Big difference from 02 to 05 Excursion - Diesel Forum

Chuck Saporito · 01-20-2005, 01:38 AM

Had the 05 for two days, I can't believe the difference between them. Both Limited Excursion Powerstrokes, the old 7.3 and new 6.0. The 02 wins the feel more like a truck contest hands down.

The 05 seems to handle much better and not bounce over dips so bad in stock configuration. It looks like a little more travel and a softer bump stop and the 02 did't have front and rear stabilizer bars.

Engine noise and trans shifting also make the 02 sound and feel more like a truck. The stock 6.0 has as much power as the 7.3 with a SCMT program but I haven't really pushed the 6.0 yet.

I wonder if Ford improved the brakes, I don't remember the 02 breaking as good when it was new. I hope so, my wife goes through brakes in about 15000 miles.

The butt warmer means no way my wife's giving it up until late spring.

The only bad thing, which has nothing to do with the year, is that the big telescoping mirrors look weird and sort of bus-like while driving. I guess you have to get used to tham.

FamilyRide · 01-20-2005, 10:06 AM

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The only bad thing, which has nothing to do with the year, is that the big telescoping mirrors look weird and sort of bus-like while driving. I guess you have to get used to tham.

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Until someone comes along and knocks them off. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] Luckily Mine are still scar free! FYI, if you see it at night, you'll realize the marker lights on the mirrors really need cab clearence lights to complement them and make it look "right". [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

formerNortel · 01-20-2005, 10:37 AM

CS, I had to trade my 01 for an 045 this past fall due to tax reasons, Ireally needed the deduction for the year. I loved my 01I had all the mods, sway bar, bump stops 4" exhaust, chipped shocks, steering stabilizer, the list goes on and on. My only complaint on the 01 was the lousy steering. We replaced the ball joints(4) times 3 steering boxes all of the front end steering hardware and never ever got it right. All of this at a major amount of money.
But I still did not want t o part with that truck. This 05 although looks the same is very very different. The 05 stock w/ the 6.0 will dust the 01, hands down the 06 is pretty quick. Also quieter, smoother ride, no sway at all ( the 05 came with front and rear sway bars already) and drives lie a dream absolutly no wondring at all.
I am very impressed. I have about 10K miles on this truck so far and the only thing I can say is why didn't I trade earlier????

I write this because I am sure others may think the same, it was hard to depart with my 01, But I really glad that I have. Since this is the last year for this truck their may be some reluctant to look at a new one but I think you will be happy.

DR.billZ · 01-20-2005, 03:39 PM

Do the new butt warmers get warmer faster than the older ones? I'm about to work before these things kick in [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]

CHPMustang · 01-20-2005, 06:33 PM

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The 02 wins the feel more like a truck contest hands down.

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And sounds like it too.

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It looks like a little more travel and a softer bump stop

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Actually it's a little shorter thus a little more travel but I want more

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and the 02 did't have front and rear stabilizer bars.

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My 2002 came with a front from the factory I added the better rear Hellwig shortly thereafter.
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I wonder if Ford improved the brakes, I don't remember the 02 breaking as good when it was new. I hope so, my wife goes through brakes in about 15000 miles.

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If your wife is a hard short distance braker better get the brake job kitty started.

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The only bad thing, which has nothing to do with the year, is that the big telescoping mirrors look weird and sort of bus-like while driving. I guess you have to get used to tham.

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We tow interstate with our Excursion so the TT mirrors is a must.We had the paddle style mirrors on our 99.5 and they just didn't have the viewable area the TT mirrors do.We may be towing a Mustang to Utah in the next couple weeks [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smokin.gif[/img]

2big4burb · 01-20-2005, 11:36 PM

I agree there's a big difference. I rented an 2004 X last year in Big Sky, MT. (It did have stabilizers front and rear.)

The suspension was much improved. No bouncing around at all. A very controlled, even refined, ride. Here's what really amazed me: It rode the same with just me in it as it did loaded with 8 people and gear. It was really incredible. I was thinking when I buy my "Last X", I won't have to do any of the usual suspension mods.