FordExcursions.com Forums
Wayne Wenzlaff
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• Minneapolis, MN, USA |
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• Registered on 8/23/2004 |
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• 12 posts |
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 Posted:8/23/2004 11:38 |
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My wife and I have both driven diesel Suburbans for years. Her suburban is getting too many miles on it to take across country as often as she does, and since GM doesn't seem to want to put the DuraMax in the Suburban, I have to look at something else.
After looking around, it would seem that the only 'something else' that's close is the Excursion. I've never owned a Ford product, and have made so much fun of them over the years that if I end up owning one my cousin will never let me live it down! *big grin*
In case anyone cares (or in case there's a GM lurker on this list, here's my ownership history:
1984 3/4 Ton Diesel Suburban
1986 3/4 Ton Diesel Suburban
1991 3/4 Gas Diesel Suburban (first and LAST gasser since I couldn't get a diesel in California)
1994 3/4 Ton Diesel Suburban
1995 3/4 Ton Diesel Suburban
1997 3/4 Ton Diesel Suburban
1999 3/4 Ton Diesel Suburban
2001 couldn't get diesel, decided to wait another year
2002 couldn't get diesel, decided to wait another year
2003 couldn't get diesel, decided to wait another year
2004 couldn't get diesel, can't wait another year, looking at getting a Ford.
Anyway, I'd like to hear your thoughts about the 2004 vs the 2005 Excursion - both the good and the bad. The salesman is telling me that the grill is about the only thing that changed in 2005 - is that true?
I'm looking at the Limited model, in case that matters?
There do not seem to be any incentives on the 2005 that I can find. I can buy the 2005 for about $4000 more than an identical 2004 - is it worth the difference?
Obviously, if I like the Ford it's quite likely that GM has lost a loyal customer for many years.
Wayne in Minnesnowta
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E. Long
 
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• Subscriber since 1/1/2001 |
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• Atlanta, GA, USA |
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• Registered on 1/23/2001 |
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• 2,228 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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Posted:8/23/2004 11:49 |
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Wayne,
Greetings from a fellow Minnesotan and welcome to the site!
Here is a link to pictures and various details about the 2005 Excursion:
http://www.fordexcursions.com/forums/posts.php?threadid=3926&highlight=2005%20excursion
To address your question about the differences between the 2004 and 2005 -- new grille and headlights are the obvious things that us as a community knows about so far. I looked at a few 2005 SuperDuty's on the lot the other day and noticed that they also had a new style dashboard. I can't tell from the pics on the above link if that's changed or not on the Excursion.
As the 2004's get phased out, I think it really becomes a question of whether or not you want a somewhat outdated looking vehicle in 3, 4, or 5 years (or however long you're going to own it...judging by your previous history of Suburbans, probably not too long!).
Cosmetics are the only differences. Everything else remained the same on the '05s.
Either way you go, it will be a nice vehicle that you will really enjoy. Browse the forums and ask here, there's a few things that are recommended after you make that intitial purchase (shocks in particular).
Also, where are you looking to purchase from here in MN?
-Eric
'67 Galaxie 500 - 390 FE, .030" over, FE to AOD adapter, disc brake conversion. The Daily Driver.
'00 Excursion - 7.3L PSD, LANDYOT Gen-II Radius Rods, Factory Tech Valve Body, 200K+ miles and going |
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Charles Jackson
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• Raleigh, NC, USA |
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• Registered on 12/23/2003 |
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• 71 posts |
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Posted:8/23/2004 12:01 |
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I have one simple question for you...
HOW THE HELL DID YOU KEEP THAT 6.5 TD RUNNING????
I, too, was a Chevy man all my life until I had a 1996 Silverado with a 6.5 TD, and that was the sorriest piece of shhhit I've EVER had...it was almost as if that motor had a mind of it's own and KNEW when to quit at the worse possible moments...i do NOT tolerate something like that. I made a promise to myself that I would badmouth Chevy and (IN PARTICULAR) the 6.5 Turbo Diesel at every opportunity.
It ran me away from Chevy for life..right into the arms of the PSD...and that's a GOOD thing.
Make the switch!
Cheers.
'01 X Limited w/PSD - STOCK all the way..and plan to stay that way. Pockets turned inside out with 4 kids! |
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Wayne Wenzlaff
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• Minneapolis, MN, USA |
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• Registered on 8/23/2004 |
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• 12 posts |
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Posted:8/23/2004 12:02 |
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[quote]Wayne,
Also, where are you looking to purchase from here in MN?
