Found On Road......Dead

[jschira]

The Chevy option is a 3/4 'Burb with the 8.1L gasser. Kiss anything in the mid/high teens goodbye with that engine.

I guess that I am in the minority here, but I have stock springs and I like the way my X rides. A little loose in the butt when towing, but I fixed that with a sway-bar (yes it should be standard), good shocks (also should be standard) and a Hensley Arrow hitch (probably should have gotten one long ago). I came out of a '99 SD, which rides like it is on stone wheels, so a little floatiness is what I was looking for. I travel up north a lot. Those expansion joints were starting to kill my kidneys.

I also like the nice soft tranny shifts. Damn, if I'm not a rebel! Yee-Ha!

[BadAndy]

I feel your pain, and have been as hot as a hickory ember over my X being in the shop.

I too have been plagued by a lack of power[img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img] Sometimes it's there, lately - mostly it's not. When it's there it's a kick in the pants.[img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smokin.gif[/img] When it's not, the transmission trys to make up for it and keep the engine in the 2900-3200rpm range. IMHO that's way too high. Also, during the times when she's lacking power, the mileage goes in the crapper. It drops to about 13 city, high 14s on the highway. This all happens within the same tank of fuel???

Before purchasing my X new, I drove a few used ones and I liked the much more solid ride the new one had. Little did I know that mine would shortly be driving like the rest of the used Xs with worn out weak springs. (shame on me for not researching first).

I'm now doing whatever I can to get my dealer to swap my springs under warranty. Yes, I have had to "play the game" and have them replaced with Ds once and I'll do it again if I have to. I'm in it for the long run.

I am sympathetic to other's problems. Especially when (we) purchase a vehicle of this price and caliber. This forum is a GREAT resource and I for one appreciate all of the help EVERYONE has contributed.

I try to be Bad all the time [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]
-Andy

[coldair]

did you do fuel mods yet? it sounds like you are getting air in the fuel.

[MotionMan]

I'll tell you what. Just have someone take your truck away (for repair) for 7 days and you would drive it with square wheels. I finally have a purpose again. I think the ride is nice, it has good power, the interior is very classy and huge, it turns heads and is the BIGGEST, BADEST TRUCK/(SUV [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/vomit.gif[/img]) ON THE ROAD. It just plain rules. Nothing is built right until I or anyone of us gets our hands on it, then it comes to life. Just be thankful we have a good solid base to work from. I have never owned anything, ever, from boats to houses that was done right the first time, I just take my time and make it right, the way I want it, and no one can do that but me. So just take it one step at a time and you will have a one of a kind tow truck you can keep for life. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/warmsmile.gif[/img]

[rock_doctor]

It sounds like the started went on you. I bet the starter gear stayed engaged. It does happen on Bendix style starters. As far as the tow truck, well it is his problem to maintain his truck properly.

good luck,
mark

[dmftoy1]

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Sounds like you didn't do enough research before you bought your pig..... Surely it rode and drove the same when you test drove it!?!? Did anyone claim that it would get better mileage than you are seeing? I assume it was obvious it had Firestones before you bought it?

You're right. I didn't do enough research when I bought it.
Had I known I would have to dump another $2,000 or so into it just to get it to where it MIGHT drive something like a new vehicle should(not a white knuckle hang on for dear life ride.Noticed you did the suspension fix yourself!) maybe I wouldn't have bought it.I just might have reached further into my pocket and gone for the Suburban.Don't get me wrong,I'm not heralding the Chevy as "The Most Perfect Truck Made In The USA"But I find it hard to believe that it's THIS bad.Matter of fact,I've driven and owned Ford trucks and cars
for 15 of the last 20 years.So please don't let's get into the whole Ford VS. Chevy thing here.I've never owned a Chevy in my life.
Listen the sales figures say it all.The sheer number of them versus us on the road says it all.The fact that Ford will discontinue it says it all!There IS a reason you know.
As far as the claim of better mileage goes?You show me ONE SINGLE place where the factory even ALLUDES to it.It's not even on the darn sticker!!Answer me this,why'd YOU buy the diesel?Because of it's MASSIVE power?Notice you've got an SCMT,3.5" exhaust,K&N.
Yes it was obvious it had Firestones but I've been driving on Firestones for the last 11 years!I never had this problem with THEM.Guess what kind they were?Radial ATX'S!!!!That sound familiar?Who knew these would feel like your driving on a rumble strip once you hit 55?
My test drive was done on local roads,not on highways there were none close by..Know what though?a test drive of 4-5 miles isn't enough to judge a vehicle by.The best way to judge a vehicle in my opinion is in a forum just like this and I didn't know this even existed 'till I got some miles (700 to be exact.Not the 4-5 mile test ride!)under my belt,realized that something was WAY wrong with the suspension in this vehicle and was pointed to it by someone else.
Thank GOODNESS I was pointed to this forum(I know YOU might not think so right now LOL).Because without the help of all the others in this forum that have already Xperienced this wonderful vehicle and figured fixes out on their own we'd ALL be SOL!!
Sorry,I know the rules about soapboxing here and I HAVE had a bad day.But please,don't pretend to defend this truck.You've sunk a ton of money into yours too and I'm sure you aint too happy about parting with the money it cost you to do it either......If you stopped to think about it.
By the way,mine has 6,000 miles on it.




