No PSD Excursion for Me

[Wayne Steele]

Sorry diesel fans, but I just can't bring myself to order the PowerStroke option on my 2000 Excursion. I really did want to make the switch, but I can't justify it for the following reasons:

1. I rarely have a new vehicle more than two or three years before "new car fever" sets in. (Only my computers get upgraded more frequently!) In this amount of time, I can't recoup the $4K price difference over the V10 in fuel savings.

2. The cackle thing really bothers me. I've heard it first hand on three different trucks recently. (Perhaps because I live in a high-altitude area?) The latest - and worst - was in my bank's parking lot this morning. If these were gas engines, I'd swear the rods were trying to find their way out of the block. That's not something I want to deal with on a brand new, $40K vehicle.

3. My towing is infrequent and limited to about 2,000 pounds. The balance of my driving is highway cruising at 55-65 MPH.

4. I test drove a V10 for a second time and found it had plenty of punch for my tastes.

5. I can afford the gasoline this pig drinks.

Anyway, I am placing a factory order for an Excursion Limited 4x4 (Triton V10) in Estate Green. It will have all the toys including the 4.30 limited-slip gears and trailer-tow mirrors (nice even if you don't tow much).

I have learned a lot by reading the forums on this site and appreciate the information so many have provided. I plan to keep checking in here to see if Ford/Navistar address my concerns and if they do, perhaps I'll consider a diesel truck again in a couple of years.

[fields]

I think you will be very happy with your choice. The V10 is a smooth engine, I originally was going to get it, but a friend talked me into the diesel( along with the people here). It was a hard decision to make, but I decided that if I did not like it, I could always order/buy another one with the V10. Why did you decide on the 4.30 gears, if you do not tow much? Stay with us anyway, I think you will learn much about your SUV. It is a shame a V10 column does not exist.
Richard
PS--When you talk to your dealer, see if he will change one of his original orders to your specs. A friend got a PSD in only three weeks!

[This message has been edited by fields (edited 11-17-1999).]

[Wayne Steele]

I'm going with the 4.30 gears because I'm told it's the only way I can get a limited-slip rear axle with the V10. The standard 3.73 axles on the Excursion are open differential front and rear, and the 3.73 limited-slip rear is only offered with the PSD.

I had a F150 4X4 a few years ago with an open rear differential that was nearly worthless in deep snow and mud. My current vehicle, a Durango, has a limited slip rear and does much better despite its disadvantage in ground clearance. Besides, I don't think the gas mileage will suffer drasticly with the 4.30's and the acceleration should be slightly better. Plus if I do decide to tow something heavier than my snowmobile trailer, it will be nice to have the lower gears to deal with the mountain roads in my area.

Anyway, I'll continue to read this site and thanks for the tip about getting the dealer to change a stock order. I'm going in tomorrow to sign the papers and drop off the deposit check. I'll post back my results.

[Excursion7.3PSD]

Thats the great thing about having choices. What is wonderful to one person might not be so perfect for the next. Who knows which one of us might wish we had ordered __XX---- instead. Only the future will sort that one out.

[doughboy]

i have a 2000 f250 with the diesel, but i order a excursion with the V10. the best milage i have gotten with the diesel is 15, and the ride is a lot stiffer. i order the 373 rear end (i did want the limited slip) in order to increase my milage. i have had suburbans for ten years now. my current suburban is a 1995, the transmission went out a 59,000 miles towing my 5000 snowmobile trailer. Its was rated to tow 6,000 (except the find print states that it 6000 minus what ever you put inside, people ect).

[jsing]

thus the discussions we've had on the POWERSTROKE FORUM about GVW. It is the total of everything. Vehicle, People, Trailer & other stuff.

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1999 F250, Hunter Green, XLT, Auto, SC, SB, SRW, 4X4, Tow Package, Off-Road Package, Roll-Top cover. Built 6/98.
1998 Wilderness 27-5T 5th Wheel trailer. 5 Year Old Dalmatian that goes everywhere with us.
Tired of fighting the wife for the truck. Starting research for a F-350 PSD (2001?). Will be Island Blue.
Y2K H-D Ultra Classic on order.

