FordExcursions.com Forums
Wayne Scrimshaw
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• Redmond, WA, USA |
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• Registered on 1/23/2005 |
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• 8 posts |
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 Posted:1/23/2005 21:56 |
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Hi everyone,
I'm a long time lurker but first time poster. I'm very close to buying a 2003 or 2004 X but have a couple of questions to ask before I pull the trigger.
First off, I'm a little bit worried about the height of the X and wonder if it's too tall to fit in the local mall garage. The mall that we frequent has a posted height limitation of 6'10", will a stock/unmodified X fit? I'd hate to enter the parking garage only to find out the hard way that it's too tall.
Secondly, I do not plan on towing anything and wonder if the 5.4 litre engine provides enough power for a family of 5. We do a lot of in town and freeway driving and I don't want to regret the smaller engine (lack of exceleration). While I'm on the subject, does the 5.4 offer much better mileage than the V10?
Thanks to everyone in advance!
Wayne |
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flyfishingguru
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• Annapolis, MD, USA |
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• Registered on 12/31/2003 |
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• 120 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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Posted:1/23/2005 22:31 |
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Wayne-
First and foremost, welcome to the forums. Post questions often as I remember when i was a "newbie" and everyone here was quick to post their views/ advice.
In most garages, a stock X will find its way in with no clearence issues, but if you get on the bandwagon and do a lift, its all over.
I own a 5.4L and stock it was a dog. It wasn't horrible but left a little to be desired. I added a K&N Intake and Gibson exhaust and I am quite pleased with the result. On non winter fuel, I get as much as 15mpg but will be the first to admit that a V10 or Diesel will give you all the power you need, but a stock V10 will not be able to pass a gas station without stopping !
Bottom line, you really can't go wrong with any X and hopefully your ownership will be a long and trouble free experience. I will speak on behalf of all of us here, and welcome you to the site -and ask us any questions you have. I was a newbie once as well and I think you'll find some really good folks here.
Scott
2003 Excursion XLT , Fabtech 6" Lift Kit,,Gibson Catback Exhaust ,K&N Air Intake, Alpine/Infinity/XM System,Roof Clearence Lights, "C" BETR Mirrors,Thule Roof Rack, Eddie Bauer Grille, Husky Floor Liners , American Racing Outlaw II 16x8 Wheels and 33" Goodyear ATS Tires |
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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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• 2,229 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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Posted:1/23/2005 23:00 |
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| Quote: | | I'm a long time lurker but first time poster. I'm very close to buying a 2003 or 2004 X but have a couple of questions to ask before I pull the trigger. |
Wayne, welcome to the club!
| Quote: | | First off, I'm a little bit worried about the height of the X and wonder if it's too tall to fit in the local mall garage. The mall that we frequent has a posted height limitation of 6'10", will a stock/unmodified X fit? I'd hate to enter the parking garage only to find out the hard way that it's too tall. |
I only go into 7'0" ramps/garages. The garage in my home has a 7'0" clearance and the X barely clears. The antenna does hit the overhang on the garage. I have some chipped paint to prove it along the rubber seal at the top of the garage!
I would not enter a 6'10" garage in my X...I'm at stock height.
| Quote: | | Secondly, I do not plan on towing anything and wonder if the 5.4 litre engine provides enough power for a family of 5. We do a lot of in town and freeway driving and I don't want to regret the smaller engine (lack of exceleration). While I'm on the subject, does the 5.4 offer much better mileage than the V10? |
I would go with the V10 if it's in your budget. Seems to me that you can always have more power and baby your X rather than not enough power and always hammering on it to get it to do what you want! No offense to the 5.4L owners out there.
-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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Wayne Scrimshaw
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• Redmond, WA, USA |
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• Registered on 1/23/2005 |
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• 8 posts |
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Posted:1/23/2005 23:37 |
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Guys,
Thanks so much for the warm welcome, I greatly appreciate it! :-)
Flyfishingguru- How much did the K&N Intake and Gibson exhaust cost you? I seem to be able to find low mileage V8's with less 17K on them for around $27K. I can't seem to find a 2004 V10 with those miles or that price.
E.Long- It sounds like the 6'10" garage is out of the question for me??This makes my buying decision a little bit more difficult. I really want the functionality of the X and I love the amount of room everyone would have, but not being able to park it at the local mall won't sit well with the Mrs.