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Sorry to hear that you don't like your truck. I hope you find something that suits you better! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Our dealer let us take the X home overnight . . . we put about 200 miles on it during our "test drive". I wasn't even going to buy one, but we loved it so much it changed our mind. In terms of "must do" changes, the only 2 I can think of are the front springs and the rear swaybar. The power on ours was more than adequate for the 9500lbs that I tow regularly. Everything else I did to mine was done because I'm addicted to this board and not because it had to be done. I've done similiar mods to almost every vehicle I own. (you should see my jeep). In terms of the "must do" mods, I have a grand total of $136 invested (rear swaybar). The dealer covered the front springs under warranty. I doubt if you can find many vehicle out there that you wouldn't spend $150 on right after you buy it. (mats, etc etc)

Just my .02. I hope things work out well for you. They couldn't take mine away. I just wish I could buy a spare and put it in storage. It does everything my family wants it too and does it effortlessly.

Take care,
Dave

[Artful_Dodger]

[img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]How did you get the dealer to cover your springs under warranty?[img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]

[dmftoy1]

I took it in and had then "look" at it. (service writer). I explained to him that I had been a diesel ralley and a ford rep had taken a look at them and said they could be replaced under warranty. (make sure to point out the distance between your front bumpstops and the axle pads). I told him that when I had my travel trailer with WD hitch hooked up, it compressed the front springs to the point where the bumpstops were resting on the axle pads. (pretty much true) That's not a safe condition. They didn't give me a bit of grief. (of course the 12 pack of beer and the donuts didn't hurt [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] ). If you go in with the part #'s, etc it might make your life a little easier. The other thing to remember is that you've just purchased the most expensive FORD that they make. (Ford, not lincoln, mercury, etc). Most dealers will take care of you I think. I know a few others on this board have gotten theirs replaced under warranty also.

Regards,
Dave

[ford_x_3]

[ QUOTE ]
It sounds like the started went on you. I bet the starter gear stayed engaged. It does happen on Bendix style starters. As far as the tow truck, well it is his problem to maintain his truck properly.

good luck,
mark

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Bingo! Give this man a cigar!! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]
Hit it right on the nose.R&R'd the starter.
Picked it up last night after the shop had already closed,get two blocks away and.........I hear a whining noise coming from under the hood.Sounds like a steering pump.Check under the hood this morning lo and behold the mechanic didn't screw the steering resevoir cap on properly.Steering fluid everywhere but in the pump.
Chalk it up to an honest mistake but...YEESH!What's next this week? [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]

[PSDExcursion]

[ QUOTE ]

Picked it up last night after the shop had already closed,get two blocks away and.........I hear a whining noise coming from under the hood.Sounds like a steering pump.Check under the hood this morning lo and behold the mechanic didn't screw the steering resevoir cap on properly.Steering fluid everywhere but in the pump.
Chalk it up to an honest mistake but...YEESH!What's next this week? [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]

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Funny, same thing happened to mine. I had it in for one reason or another and when I went to change the oil, I noticed that. I always do a cursory check of the truck when I'm out there changing oil, and the lid was hanging half off. Maybe this guy's brother works at your shop.

As for what's next this week? Miles of smiles! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img] Enjoy yer truck.

Michael

[Tailgate]

I say GET OUT FROM UNDER THAT 7.3L PIG NOW!!!

I'll dispose of it for you for $10K. Just sign title over to me and I'll take care of it pronto!

[img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

[Todd T]

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In terms of "must do" changes, the only 2 I can think of are the front springs and the rear swaybar

In terms of the "must do" mods, I have a grand total of $136 invested (rear swaybar). The dealer covered the front springs under warranty. I doubt if you can find many vehicle out there that you wouldn't spend $150 on right after you buy it. (mats, etc etc)


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first, i was in the same boat about a month ago after buying mine. I think you guys on here (not you Dave) are a little too quick to pounce on the character of someone and defend to the death, these vehicles. now Dave, you brought up two "must Do's" and then reverted back to just one, with its cost minus shipping and installation. the front springs on ALL of these are weak and bottom out without any help of a load or WD hitch. THAT is a huge drivability problem across all types or driving and towing or hauling conditions. its a huge PITA to change them yourself and even worse if you have to pay for it. the front springs alone are enough in my book to keep me from recommeding one of these to someone else or buying another. they are borderline hazardous in the way they handle. add a bumper pull trailer and its worse. someone could easily tie up $2000 + to get one to handle and tow reasonbly. maybe the marketing has been handled wrong. maybe the publics view of a diesel equipted 3/4 ton 4x4 SUV should be changed. IE expectations. I came into mine thinking it would handle my five person family and anything a 3/4 truck could have. not even close to reality, as i have since found out. i dont even think the family is better off than we where in the 1/2 ton suburban i sold. i know it at least rode like it was weak, not rough and tumble to fool you into thinking it can tow a load.

i think you guys were too hard on this guy. I know i was slapped in the face the same way when i complained too. these are great vehicles but do have some major problems that seem to be dismissed or swept under the rug way to much.

power (lack of)
drivability (handling and ride)
cackle (prevention for engine longevity)

these problems make me wish i had never bought a Ford PSD or an X. on to unloading them. we all know that is not as easy as just saying it. depreciation!? depressed used car market and so on come into play.

