.

Anyhow, my question is, as I started to look for 100's, I've found some for 10 - 15k. Once it reached that price point, it was in the neighborhood of the 2001 - 2003 7.3L Ford Excursions that I have always liked as well. Anyone have one of these to compare against one of their cruisers? I know the build and quality of Ford isn't close to Toyotas but I've heard that the 7.3's last forever.

I'm not going to wheel the truck and it will just be for snow and camping trips. A big plus for the Excursion in my book is the size. I'm the youngest of 11 and often times will try to take my nephews and nieces on weekend trips. So the more room, the better.

So, just wanted to get you guys' take on the two.

Thanks.

 

[Elijah]

Get the Excursion.

 

[wareagle]

Yep, if you want a lot of space and a diesel, go for the excursion. Land Cruisers just cannot compete in these areas.

 

[limerence]

thanks guys. will move the X up the list on my search unless a cruiser comes around for a good deal.

 

[2000UZJ]

the 100 is a very good camping and expidition rig. However it's probably got 30-40% less usable space than the excursion. If you need the space and diesel for towing, then the X would be for ya. Like they are saying. 100's can't even compete in that category.

 

[limerence]

do you know if theres any known issues with these lasting for awhile? ive been trying to research it and have read here and there that the trannies are the weak point.

 

[pman]

I dont know specifics about the X but i know ford is still having transmission problems on the newest diesel trucks, so may want to watch out for that.

Unless you absolutely need the diesel or just want it really bad, you could consider a Sequoia, it would be far more reliable than the X

 

[limerence]

i thought about that too. read the threads on the sequoia vs. land cruisers and most voted against it. although the sequoia is bigger than the land cruiser, im not sure if its me or not, but it still looks considerably smaller than the excursion.

 

[2000UZJ]

Yes, but the number of defective transmissions is so small you really should stress about while you look. You said VSC so I would assume your interested in a newer model. So it has the stronger front diff.


A common issue is the manifolds, no negatives other than the ticking on a cold start. I have them and they dont bother me. Can't even tel after 3 minutes of driving.

I'm sure the X has it's issues as well. Whether they are small or large, that's something to bring up on a Ford forum

 

[Bull Cruiser]

Just get a cruiser and swap it for the new v8 toyota twin turbo diesel...

 

[BManning`]

I have a 100 and previously owned a 2002 Super Duty F250 with the 7.3L. The F250 and Excursion use the same chassis; heavier rear springs on the 250 are one of the only differences I'm aware of.

Yes, the 7.3L is a great, great engine, and my 4R100 trans in the F250 never gave me any problems at all; I did not, however, tow heavy with it, so how it holds up to serious use I can't say. Side note, if you want major-league power, you can use a programmer and upgrade to a 4" exhaust system, which will seriously "wake up" the 7.3L and turn it into a beast...if you don't need the extra power, skip the programmer for maximum reliability.

Overall, I think the 100 is the much more polished vehicle, but your needs should dictate what you buy. With no off-road plans and major hauling needs, the X might be the right choice for you.

BTW, I got about the same MPG with my 7.3 as I do in my 100-- 14/15 combined. Older 7.3s get better mileage, as 02s were tuned to 250hp/520tq.

 

[limerence]

Yes, the 7.3L is a great, great engine, and my 4R100 trans in the F250 never gave me any problems at all; I did not, however, tow heavy with it, so how it holds up to serious use I can't say. Side note, if you want major-league power, you can use a programmer and upgrade to a 4" exhaust system, which will seriously "wake up" the 7.3L and turn it into a beast...if you don't need the extra power, skip the programmer for maximum reliability.

Good to know that the tranny issues aren't that prevalent. I don't think I will need the extra power since it will mainly be people that I am hauling (Although I run 240 lbs. myself) and maybe some luggage on trips.

Overall, I think the 100 is the much more polished vehicle, but your needs should dictate what you buy. With no off-road plans and major hauling needs, the X might be the right choice for you.

