Looking at 2000 Excursion 7.3L

SidecarFlip wrote:

patperry2766 wrote:
Diesel fuel additive

This is something else I suggested to him to research.Though this article is dated, there are several others out there. Since I don't own a diesel, I can't validate the opinions expressed, but it does seem to make sense in the fact that the 7.3 was designed to run on a different fuel blend than the ULSD that is only available today.

Maybe someone who has direct knowledge and experience can elaborate more.

I have a 1997 Ford F350 pickup with a 7.3 and an E4OD and it's been a great vehicle (I still have it and use it all the time. The 7.3 may be 'down on power' compared to a new diesel but longevity wise, they will outlast about anything. and the trans is fine so long as you keep it cool.

I'll take my no emissions 7.3 anyday over a new motor. Don't want one.

Never had vacuum hubs, mine are manual. Solid front end on leaf springs too. Very basic and very durable.

I've always used Arch Oil in mine, the oil additive and the fuel additive. Not cheap but sure seems to work fine.

Mine snoozes all winter in a heated garage along with my RV. I think this one (pickup) will outlast me.

IMO, a 7.3 is the best engine (diesel) ever built.

Its hard to argue some of your points on the 7.3. I bought new the early 99 F350 short bed crew cab,. Great truck, except that 4R100 transmission , not one of fords finer moments.

In the 16 years I owned it , the only problems I had with the transmission was shifting, there was times it wouldn't shift from second to third, it was intermittent . Early on I changed the transmission cooler to the 6.0 cooler, that solved the overheating that the 4R100 was prone to.

Biggest reason I still don't have it , POWER, just didn't get the job done on towing the bigger fifth wheel I went to . Under 10K not a problem, once I got the transmission cooled down, over 10K just wasn't there for power.

7.3 best engine ever built, well thats a stretch, the 5.9, and the 6.7 Cummins make a good case .I now tow with the 6.7 Cummins, can't be beat as far as towing goes, yes the emissions are an issue, just the fact of having to add DEF is just one .

As far as the OP , and buying that Excursion, if its stock, and planing to tow with it, first get that 6.0 transmission cooler installed, and limit the weight of trailer, you will have a great towing vehicle .

The hubs will be automatic, I has an issue with one of mine,, and fairly easy to fix, replaced with manual hubs, and plugged the vacuum lines. It was actually better, could use 4 low to back the fifth wheel.

As far as mods go, I ran a tuner or chip for nearly the 16 years I owned the truck, first it was the Superchip, then went to the DP tuner. DP tuner was by far the best. I had 4" turbo back exhaust, AIS air intake, and as said the 6.0 transmission cooler, its a bolt in conversion, with hose fitting conversion. Most importantly gauges . I had the three , EGT, transmission, and boost.

The truck ran great ,and was when I sold it to get a new one. I will repeat, keep that transmission cool ,and the best way is the 6.0 cooler, and gauges to monitor if towing.