what to look for and expect when buying a 99-02 7.3 excursion?

[RVROZXJ]

I'm about to pull the swicharoo in vehicles to satisfy me and the family.

I currently have an 07 Tundra 5.7 with 220k miles and have had absolutely zero problems. Its a work truck for my pool service during the week, and pulls whatever i take to the river on weekends no problem. Boat, trailer, and xj stay at Fishers Landing.

At this point I'm considering purchasing a 99-2002 Excursion that will be used mainly for vacations, but used as a family limo from time to time when we have extra guests. The Tundra will be used when I need a large bed for larger repairs, and I'lll get an old Tacoma to use on my route daily. Hell, I may sell the tundra and use the money toward a new boat or mods to my xj. We have another sedan for daily driving.

I have zero experience with a diesel vehicle, so I need your help in making my decision.

What do I need to look for when buying an Excursion 7.3?

What repairs can I expect to make upon purchasing a used Excursion 7.3?

The last thing I need to do is buy a used vehicle and be stranded on vacation.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

[jermcd]

Welcome to the org! Search for buying a 7.3 a lot of good info has been discussed time and time again. You won't regret your purchase! You will find the excursions are expensive esp a 7.3

[RVROZXJ]

Originally Posted by jermcd

Welcome to the org! Search for buying a 7.3 a lot of good info has been discussed time and time again. You won't regret your purchase! You will find the excursions are expensive esp a 7.3

Your response kinda reminds me of Pirate4x4... SEARCH! Lol

For the record, I've been searching. I want to make sure i dont miss anything.

[Twawsi]

Hello,

Not a mechanic, just a driver with shade tree abilities, non of which are diesel related. I've had a 2000 F-250 SD for about 5 years and it's never really let me down. Define "never really", Im stationed overseas so there's not too many (read NONE) parts houses for a 7.3. Anyways, I needed a Water pump once and one time needed a set of o-rings for the drain valve under the fuel bowl. Other than that, it's dependable as heck.
This was the reason that when the family needed a new vehicle that could carry more people, I went with the 7.3L Excursion. Truth be told, I bought it off Ebay. Had an independant inspection conducted on it, nothing wrong enough to shy me away (typical scratch or paint abrasion stuff). Everything that was noted was insignificant to me. The bonus is that my Brother is a mechanic and the vehicle will be devlivered to him for complete "go-through" before he ships it over to me.
Most important (to me) is that the Trans is good. If it seems to be in its twilight, then I'll have it rebuilt. Remember, no place over here to do that. Then the front suspension. Ball Joints, Tie rod ends, Pitman arm, Steering box and pump, and also shocks. I'd rather have this stuff done stateside and have a relatively new vehilce arrive than to spend "shade tree" time once I get it.
Just a laymans perspective, but I'd have no issues recommending a 7.3 as long as you have it inspected. That's my 2 cents, and on a good day might be worth half that in today's economy. Best of Luck!!!

[dieselcrawler]

The Excursions are basicly an F250 with a longer body and no bed... mechanicly the same as the trucks. Check out the general 7.3 section for alot more forum traffic, and more write-ups on what to look for, and look out for! I agree, the prices will be higher for the 7.3 powered Excursions, not uncommon to pay 12-14K for one with 250k-300k miles on them. I think we got a deal on ours, we paid $10k for ours with 243K miles on it, and it was in nice shape inside and out.