New Excursion owner! - Diesel Forum

steelsoldiers · 09-05-2007, 10:27 PM

Hey all,
We added a member to our human family on 8/21. I quickly discovered my extended cab was not quite big enough for 2 adults, baby, baby stuff, dog and dog stuff [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif[/img]

I found a 2000 Ex on the internet in PA. I am flying up there on Saturday to drive it home. I am really excited to have a new PSD in the fleet. It should do everything we need it to do and more!

I'll be back here soon with pics and a trip report. In the meantime I am going to be reading the last few months of Excursion posts [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif[/img]

steelsoldiers · 09-06-2007, 02:54 AM

Here's a couple of pics:
http://www.steelsoldiers.com/Chris%2...ursion/ex1.JPG
http://www.steelsoldiers.com/Chris%2...ursion/ex2.JPG
http://www.steelsoldiers.com/Chris%2...rsion/ex24.JPG

So, any tips on things to double check before my 5.5 hour trip home. I'll do all of the obvious like fluids, tire pressures, air filter, etc... Anything else? Thanks

Wren · 09-06-2007, 03:50 AM

Take it out on the highway and do some WOT stuff. Listen for a rubber flapping sound when you are letting off the throttle. Feel also for any hesitations in the acceleration. You will feel it in the pedal before you feel it in your seat. You will just *know* something is wrong.

*on second thought...* you are getting one with a 7.3 in it right? You're golden. Check that the 4wd SoF works and actually locks the front wheels, check that the control knob for the AC/defrost/heater works, etc.

Enjoy your new ride.

AllAboutJeeps · 09-06-2007, 11:08 AM

Do a hands off the wheel hard stop and make sure that it brakes straight and true. Brake maintenance on the X seems to be crucial compared to my 2000 F250.

...danny

AllAboutJeeps · 09-06-2007, 11:10 AM

Oh yeah. Sit in all the seats and put some force on the backrest. The one my wife and I bought used had a seat that's gear was stripped out. Caused us $200 for a new seat frame, all b/c we didn't sit in each seat. Also check each seat belt. We got caught up in the excitement and just drove it away! [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif[/img]

...danny

steelsoldiers · 09-06-2007, 11:34 AM

Thanks guys. I am an old-school PSD guy and haven't had to deal with the intercooler piping, etc... Are there particular spots to check on the pipes, boots, clamps? I know my old '95 Cummins Ram had a boot slipping off the IC when I bought it. Are there any spots where it rubs the frame or anything. Intercooler cracks to worry about?

I will check the seats! I never even considered that!

Any problems to look for with the rear AC?

Bruce1954 · 09-06-2007, 04:05 PM

Looks like a duplicate of my 02 X, built Sept of 01

I think I still like the looks of it (color) better than my 05.
But the 05 is going to be around a while sooooooo "mud" colored interior and exterior was a good choice.

Just cleaned it up this past weekend, looks new at 70K
Oh wait, that is new for a PSD X, Blackstone says the engine is alllllllmost broken in!

Bruce

lvsqcsl · 09-07-2007, 01:15 AM

Hi 'steel,

Congratulations on the new ride. I can tell you are as excited as I was when I bought mine!

A good friend of mine has one identical to the one in your pics, so, I'll give you a heads-up on what we've done so far:

1) The first thing I'd do is go and get a CPS for that 7.3 liter. I noticed you have another PSD in your signature; you are more-than-likely very experienced with that failure.

2) It is a 2000, so, you will not have a rear anti-sway bar; you need to review the archives and get the necessary equipment to install a rear bar. I installed the 30mm from Ford even though my '05 had one already. Keeps the truck from lane-wander and it won't rock your guts out entering a parking lot.

3) From your pics, it looks like those headlights could be upgraded; there are myriad options and vendors available on the dieselstop.

4) Those balljoints lack a zerk fitting to lubricate; the truck being from up north you may want to check for excessive wear and replace as needed. On the one my friend had, the joints were full of rust. It also sounded like an old bed!

5) I don't even think this applies to you, but, some of those transmissions along that time had "diode drums" that some members talk about.

Anyway good luck and remember TDS and the Excursion forum are very good sources of information. Craig.

steelsoldiers · 09-07-2007, 01:45 AM

Hi Craig. Great info! Thanks. I didn't know that about the sway-bar. I will definitely want that upgrade. I will pick up a CPS for the glove-box [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif[/img] I'm glad the price came down so much on them! I have read about the headlight upgrade. The later model lights look much brighter. We live out in the sticks so the sooner we can spot deer (or cows, horses, etc...), the better. I'll have my local tire guy put it on the rack and check the ball-joints for me. He has been great with my current and previous trucks. I hate doing ball-joints, so it's nice to have someone who does it reasonably.

I will definitely be spending more time around here now!
Thanks again,
Chris

BigPlug · 09-08-2007, 08:24 AM

I agree with Steelsoldier that this is all great stuff to check. I will also be picking up an Excursion shortly and will have to check this stuff. I would like to know what the CPS is though?? I did a general search and cannot find it.

Thanks in advance.

BigPlug

86GLHS · 09-08-2007, 09:37 AM

Congrats,

My wifes 00 X has 177K miles and runs like a top. Original tranny, two cps's, alternator, just regular stuff.

lvsqcsl · 09-08-2007, 02:22 PM

Hi 'plug,

CPS stands for "crank position sensor" I believe.

On a PSD Excursion equipped with the 7.3 liter, (which is any manufactured before 12/02) these little jewels are known to fail regularly. Most people I know that have a 7.3 liter equipped truck carry one in the glovebox. A person can obtain one from a Ford or International parts dealer. I'm not quite sure of the price, but the International dealer is generally cheaper.

This isn't a problem on the 6.0 liter because it is equipped with two (2) CPS's. When one fails, the engine will continue to run but the "check engine" light comes on letting the driver know of a problem. Nifty, huh?

I'd get one and place it in the glovebox for when the thing fails. It can also cause some driveability problems, so be aware of that. Good Luck. Craig.

BigPlug · 09-08-2007, 04:16 PM

Thank you very much. This quick and helpfull response is why I used to frequent the site. Once I get the Ex I'm sure I'll be back to stay.

Thanks again!

20fathoms · 09-08-2007, 07:52 PM

If you have a chance on your test drive, pull the airfilter and intake tube. Check the turbo wheel for play and pitting. Oh, one last test drive check...after a test let her sit for 10-15 min (motor off) and check for any leaks around the H2O pump. When we bought ours 'used' I neglected that. After the X sat for a few minutes back at home she started leaking at the weep hole...weird I know...can't explain it but there it was.
Cheers
20f

steelsoldiers · 09-09-2007, 04:25 AM

Hi all. Made it home tonight at 1:30 am. Long day... The X did great! I will post a full report in the morning.

Oh, and CPS is actually the Cam Position Sensor. $20 from the Ford garage. Sure beats $170, which is what Napa quoted me back in February of this year!