[Kyle Kimball]

I usually Don't add my 2 cents worth but the Diesel will give better mileage and if you look at a NADA book for the cost then you will see that the Diesel will trade for about 3000+ more dollars to make up for the cost of purchasing the Diesel, you pay now and recieve your money back at time of trade. We just recived our PSD Excurision about 4 days ago. I live a few blocks from Fields, Me and Fields took a ride last night to compare the 2 Excurisions and then we drove my 1998 Dodge Ram LWB Quad Cab Diesel 24 valve. Now no one can gripe at me about the 2, we have one of each, best of both worlds. ---------------Kyle Kimball--- Southeast Texas------- PS Not trying to talk anyone into buying a Diesel good luck with your purchase!

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[Wayne Steele]

Initial cost, fuel savings, and resale value aside, the cackle problem on the new PSD engines worries me. I live in the mountains and it seems to be a common issue with new SD PSD pickups in my area. One theory is that high altitude aggravates the condition, so I'm concerned that I'd get a truck with the annoying knock.

In any case, my decision has been made and my request is with the dealer. It's the V10 this time around. Who knows what will change by 2002 or 2003 to convince me to get a PSD in my next truck.

[rick reno]

Sorry - what's this "cackle" thing I keep reading about here? I've got three of PSD's (97, 99 and 00) and don't have a clue what this problem is. They do make noise, it's a diesel and it's supposed to. My Harley makes
noise too..just like it's supposed to..well,
in truth it makes a lot more noise than it's supposed to. :-)

Can someone record this "cackle" and post an mp3 file containing the sound? I'd like to hear it.

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'97 F350 Crew Cab 4WD PSD
'99 F350 PSD shortbed
'00 Excursion PSD on order

[Wayne Steele]

The cackle I'm referring to is a fairly loud knock that seems to come from one or two of the cylinders. It sounds similar to rod knock in a gasoline engine and can be heard quite clearly over the normal diesel noise. Imagine someone inside the engine block hitting the sides with a small hammer and you'll have a pretty good idea of what I'm trying to describe.

It would seem that not all PSD's exhibit the problem and some only do so under certain conditions and RPM ranges. The PSD Excursion I test drove sounded fine. Several new PSD pickups I've encountered did not.

My concern was that I'd be unlucky and wait several months for a $40K vehicle that would sound like it's falling apart as I drove it down the road. Even if Ford's claim that no damage is being done to PSD's that cackle, it's not something I'm willing to deal with.

[doug m]

You made a foolish mistake! You ordered a huge vehicle and cut its range from 700miles to 450miles,..and you will lose on trade in not to mention that this page is about PSD EXCURSIONS which now makes you just another pretender...and your right after all,..what fool would want a station wagon in mommy`s car pool line with that horrible cackle!!

[Turbo Brad]

Wayne,

In your case, I would recommend the V-10 over the PSD. Spending $4,000 dollars on a diesel engine is rediculous if you are only going to keep the vehicle for 2-3 years.

Good luck with your purchase!

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Honest people tell the truth; tactless people tell the whole truth.

[SamC]

I think that Wayne should know best what he wants/needs in a vehicle. If he decided that he didn't want/need a diesel, that's his decision. I can't see any sense to say his purchase was a mistake though. Wayne, I hope that you enjoy your new purchase. Best of luck to you. SamC.

[Wayne Steele]

doug m:

I try very hard not to make "foolish mistakes" on large purchases. Instead, I take the time to research my options and decide what's best for my needs.

As for the PSD, I was one day away from placing an order for one in my new Excursion when I heard the cackle for the first time. It may not bother you, but I don't care for it. I'm sorry you don't respect my decision.

And as for being a "pretender" or a "car pool mommy," I'm sorry my comments have given you such a negative impression of me. I discovered this site during my quest to learn about the PSD and have found the information in these forums to be an incredible knowledge base. If comments from those of us who decide it isn't the engine for our needs are offensive, then I will refrain from posting anything else in the future.

[This message has been edited by Wayne Steele (edited 11-24-1999).]

[johns6]

Wayne, don't let one obnoxious poster intimidate you from future postings.We need different viewpoints and perspectives.

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PSD Excursion 4x2 Ltd.Dark Green Satin Ordered 7-22-99.Built 10-11-99.