From E to X? Questions...

[Super_Dave]

Hi! I'm not new to the forum, but if I decide to make a bunch of changes, I might think about moving my E350 bus down the road for an Excursion.

Personally, I'm drawn yet to the 7.3PSD. To me, it's familiar and I kind of have some ideas on what I can do with it, not to mention a couple of parts here and there that I could pull off the bus and put on an X.

If I look, I might be looking for one with about 100k on it. Pit falls? Any thoughts?

Does the Excursion have an intercooler? 7.3PSD E350's don't, so I appologize for the question.

I would be towing a 24ft enclosed trailer at times. I currently have weight distribution and dynamic sway control. GVWR on the trailer would be 10k, but since I race motorcycles, it's very unlikely that it would ever get that heavy. How does the Excursion tow trailers? Van's aren't very good, but my dually bus is pretty stable.

Seems like 3.73's are common in the Excursions. Maybe because I was thinking about 4WD? I have 4.10's in the bus, and I think that I would be better served with 3.73's, really. Or has someone used 3.55's and had good luck?

Do I need 4WD? I live in Wisconsin, and I might replace my Ford Taurus and my E350 with this vehicle. That's my reasoning, but maybe I don't need it.

I really look forward to some replies from those of you that have Excursions.

[JADFPE]

Originally Posted by Super_Dave

Hi! I'm not new to the forum, but if I decide to make a bunch of changes, I might think about moving my E350 bus down the road for an Excursion.

Personally, I'm drawn yet to the 7.3PSD. To me, it's familiar and I kind of have some ideas on what I can do with it, not to mention a couple of parts here and there that I could pull off the bus and put on an X.

If I look, I might be looking for one with about 100k on it. Pit falls? Any thoughts?

Does the Excursion have an intercooler? 7.3PSD E350's don't, so I appologize for the question.

I would be towing a 24ft enclosed trailer at times. I currently have weight distribution and dynamic sway control. GVWR on the trailer would be 10k, but since I race motorcycles, it's very unlikely that it would ever get that heavy. How does the Excursion tow trailers? Van's aren't very good, but my dually bus is pretty stable.

Seems like 3.73's are common in the Excursions. Maybe because I was thinking about 4WD? I have 4.10's in the bus, and I think that I would be better served with 3.73's, really. Or has someone used 3.55's and had good luck?

Do I need 4WD? I live in Wisconsin, and I might replace my Ford Taurus and my E350 with this vehicle. That's my reasoning, but maybe I don't need it.

I really look forward to some replies from those of you that have Excursions.

Pit Falls - Same as on the Van. Watch the transmission.

Intercooler - Yes, just like the trucks.

Towing - The can be a hand full at heavier weights. Do a search on towing with the Excursion. Lots of information. Basically - the rear springs are to soft and the front springs are just a bad choice. All fixable but plan on spending some money.

Rear - 3.73 was the only option ever. Limited slip was the only option.

Drive - 4X4 is the most popular. The problem with the front springs is in the 4X4. Not sure about the 4X2. The Excursion is a beast in snow. It weighs right around 8,000 pounds with a driver and a load of fuel. It goes through snow in two wheel drive great.

Hope this helps,
John

[Super_Dave]

Helps put a lot in perspective. Thank you so much.

My E350 is a little beast in the snow too. She's 9200# with me only in it and only RWD...4 wheels, but it's like a top heavy toboggan...LOL!

Very interesting information on the springs. Can it just be over come by putting helpers on the rear? What have you done to combat it?

Living in Wisconsin, I feel like I should probably look at 4WD just as a resale item down the road.

[86GLHS]

The Excursion has been a great vehicle for my wife and I. She daily drives it and we take it on trips but it's racked up some miles as a work vehicle for my roofing business.

It's towed some very heavy dump trailer loads. Last Fall it went across the scales at 25,020 lbs. Of course this is a lot more than it's supposed to tow but it did it with stock suspension and with no mods.

Current mileage 190K miles never touched the motor or tranny.

This Spring used the X to tow the 11x16ft fish house across 6 miles of ice and it did it with ease.

[Super_Dave]

Well, I have an Excursion. I guess that's my Excursion intro...LOL! Got a 2003 4WD Limited with a 7.3...

Towed over the weekend, and it actually was very nice with the same trailer that I used behind my big bus. It was quite a nice surprise. I'm putting some Timbrin springs on for the next trip, and I should have all my fluids changed out, 203 Tstat, DP Tuner and all set up and ready to go. Takes time to get up to speed. As it is, I'm really, really, really happy.

[JADFPE]

Sounds great. If you do not mind, can you give us the mioleage on it and rough price you paid?

Thanks,,
John