FordExcursions.com Forums
todd warrix
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• Cincnnati, OH, USA |
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• Registered on 7/27/2003 |
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• 3 posts |
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 Posted:7/27/2003 09:13 |
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Greetings!
Ok, I'll admit right off the bat, I'm not dyed in the wool Blue Oval Fan. I've got a 00 Windstar that is ok. I've had some problems with it that I've been able to fix myself. The only thing I couldn't fix was when the right front 1/2 shaft went out  (still under warranty  ).
I'm considering purchasing a either an X or a Suburban. There are 6 in the family, so a smaller SUV won't work. In fact, the Windstar is crowded.
I'm familiary with GM products and working on GM products...but not Ford. Since I will be doing the majority of repairs myself, I was wondering how "easy" or "difficult" is it to work on the X's?
I know the GM's are easy to work on and parts can be found almost anywhere. Plus, if I ever need to replace an engine, I can just buy a GM crate motor and it will bolt right in.
If any shadetree mechanic can chime in on their experiences with working on the X's, I'd appreciated it!
Also, what seems to be "regular" problems in the X's? (Regular, meaning that is a "design"  problem)
Flame Away! 
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JohnBoy
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• DFW, TX, USA |
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• Registered on 9/3/2002 |
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• 972 posts |
• 2
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 Posted:7/27/2003 09:57 |
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I will treat this as a serious question and not a troll....
I USED to be a shade tree mechanic... but my time is more valuable to me so I let people pay me for software development and consultation and I pay them for car repairs ! Works just fine for me that way... 
But as far as working on the Ex,I haven't had to on either of mine - the '02 4x2 7.3L or the '03 4x4 6.0L.
Those that have done it say the oil change is a piece of cake on the 6.0L since the filter is on top
(although I've never looked - Did I say I just drive it ?)
I've not even brought mine in for any of the new car 'adjustments' all cars need...
been too busy driving it !
And with 6500 miles on the clock in less than 3 months. the one oil change is the only thing that I've HAD done...
and that was hard to find time to HAVE done since I was too busy driving and enjoying it !
Get it !?!
I drive - it works - I'm a happy camper 
2005 6.0L 4x4 Eddie Bauer Ex
2003 6.0L 4x4 Limited Ex - traded in (BooHoo )
"The Republicans should back off and let men marry men, women marry women, and legalize abortion. In three generations there would be no Democrats." |
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RS-TX
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• Little River, TX, USA |
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• Registered on 11/22/2002 |
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• 298 posts |
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Posted:7/27/2003 16:28 |
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Todd, the Excursion is based on the Super Duty pickup line, specifically, a F250 regular cab longbed. Ford just added two doors and a permanent camper shell (or topper or cap or whatever folks in your neck of the woods call it ). Finding parts for it will not be a problem due to the huge volume of Super Dutys out there. There are literally millions on the road. Engines should be easy enough to find. There are enough aftermarket parts and accessories to keep you as busy as you want to be.
As for working on these vehicles yourself, well, that is getting harder to do as you know. I don't have much interest in doing maintenance myself, and my dealer is very good, so I let him do it. However, if you want to do something, you can bet that there is someone somewhere that has already done it and they did a "write-up" and posted pictures as well on some site. Instructions exist for nearly everything.
As for "design problems", the only things that might come close to that are the transmission and brakes. Both can be beefed up if desired. I personally have not had any problems with my tranny (54,000 miles so far) but the X is hard on brakes. 8,000 lbs. is a lot to stop. Do a search here on "brakes" and see what turns up.
Good luck.
Rick
2004 VW Jetta TDI |
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• 0 posts |
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Posted:7/28/2003 17:03 |
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When I pass a suburban they look soo little. Really, I am not kidding they look small.
If you buy a 'burban, than you will eat up brakes and trannys too.
Points to note:
Id rather have a straight axle up front than the independent that the GM comes with. And, I wanted a diesel which chevy doesnt offer in a burban. |
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Ron McCormick
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• Tucson, AZ, USA |
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• Registered on 7/15/2003 |
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• 16 posts |
• 1
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Posted:8/13/2003 09:23 |
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With both a suburban and an excursion in my carport, and several burbs in my past, I must say i do prefer the excursion. My suburban rides better, and steers better, but it's always eaten brake pads like there no end, and I am never really sure if it's going to stop in a pinch. Plus, the power difference is huge. My excursion makes my burg look like it's little brother. I waited for two years for chevy to come out with a new diesel, of which they never did for the burb so I made the switch. As I always do, i purchased mine used, and because the drop in resale value on the excursion from new to used is pretty huge, i got a 50 grand vehicle 1.5 years later for half price. Can't beat that I think. Make the switch, it's well worth it in my opinion. |
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