I have the V10 Ex and love it but considering that I am coming on the last chance to get one with a diesel I am seriously considering it. I know it has many benefits. But what I would like to know is what are the downsides besides the noise and smell. Before I drop a so much money I want to make sure I know everything bad about the diesel Ex so I don't get any unpleasant surprises when I get it home. So if there is anyone who is not happy with the diesel or has any other negative stories, please let me know. I don't want to waste money upgrading to a diesel when I can invest it wisely in a new Heritage Softail. Thanks.
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2001 EX V1O Gas. PIAA 3051 lights.
personally I like the noise and the smell. When I don't hear the PSD music coming from a X It just don't sound right. I have had no bad experiences yet with the PSD! It does require different/more maitainence but I like the longevity/economy/power it provides. When mine turns 2 in July it will have at least 55K on it!! Just getting broke in good.
This my first diesel, previously owned an uninterrupted string of Suburbans back to 1976.
The added soundproofing in the Excursions and the solidness of the frame, body combination makes for a very quiet vehicle on the inside. The smell is mostly noticeable for a short while after a cold weather start.
The constant availability of power (without need for downshifting) makes it a LOT of fun to drive.
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2000 Excursion Limited born 11/99 4x4 Toreador Red ext./gray int. 7.3PSD, 3.73LS, Skidplates, Pwr/Htd TeleMirrors, 6CDchanger, HtdBuckets, LT265/75R16E Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo, Ford Wraparound deflector, PSDV8 badging, RoofMarkerLights, Tekonsha Sentinel brake cntrlr, PCM=AXD0, Edge Evolution II, WalkerBigTruck Muffler, RS9000, RS5410, Performance Friction 2 piece rotors/pads, Sylvania SilverStars, Landyot Gen III, Air Lift rear air bag system, Amsoil from MAXoil.com in diffs/trans/transfer 251k miles.
I had a F-350 2001 Diesel, and it was loud... Actually I made it louder too.. .Love it...
But I heard a 6.0 at the dealership and it was hard to even tell it was a diesel cause it was sooo quiet!
Im going to have to do something about that when mine gets here... [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]
The reason you never (hardly ever) find a Diesel Excursion for sale in the papers or bargin finders etc etc is becuase anyone who buys them never sells them...
I have had some problems with my 6.0X, but since your post seems to be about diesel vs. gas, to me it is a no brainer. Why? I got 13.5 to 17 in my Suburban. I get 17.5 to 21 in the diesel X.. Do not let the old notions of noise and smell fool you, this is a whole new deal...Yes it smells if you stick your nose in the exhaust pipe, and at road speeds, you can not tell a thing noise wise....No difference..It is very, very strong, and goes at speeds you could not imagine at RPM's so low it is amazing....I wholeheartedly recommend the diesel, it is the only way to go for me with an X... [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img] BTW the signature sound of the 6.0 at start up is intoxicating, and very enjoyable...Go to a dealer and start one and you will see what I mean.... [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smokin.gif[/img]
Not unhappy at all. Like some other thread posters, I have owned Suburbans going back to 1987. This is my first diesel, and I find it extreemly enjoyable. I might be an oddball, but I actually love the smell of the diesel engine. At the same time, I wish it were not quite as loud as it is, which I think the 6.0's have reduced a bit. The primary purpose I went diesel was because I occaisionally tow a boat. It makes life towing SO much easier. The only thing it lacks is a horn to match the cojones of the engine. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img]
I test drove a 8.1L 3/4 ton 'Burb before I bought my X. My X is just as quiet (and I have the noisy 7.3) and rides just as good. If you want to go to a 1/2 ton 'Burb, it will ride better, but with that puny 5.3 V-8, you can't tow squat.
As for the quieter 6.0, at 70 mph, with those tow mirrors extended and the big A/T tires of my 4x4, wind and road noise is much more of a problem than engine noise. The X has extra sound insulation. Can't hardly even hear the engine once you are up to speed. Around town, in stop and go driving, the diesel is noisier, but I do not find it objectionable.
I currently drive a big gasser truck and agree with what everyone has said so far regarding the benefits of a new diesel. The only objection I have with upgrading my current truck with a diesel is the cost. Not the $35K + that's a no brainer...you pay that with almost any new fullsize truck (gas or diesel, US or Japanese). The cost I am talking about are as follows:
1) State sales tax = $3,000+
2) Gots to have guages = $400+
3) Camper tie downs = $400 (only Tork Lifts will do)
4) Super hitch = $400 (Probably can't salvage off the old truck)
5) Air Bags = $0 if I take them off my old truck othewise ($400???)
That's at least $4,200 just to get the truck ready for my camper. Many folks forget to think about sales tax when upgrading their truck and instead focus on the gas/fuel mileage. My next truck will be a PSD when and if my current truck gets worn out...
the only problem I have encountered is where to find fuel in the urban areas. no problem on the interstates but sometimes tuff in town. I also cannot get into parking garages, thats my fault, see sig.