Has anyone succesfully parked in a 6'10 high parking garage?
Again, thanks to all.
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rozett
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• Limington, ME, USA |
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• Registered on 1/10/2003 |
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• 163 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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Posted:1/24/2005 07:44 |
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Eric, you have a 4x4. But if he does buy a 5.4L, he'll be getting a 4x2. Isn't the 4x2 a little shorter? Might fit the mall garage better.
//bruce
2000 Excursion Limited V10 4x4
ART brakes, Rancho RSX shocks, Hellwig rear sway bar, SD grille, V10 badges, Sylvania Silverstars, clear corners, and Bridgestone Dueler A/T REVO 285s. |
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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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• 2,229 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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Posted:1/24/2005 08:11 |
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| Quote: | | Eric, you have a 4x4. But if he does buy a 5.4L, he'll be getting a 4x2. Isn't the 4x2 a little shorter? Might fit the mall garage better. |
Is the 5.4L only offered in 4x2? If so, I had no idea! 
That said, yes a 4x2 does sit a couple inches shorter than the 4x4 X. Can't say from experience if it will fit in a 6'10" garage, but I would imagine it does.
-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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scott young
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• Lexington, KY, USA |
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• Registered on 9/30/2004 |
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• 29 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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Posted:1/24/2005 09:42 |
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Wayne,
Accordinfg to my 02 Ex Manual, the 4x4 height is 80.4 inches or 6'7" tall, the 4x2 is 77.4 or 6'5" tall. I would rec. you test drive a 4x4 V-10 and see if it will fit into the mall lot and then test drive a V-8, I'm sure it will fit, but I think you might like the V-10 a bit better. I have the V-10 and acceleration is not a problem. The V-8 is too underpowered, I feel. My ex is stock. I'm not much of a fiddler with the power and chip stuff. I usually get around 13mpg with my 02 Ex V-10 4x4....Let us know what you end up with...
Scott |
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rozett
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• Limington, ME, USA |
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• Registered on 1/10/2003 |
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• 163 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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Posted:1/24/2005 10:56 |
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Yup, the 5.4L is the standard motor for the 4x2 and the 6.8L is the standard motor for 4x4, regardless of which trim level you chose. Obviously, someone at Ford knew that the you would need the extra get-up-and-go to haul the extra 1000 pounds of 4x4 hardware.
//bruce
2000 Excursion Limited V10 4x4
ART brakes, Rancho RSX shocks, Hellwig rear sway bar, SD grille, V10 badges, Sylvania Silverstars, clear corners, and Bridgestone Dueler A/T REVO 285s. |
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flyfishingguru
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• Annapolis, MD, USA |
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• Registered on 12/31/2003 |
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• 120 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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Posted:1/24/2005 11:59 |
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Although rare, there are 4x4 Excursions in the 5.4L engine (I believe in XLT trim only) and I have seen v10 4x2 equipped ones as well. A 6'-10" garage should be no problem. If the average X is 80" tall, you should clear by a couple of inches.
My K&N air intake was 250.00 and was an easy 1 hour install. The exhaust was 475.00 installed so for a little over 700.00, you can add some fuel economy and about 45 horsepower to the 5.4L
Scott
2003 Excursion XLT , Fabtech 6" Lift Kit,,Gibson Catback Exhaust ,K&N Air Intake, Alpine/Infinity/XM System,Roof Clearence Lights, "C" BETR Mirrors,Thule Roof Rack, Eddie Bauer Grille, Husky Floor Liners , American Racing Outlaw II 16x8 Wheels and 33" Goodyear ATS Tires |
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Kickinsho
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• Sheboygan, WI, USA |
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• Registered on 1/17/2005 |
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• 5 posts |
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Posted:1/24/2005 22:11 |
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| Quote: | | Although rare, there are 4x4 Excursions in the 5.4L engine (I believe in XLT trim only) and I have seen v10 4x2 equipped ones as well. |
You are correct. I recently test drove an XLT 4X4 with a 5.4L. In my honest opinion, it had no get up and go. This is why I am looking for a diesel.
Just my two cents.
Kris
'91 SHO Plus Wht/Blk MTX
'91 SHO Plus Wht/Blk MTX
'93 SHO Ultra Red ATX
Hope to add an Excursion in the near future |
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