I think we all need to back up and re-address how we handle posts from flaming hot new owners. starting with an appology to this threads starter. next do more to warn potential owners of these kind of misconceptions and potential dislikes in owning one. there is not much talk of this kind of thing in THIS forum. i guy has to first learn the lingo then search the aftermarket and upgrades section to learn of all the know problems and fixes for them.

tell me this; how much are a set of front springs and anything else needed to replace them. anyone pay to have theirs replaced? how much was that?

Oh and shocks, the list grows [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[dmftoy1]

Hey, I'm sorry if I've ever said anything to offend. I try to limit that to the "General Forum" and only try to offend liberals! ( [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] )

My post said there were only two things I thought you had to do. Springs and a rear swaybar. I didn't pay for the springs so I didn't list them. Just my experience. When did price them they were about $248 for a pair, and anyone with a buddy, some jackstands, and a couple of heavy duty floor jacks can swap them out. (i've done it on a jeep and the tech is the same . .just bigger and heavier [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] )

In terms of towing, I'm amazed that you don't think it has enough power. It definately drives differently than a gasser, but even completely stock I blow by gassers when pulling a grade. (which is the primary reason for buying my vehicle . .my wife LOVES to camp in the mountains) I also get 20-30% (at worst) better fuel economy when towing. The best my 1/2 ton could get was 8mpg (5.4 liter V-8). I've never gotten worse than 10.7 on the X, and that was pulling at a higher rate of speed than the 5.4 could even manage.

Once again, I'm sorry if I said anything offensive.

I do think that if you're buying a solid axle, 4x4 (or 2x4 for that matter) that's 3/4 ton rated and you think it's going to ride anything like a 1/2 ton IFS vehicle then you didn't shop/research enough. Even my brother's old 3/4 burb was a bit "harsh" for soccer mom usage. (IMHO)

Good Luck!

Take care,
Dave

[A Rusch]

I think if you will read my above posts, you will see that I questioned his complaints about a vehicle that HE had bought - asked why he had expected something different than what he test drove - only when he jumped on me for 'modding' mine did I respond that he didn't know me well enough to accuse me of not liking my truck. I concur........ I was a little hard on him, but I don't think it was approached with the attitude of resolution and fact finding as much as attacking the overall quality of the Excursion - I agree that there are many shortcomings, but I also knew about most of them BEFORE I bought it and decided STILL to buy it and 'personalize' it the same time as 'fixing' it......... If this subject had been approached with questions and seeking help, I'm sure the response would have been different. Jumping on me for changing mine from its stock configuration and assuming what my reasons were just hit me wrong - not the usual strategy for someone wanting my simpathy or help. Simple questions get simple answers.......... attacks get defense - simple as that. I'm not whining like a baby, just explaining my previous posts. If I voiced my initial impressions of the Excursion on this forum, I'm sure I would have been treated much the same way, but I have learned to read and research and decide what is best for my life and my pocketbook and not run around crying that I'm a victim and I've been robbed of some sort of 'right' as a vehicle owner. Everyone should learn to accept reality and realize that if you want something done right, DO IT YOURSELF! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]

[ford_x_3]

[ QUOTE ]
I think if you will read my above posts, you will see that I questioned his complaints about a vehicle that HE had bought - asked why he had expected something different than what he test drove - only when he jumped on me for 'modding' mine did I respond that he didn't know me well enough to accuse me of not liking my truck. I concur........ I was a little hard on him, but I don't think it was approached with the attitude of resolution and fact finding as much as attacking the overall quality of the Excursion - I agree that there are many shortcomings, but I also knew about most of them BEFORE I bought it and decided STILL to buy it and 'personalize' it the same time as 'fixing' it......... If this subject had been approached with questions and seeking help, I'm sure the response would have been different. Jumping on me for changing mine from its stock configuration and assuming what my reasons were just hit me wrong - not the usual strategy for someone wanting my simpathy or help. Simple questions get simple answers.......... attacks get defense - simple as that. I'm not whining like a baby, just explaining my previous posts. If I voiced my initial impressions of the Excursion on this forum, I'm sure I would have been treated much the same way, but I have learned to read and research and decide what is best for my life and my pocketbook and not run around crying that I'm a victim and I've been robbed of some sort of 'right' as a vehicle owner. Everyone should learn to accept reality and realize that if you want something done right, DO IT YOURSELF! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]





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Yup! 'Nuff said!