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2002 X 4X4 PSD, limited ultimate, white, 4" pro comp lift, 35" BFG, centerlines, banks 3.5" exhuast, SCMT, aFe intake mod, pre pump mod, HX mod, weather techs, packasport box on top. http://www.superford.org/registry/index.php?vID=1457
In my opinion there are really only 2 major differences that might bug someone who had gasser. (This is my first diesel)
1. The noise is louder than the gasser. Significantly, but for mine this is really only when I'm driving from 0-45mph. I don't notice the engine noise at all when the TC is locked and I'm going 55-70.
2. The throttle response is very different. (when towing). The power on the diesel is much better, but you can't let it lug down and then just stomp it like you do on a gasser. You want to anticipate the hill and have your boost up. If you learn to drive it that way you won't be able to quit laughing as you pass all the gasser's on the climbs. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]
JMHO
Have a good one,
Dave
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2002 Excursion Limited - 7.3 PSD, 4x4, Auto. Tekonsha Prodigy Controller. ISSPRO EV Gauges in A-Pillar mount. Diesel Turbo Lifesaver. Pre-pump Mod. SCMT-Trimode. AIC. Back Door storage bins. Banks 3 1/2 inch Monster Exhaust. AIS. "U-Code" Springs. Powerstroker Exhaust Brake. Husky Liners. Bilstein Shocks. ART Brakes, Helwig Rear Anti-swaybar. Zoodad Mod. Airlift Rear Airbags. Racor 3550 CCV. Forest River Wildcat 26FBS TT.
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The throttle response is very different. (when towing). The power on the diesel is much better, but you can't let it lug down and then just stomp it like you do on a gasser. You want to anticipate the hill and have your boost up. If you learn to drive it that way you won't be able to quit laughing as you pass all the gasser's on the climbs. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]
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Excellent point. You need to preserve speed. These diesels hold their speed like velcro going up hills, but if you burn off speed going up a hill, you'll never get it back. Cruise control useage is a must.
This is why I won't let my wife drive towing the trailer. She is too "polite" to get in the fast lane and pass trucks going up hills if she sees anyone else in the fast lane. She prefers to slow down, let everyone around her, and then try to pass the truck. Bad, bad idea. We make miserable time when she drives. Average speed drops 10 mph.
I love diesels and my Ford [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/warmsmile.gif[/img] 7.3 so much that I bought a Beetle diesel to drive in the city. Have found the Beetle not large enough so I will be getting a Jeep Liberty diesel this summer. After you learn where and how to buy diesel it is no problems at all and I carry baby wipes just in case I get a dirty handle from time to time. For hard work to pleasure driving the diesel can't be beat.
I love the PSD. I have the 7.3L. Listening to the turbo spool up is liek music to the ears. Not to mention the mileage and towing benefits. i have made all teh suspension mods as previously posted in this thread and highly recommend doing so. Very happy.
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2002 4x4 7.3PSD Excursion, U-Codes, '03 Jounce Bumpers, Hellwig Sway Bar, Rancho 9000 shocks, Rancho Steering Stabilizer, Air-Lift rear air bags, Factory DVD, Driver side A-Pillar grab handle added, Rain-X wipersfront-24", rear-17"), riding on 285/75/R16 Bridgestone Revos.
We love our X, it is incrediable !! Ours (wifes) has been chipped with a 5" exhaust and a K&N air filter. I can slow down on any hills and then accelerate up the hill past all the trucks. That is at high altitude in Colorado too. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img] The children also love it, they make themselves right at home, it is the most comfortable vehicle we have !! But note, [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img] I love my Cummins !!!!! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img]
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1996 Dodge club cab, Cummins Diesel 4X4 5sp, White 2000 XLT Excursion 4X4, Hypermax chipped,3.5 down pipe to a 5" exhaust, K&N air filter, Hypermax intercooler,loaded
The noise and refinement lag behind a good gasser (like yours) but for power, it can't be beat. I test drove a V10 4x4 and loved it, quick and smooth, like my old Durango w/360 when it was fresh. The diesel is not my first choice for an everyday driver - but my commute is harsh, 25 miles of stop and go+80mph freeway in about an hour. The noise and the slow response get a little old. The driveability is 100% better since adding he PPIII, but now my $40k trip computer doesn't work [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]
Towing is terrific, but still sluggish around town, seems like the motor churns the tranny instead of putting the power to the ground. Only when the TC locks up in 3rd and 4th does it feel like it has the guts it's supposed to.
I should have waited for a 6.0, and may get an '04 down the road after the bugs get worked out. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]
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2002 PSD Excursion 2WD, VDO guages, PPIII, pre-pump and tank mods, ZooDad, 4" exhaustw/ Magnaflow muffler and downpipe, Bilsteins, Hellwig bar, Air Lift rear bags, monochrome SD grille and bumpers, 20" Weld Velociti 8's
front-24", rear-17"), riding on 285/75/R16 Bridgestone Revos.
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