That's what I feel as well. I had the last generation of the Bronco and even though I got it at 60k miles and drove it another 10k miles, everything started to rattle. I hear guys on the boards all the time about the 100's and how even at 150K+ miles, it still feels like it just rolled out of the dealership.

BTW, I got about the same MPG with my 7.3 as I do in my 100-- 14/15 combined. Older 7.3s get better mileage, as 02s were tuned to 250hp/520tq.

I didn't know or have not read that the 00/01's got better gas mileage than the 02/03's. So I'll look into this further. I know the early 2000's didnt have an oil to water tranny cooler, and in the 2001's there was an issue with the mechanical diode in the trannies that impacted some Excursions. And if I ever wanted to increase the horsepower, I heard to look for 00/01's because they had forged rods, where as the 02/03's had powdered metal rods. So, when looking at which to buy, it doesn't seem like there is a clear cut year to get. As a non-wrencher, I just have to look for which one I can live with the least number of issues. I don't plan to tow anything at this point but since I've been looking at Excursions, a little trailer idea started to creep in which, the good thing is that the 100 should still be able to pull fine.

 

[cmfhsu]

If you're not towing anything major, the sequoia would suit you well. However, if you need to stuff lots of luggage in your car too, the excursion does have more room, iirc. Power is not a real issue if you're just lugging people and luggage around. I've had 8 adults and 2 children AND luggage for all of them in my lx (shhhh don't tell the popo) and it's had no problems whatsoever. If you need to tow big heavy trailers, go for the excursion. If you need lots of room, go for the excursion. If you just want a car to haul people around, the sequoia will do you well. If you want a car that has a combo of space and power that will get you through the rough stuff, get the LC.

 

[ChuckB]

Excursion Porn (click here)

 

[mtnracer]

Hauling lots of people and luggage is not the LCs forte. I would say that the max capacity for long trips is 5 people. I know it holds 8 but there is no way to fit luggage for 8 without a roof cargo bag / box or trailer.

I've had 8 adults and 2 children AND luggage for all of them in my lx (shhhh don't tell the popo)

Dude - there is no way you hauled 10 people plus luggage in your LX.

 

[FullyLitLED]

How bout a landcruiser with a 7.3L ford engine swap? Jk impossible? any thoughts?haha

 

[1loudLX]

Excursion Porn (click here)

wholey crap!

 

[cmfhsu]

Hauling lots of people and luggage is not the LCs forte. I would say that the max capacity for long trips is 5 people. I know it holds 8 but there is no way to fit luggage for 8 without a roof cargo bag / box or trailer.



Dude - there is no way you hauled 10 people plus luggage in your LX.

Believe it! We strapped luggage on the roof redneck style with bungee cords and rope. The adults in the back were definately complaining, but we made it! I'd definately call the drive long, too... 18 hours to Orlando.

 

[limerence]

Excursion Porn (click here)

DAYAM! Thats nice.

Also came across this thread.

Excursion or Land Cruiser - Diesel Forum - The Diesel Stop.com

 

[NMuzj100]

Dude - there is no way you hauled 10 people plus luggage in your LX.

I had 10 people and two 18' Christmas trees in mine yesterday! Off road in the snow and there was no complaining! (because the option was hiking in the snow). 18 hours though. Ouch!.

That link makes the Ex look good but how about in 10 years. You were considering a 60. How many people are looking for a Ford of that age. I was driving my aunt in my 98 through the Black Hills and she told me she was considering a newe truck to replace her old Suburban. She was thinking a new Sub, RR or Mercedes but she really liked the cruiser. When I told her it was a 98 she was surprised because she had figured it was new. The Sub she wanted to replace was newer and had fewer miles.

The biggest thing in favor of a Cruiser is this board. There is no equal. Get a 100 and a used 15 passenger van for when all the siblings are involved or better yet have one of them bring their 15 passenger van. You'll always have one more than the number of seats available anyway.