Hi,Our 2003 Diesel 7.3l Excursion is finally having issues (wobbly steering), spent $$$ getting it repaired, but that didn't fix the issue.... at this point we don't know whether to cut our losses...However, finding a decent replacement is $$$.What would be a decent truck, perhaps a few years old, but still lower mileage to tow this:2015 Cherokee by Forest River grey wolf, m-274dbh? Base Weight (lbs / kg)6261 / 2840Carrying Capacity (lbs / kg)1607 / 728.9Hitch Weight (lbs / kg)906 / 411We like diesel but here in California diesel is expensive....What would be a smaller truck that could tow this, perhaps I could trade in my car and use the truck, but I really am not keen on a large daily driver....We want to drive to Utah, up to Washington and something that can handle steep hills useful...Thanks!

Budget?Do you want something that will work or something that is overkill like a 1 ton? Truck or SUV or you don't have a preference?

Thermoguy wrote:Budget?Do you want something that will work or something that is overkill like a 1 ton? Truck or SUV or you don't have a preference?something that can sensibly handle that travel trailer would be ok, I'd be interested to know what the smaller size could be and if I'd drive it daily too (not so keen on that idea)... a Truck as we always have that issue of taking bikes....Budget - reality is we've never had a car payment, but we don't have much spare cash. If I keep my car then we'd have about $10,000 to put down towards a truck, then a loan, if I sold my car we'd have additional $25,000... my daily driving is highway to and from work and to kids sports so a big truck would be total overkill though...Really don't want anything too high mileage that ends up with issues. We are attached to the Excursion and it runs well..but cannot get this wobbly steering issue fixed, well maybe, by sinking another $5000 or so into it.. Here it's almost got no value, can't legally smog it now in CA either.....

jukes wrote:Thermoguy wrote:Budget?Do you want something that will work or something that is overkill like a 1 ton? Truck or SUV or you don't have a preference?something that can sensibly handle that travel trailer would be ok, I'd be interested to know what the smaller size could be and if I'd drive it daily too (not so keen on that idea)... a Truck as we always have that issue of taking bikes....Budget - reality is we've never had a car payment, but we don't have much spare cash. If I keep my car then we'd have about $10,000 to put down towards a truck, then a loan, if I sold my car we'd have additional $25,000... my daily driving is highway to and from work and to kids sports so a big truck would be total overkill though...Really don't want anything too high mileage that ends up with issues. We are attached to the Excursion and it runs well..but cannot get this wobbly steering issue fixed, well maybe, by sinking another $5000 or so into it.. Here it's almost got no value, can't legally smog it now in CA either.....Outside of CA diesel Excursions go for stupid money, so if you can sell it out of state you should do fine. Hard to believe you couldn't get the steering fixed for $5K- the front suspension and steering on those rigs is relatively simple. Being a Ford, it will never be perfect, but I think you must have brought it to the wrong shop. On the topic of a replacement rig, it will be pretty tough to find a "smaller" replacement rig that will tow a 6200 lb dry weight trailer very well. Suburbans, Expeditions and 1500 series pickups will do the job if configured decently (payload could be an issue), but they really aren't much smaller than an Excursion. Anything significantly smaller than an Ex just won't work IMO.

Are you set on an SUV? How many people are you taking?A full size body on frame van would be one option if a big family or for a family of 4, a full size 4 door pickup is viable.At just shy of 8000lb (loaded), 1/2 ton trucks would be viable, just check to make sure it has a higher payload (2000lb or more). The modern ones running empty get much better MPG than in the olden days and modern gas engines have plenty of power to pull 8000lb.

Keep it, spend the money to repair whats wrong and enjoy it for many more years. New trucks are stupid expensive, to buy and repair.