*********
Eric:
Someone on the west side? I live in Chanhassen.
Do you have any experience with service from anyone out my way? Having owned GM products, I'm at a bit of a loss as to who in the Ford community 'knows their stuff' and who to stay away from?
Wayne
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Wayne Wenzlaff
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• Minneapolis, MN, USA |
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• Registered on 8/23/2004 |
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• 12 posts |
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Posted:8/23/2004 12:20 |
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[quote]I have one simple question for you...
HOW THE HELL DID YOU KEEP THAT 6.5 TD RUNNING????
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Charles:
Like all products, the 6.5TD had it's moments of weakness (no pun intended). I actually had GM buy back the '95 under the lemon law because it wouldn't stay working. In the first year of ownership it was in the shop more than 45 days. My '97 and '99, on the other hand, have been a delight. The '99 now has 120,000 miles on it and has never had a major repair.
I recently drove the new Suburban (gas) and the new Excursion. I have to say that the Suburban is quieter, and I don't just mean engine noise. Not a LOT, but it is quieter. And the Suburban now offers optional side AirBags - I don't believe Ford does yet?
On the other hand, the PSD ( see - I'm learning :-) leaves my poor 6.5TD in the dust.
And Ford finally fixed the steering. Several years ago I had a rental Expedition and I HATED it - thought I was gonna tip over everytime I turned a corner. Now, the cornering on the Excursion and my Suburban seem so similar that I could easily go from one to the other without thinking about it or feeling uncomfortable.
I also find I like some of the Ford-exclusive features, like the powered rear vents. They are great for the dogs (we have two White German Shepherds).
And I REALLY like the transmission temperature gauge, since I have two trailers that I haul frequently - one at a time, of course. Why didn't someone think of that earlier, I wonder.
Anyway, GM has taken themselves out of the running. Now all that's left is to decide if I want the 2004 or the 2005, and what dealer to buy from.
Wayne
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Gen-X
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• Toronto, XX, Canada |
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• Registered on 1/19/2004 |
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• 344 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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Posted:8/23/2004 12:23 |
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Wayne,
Welcome to the club. The details on the 2005 Excursions are still hard to get.
Just for interest, here are the changes on the Power Stroke from 2003 to 2004:
1 EGRTP (EGR Throttle Plate)
2 High pressure oil rails - Increased volume and delivery system
3 EGR cooler - Redesigned
4 EGR cooler exhaust connection -Redesigned
5 Injectors - Redesigned
6 ICP sensor - (MSG) and relocated near the oil fill tube.
7 Camshaft - Duration, and lift
8 Pistons - modified
9 Glow plugs - 1.2 mm shorter
10 Water pump - increased impeller diameter
11 FICM - Upgraded
12 FICM brackets - multiple pieces and larger isolators
13 GPCM bracket - modified
14 Intake manifold - Modified
15 Crankcase breather - Moved
16 Crankcase breather hose
17 Compressor inlet hose - Because of new breather
18 Turbo - 3 additional fins/270 thrust bearing.
19 Turbo mounting backet
20 Stand pipes - Because of new high pressure oil rails
21 Branch tube - goes with stand pipe
22 Rexroth pump - More pressure
23 Glow plug wiring harness
24 2004 MY emissions labels
25 Cylinder head - External boss
26 Rocker arm carrier
27 LH valve cover -Because of breather
28 RH valve cover - MSG ICP
29 Engine wire harness
30 LH exhaust manifold - clearance on E-Series
More refinement was made on the 2005 6.0L Power Stroke and the Torque numbers increased to 570ft/lbs @ 325 hourse (10ft\lbs differences). Either way, this is the third model year of the 6.0L and the engine is well tested. The performance of this 4 ton truck will blow you away.
The only suggest I would have is check the build date of the 2004 and makesure it's a later build. This would ensure most of the refinements where in place. I found last year when I purchase my 03 it was one of the first built and was problematic. When I find more data on the 2005 I'll post it here on the PSD form.
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Wayne Wenzlaff
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• Minneapolis, MN, USA |
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• Registered on 8/23/2004 |
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• 12 posts |
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Posted:8/23/2004 13:03 |
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I realized that I should probably mention that one of the dealers near me actually HAS a 2005 in stock. I'm getting the idea that they are scarce and most dealerships haven't seen one yet?
