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I think I want F*rd

longbedder

longbedder

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After a lot of thought and a little research, I think we may be in the market for a diesel-powered Excursion.

I've got a supercharged big-block Burb, but I just can't get past the mileage/power curves of the late-model diesels, and the Excursion is the only fullsize SUV that's got one. This thing would serve family roadtrip duty as well as being a towrig (Blazer on a trailer through mountains).

I don't know alot about these trucks...so what particular model years should I look for and what issues should I be aware of? What kind of mileage do the 6.0L and 7.3L models typically get?
 
avoid 6.0 like the plague.



Brother has an 02 f250 with the 7.3, if you treat it right its a great truck, but hes upgraded turbo and yada yada yada, it makes my camaro look slow. Pretty sick power plants in my opinion. Other guys here would know more than me though.
 
Buddy has a 7.3 in his excursion. Tows a dual axle big ole enclosed trailer with his rail and a few quads around without issues. Gets fairly good miliage, good ride, comfy interior. Made a few trips from sac to glamis in it with 6 grown men plenty comfy.
 
longbedder said:
Do you mean that the 4R100 trannies don't hold up under normal use, or won't live after engine HP/torque mods?
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Both. We changed a LOT of transmissions in the ambulances where I used to work. I've got a buddy that's running hop-ups on his with 40" tires, and he's put 4 or 5 trans in his truck.:doah: You have to treat them nice and change the fluid often. If you do that and leave it stock, you should have very little trouble.
Also, I'll second the notion of avoiding the 6.0L like the plague. It's a problem child.
 
You have to treat them nice and change the fluid often. If you do that and leave it stock, you should have very little trouble.
Also, I'll second the notion of avoiding the 6.0L like the plague. It's a problem child.
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So, 2003 was the last year they ran the 7.3l, right?

I would leave the truck pretty much stock, and I do regular PM on all my vehicles.

Damn, I wish GM would put the Dmax/Alli in a Burb...but then I wouldn't wanna pay what they would ask for one. :o
 
definately find a 7.3 version. or if you can get a 6.0" version cheap cheap.... buy a set of Destroked motormounts and a tranny adapter and plonk an electronic cummins in when the 6.Oh-No goes out.
 
longbedder said:
Damn, I wish GM would put the Dmax/Alli in a Burb...but then I wouldn't wanna pay what they would ask for one. :o
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That's why I have a crewcab shortbed Dmax/Allison/4wd Silverado. Besides, it's easier to pull a fifth wheel or gooseneck this way.:D I don't want to discuss the price.:doah:
 
What about picking up one of the d-max vans? Most are going to be work vans but they are out there. They used the 4l80 trans though iirc.

If i had a need for an excurion I would love to pick up a 73 version and put the 05+ headlights and grill..

Yummy
 
supersize75k5 said:
What about picking up one of the d-max vans? Most are going to be work vans but they are out there. They used the 4l80 trans though iirc.
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I didn't realize they were out there. I'm guessing they use a 4L85E like the 8100 Suburbans did. Weird, since I had heard they wouldn't put the Dmax in the 'burb due to the Alli trans not fitting. Apparently it's OK for a van, but not a 'burb.:doah:
 
the Dmax in the vans are detuned even more than the pickups. because of the GM automatic behind it. I would say vans sUk - no allison sUk - i can't even begin to imagine trying to work on one in a van either.
 
I dunno about working on a Dmax in a van, but the 7.3 Furds are easier to work on in a van. Then you can actually reach the stuff that's always fukced up.:D
 
Ever consider a diesel sub? I know there are not that many around. But they can be found. 6.5 ain't a power house but they get good MPG and work well for a family hauler/tow rig. Simple engine fairly easy to work on.

Too bad GM put their head where the sun don't shine and stopped production of these:
dmaxsub.jpg

dmaxsub.jpg
 
Thunder said:
Ever consider a diesel sub? I know there are not that many around. But they can be found. 6.5 ain't a power house but they get good MPG and work well for a family hauler/tow rig. Simple engine fairly easy to work on.

Too bad GM put their head where the sun don't shine and stopped production of these:
View attachment 97345
Click to expand...

i wonder if that has anything to do with the ol' govt taking over....:mad:

i would have bought a half ton with that thing in a heartbeat.
 
Personally I'd just put a Cummins in the Burb and call it a day with best of both worlds.

I have a buddy with an Excursion he transplanted a 12V Cummins in. The 4R100 is holding his well tuned 700HP fine. never a Ford fan but i am amazed he hasn't puked that transmission yet.

I guess it's all about what you want. I like the Excursion especially with the 7.3. That is a good motor in my book and I'm not a Ford guy.
 
I have an 85 Burb D60 14ff discs 4l80e/454. I plan on swaping in a 94 to 98 12V Cummins. I like the Burb body. I mainly use it for towing 5K boat. I would like some mileage. Keep your Burb. My .02cents.
 
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