Tow truck ideas / advice | Good Sam Community

Grit_dog
Navigator
Oct 10, 2023
Unfortunately the OP is now about $10k invested in a (best possible case) $10k rig for just new front end and tires.
From a financial perspective, it was time to learn how to fix things yourself or cut bait about $10k ago.
Not knowing what else has been done to the rig (could have another recent $15k into drivetrain and couple grand in seat covers etc, or literally been living on maint and replacing only what fails completlty) it still seems the best bet is to cut bait and learn from the scenario.
Take the immediate finances out of it, this is also a vacation rig, right? What are the chances a 400k mi 20 year old rig is anywhere near as reliable as a much newer 1/4 the miles or less vehicle? Very slim unless the OP has basically rebuilt the whole truck by now.
GAR2
Explorer
Oct 10, 2023
Grit dog wrote:
You went from $5k to $8k in repairs now, in a week? (Tires don’t count)
Thought you were contemplating a new truck vs dumping more $ into the old one?
$8k would buy you everything from the frame down, including a new axle…I think you need a new mechanic. A while ago….

^^^^ X2. To the OP, lots of problems with the aftermarket steering gears....... Blue Top brand is now the most preferred replacement, better quality than the redhead steering boxes.

I think you said your Ex was an ‘03 - does it have the 7.3 PSD? If so and you can find a reputable garage, or do it yourself......that gets my vote.
Grit_dog
Navigator
Oct 09, 2023
You went from $5k to $8k in repairs now, in a week? (Tires don’t count)
Thought you were contemplating a new truck vs dumping more $ into the old one?
$8k would buy you everything from the frame down, including a new axle…I think you need a new mechanic. A while ago….
jukes
Explorer
Oct 09, 2023
ScottG wrote:
Your steering gear is worn out. I suggest replacing it with a Redhead brand rebuilt unit. BTW, don't let anyone tell you they can just adjust it. That wont do it.

Hi he already put a Readhead steering box in...

He just did some more work to it yesterday I will find out what that was, but it hasn't helped.. He's $8000 in now and running out of ideas as to what else the issue could be....
ScottG
Nomad
Oct 04, 2023
Your steering gear is worn out. I suggest replacing it with a Redhead brand rebuilt unit. BTW, don't let anyone tell you they can just adjust it. That wont do it.
C_Schomer
Explorer
Oct 03, 2023
I’m also a fix-it guy and I’ve been through all those problems but I’d be for dumping a 400k mile money pit. I haven’t had a gasser for so long, IDK which one has the least of all the later-vehicle evils. One of the 1/2t crew cabs. At least the 8 and 10 spd transmissions are a bunch better, now. Craig
FWIW, I’ve read about new boutique steering boxes that were still sloppy. Someone who knows how to adjust it might be able to fix the wandering problem. My 12 Dodge also had those steering problems and after I replaced everything that was loose, I adjusted the box and completely stopped the wandering. I also had the alignment shop max out the caster.
Grit_dog
Navigator
Oct 03, 2023
Caster, sticky new bjs (lol) or bad steering box are your 3 most likely causes. And not likely the first one.
Since you actually told us the symptom finally.
Grit_dog
Navigator
Oct 01, 2023
^That too.
Leaf springs/bushings
Sway bar end links.
All 7.3s are leafs I think.
Anything that hasn’t been replaced at least once on a 400k mile solid axle 4x4 is wore out or at very least not great.
But so is the rest of the vehicle by then, so it’s flip a coin whether to pile money into it or a newer rig.
FishOnOne
Nomad
Oct 01, 2023
Bushings on front suspension maybe shot and need to be replaced.
Grit_dog
Navigator
Oct 01, 2023
Yes there was a reason I picked those specific years as a starting point. Doesn’t mean others are no good, but that would be my preference.
In 2014 half ton rams got the bulletproof ZF8 speed. I wouldn’t cross the street for a 6 speed Dodge 64-65-66-68 trans. If I had the choice.
Ford, 5.0 I’d go 2011 or newer. Eco would be 3rd year model so 2013 or newer.
GM, personally 3 out of 4 2014 new model 1500s left my job on a rollback and never returned due to major electrical issues. First model year problems.
And as tempting as it is, I wouldn’t get an Eco diesel, if I was not a diy guy. Just in case those were looking attractive.

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