Wayne
Soon-To-Be 2004 or 2005 Limited WATGSOI*
*WithAllTheGoodStuffOnIt |
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E. Long
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• Subscriber since 1/1/2001 |
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• Atlanta, GA, USA |
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• Registered on 1/23/2001 |
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• 2,228 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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Posted:8/23/2004 13:08 |
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| Quote: | [quote]Wayne,
Also, where are you looking to purchase from here in MN?
*********
Eric:
Someone on the west side? I live in Chanhassen.
Do you have any experience with service from anyone out my way? Having owned GM products, I'm at a bit of a loss as to who in the Ford community 'knows their stuff' and who to stay away from?
Wayne
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Wayne,
I purhcased my Excursion up in White Bear (used to live in Fridley) at Tousley Ford. Great price, although moved away and never had an opportunity to bring the Excursion back there for service other than an oil change.
If you are going to have any warranty work done, I would recommend bringing your Excursion to Boyer Ford Trucks in Minneapolis off of Broadway and Stinson. They are open late (they deal with a lot of fleet vehicles and thus have more mechanics and longer hours). I tried American Ford (in Bloomington off of 494) for warranty service and had a bad experience. Boyer Ford is where I can always count on things getting fixed the first time.
The big thing I would recommend is look at the vehicles on the lots...sorry I'm not familiar with many dealerships on the south/west side of the cities...if they have a lot of diesels, that's a good thing. One or two diesels...you may want to pass. Boyer Ford only deals with trucks/Excursions, which is really nice. They know their stuff.
Apple Valley Ford would probably be the only other dealership I would recommend although I have no service experience with them. Friends who've purchased vehicles from there have been pleased with the experience.
-Eric
'67 Galaxie 500 - 390 FE, .030" over, FE to AOD adapter, disc brake conversion. The Daily Driver.
'00 Excursion - 7.3L PSD, LANDYOT Gen-II Radius Rods, Factory Tech Valve Body, 200K+ miles and going |
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E. Long
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• Subscriber since 1/1/2001 |
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• Atlanta, GA, USA |
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• Registered on 1/23/2001 |
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• 2,228 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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Posted:8/23/2004 13:12 |
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| Quote: | | I also find I like some of the Ford-exclusive features, like the powered rear vents. They are great for the dogs (we have two White German Shepherds). |
These are great. We also have a German Shepherd and he loves the rear a/c. He camps out underneath the overhead vents whenever we drive the Excursion. As some others have discovered, you can also aim the rear overhead vents towards the front seats which creates a nice rear a/c effect. The overhead vent behind the driver's seat is reserved for ME no matter who's riding in back!!!
-Eric
'67 Galaxie 500 - 390 FE, .030" over, FE to AOD adapter, disc brake conversion. The Daily Driver.
'00 Excursion - 7.3L PSD, LANDYOT Gen-II Radius Rods, Factory Tech Valve Body, 200K+ miles and going |
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E. Long
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• Subscriber since 1/1/2001 |
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• Atlanta, GA, USA |
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• Registered on 1/23/2001 |
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• 2,228 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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Posted:8/23/2004 13:16 |
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| Quote: | I realized that I should probably mention that one of the dealers near me actually HAS a 2005 in stock. I'm getting the idea that they are scarce and most dealerships haven't seen one yet?
Wayne
Soon-To-Be 2004 or 2005 Limited WATGSOI*
*WithAllTheGoodStuffOnIt |
Wayne,
Correct. The '05s JUST started arriving at dealerships...as in last week. Don't go and look at any 2005 SuperDuty's because they're a little different. Sounds like the dashboard is different, but the front suspension is also different. From 00-04, Excursions and SuperDutys (the F-250 & 350) had leaf springs and solid front axles for the front. '05 SuperDuty's now have coil springs up front (still the solid axle), but for some reason this change didn't transition over to the Excursion (which is loosely based off of the F-250 platform).
-Eric
'67 Galaxie 500 - 390 FE, .030" over, FE to AOD adapter, disc brake conversion. The Daily Driver.
'00 Excursion - 7.3L PSD, LANDYOT Gen-II Radius Rods, Factory Tech Valve Body, 200K+ miles and going |
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