Trading the '04.

[Slingblade]

I have been thinking of trading my '04 quad cab for a truck with a larger cab. The kids are getting bigger and it seems like the right thing to do. The mega cabs are nice and command a high price as well. I don't much like the interior fabric as well as mine. I have thought about waiting until the new trucks come out as they are going to build a true crew cab. Another option is I found a '00 Ford excursion limited. Four wheel drive with the 7. 3. It is fully loaded with leather but no rear seat dvd. It has 83,000 on it, but that might be in kilometers as the truck was originaly sold in canada then brought to the states. Carfax report make it seem as though it is Kilo vice miles. I'm having a tough time deciding to trade a very good truck for an unknown truck. Anybody have any first hand experience with the excursion or at least a F250 with the 7. 3 of the same year or close? The deal is a straight trade plus a grand back to me from the dealer.

 

[MFalkinham]

I have no personal experience with the 7. 3L, but from everything I've read online it's a decent engine, and much better than the replacement 6. 0L. I like the Excursions in general and think they are a good truck for family hauling.

That being said, you currently own what I consider to be the overall best Dodge Ram ever built. No emissions BS, the 3500 suspension, 305HP/555TQ, the 6-speed, and the Quad Cab with rear seat headrests (unlike my '03). Outstanding!!! And with 2wd I'll bet you're seeing some really decent fuel mileage that would go away with the Excursion.

I know the cab isn't huge, but it's not like a 2nd Gen backseat either. I've had people ride in the back of my QC for long interstate highway hauls, and as long as we make some occasional rest stops they are fine. I think you might regret selling your QC down the road, so please think it over carefully first.

 

[Grizzly]

I have no personal experience with the 7. 3L, but from everything I've read online it's a decent engine, and much better than the replacement 6. 0L. I like the Excursions in general and think they are a good truck for family hauling.

That being said, you currently own what I consider to be the overall best Dodge Ram ever built. No emissions BS, the 3500 suspension, 305HP/555TQ, the 6-speed, and the Quad Cab with rear seat headrests (unlike my '03). Outstanding!!! And with 2wd I'll bet you're seeing some really decent fuel mileage that would go away with the Excursion.

I know the cab isn't huge, but it's not like a 2nd Gen backseat either. I've had people ride in the back of my QC for long interstate highway hauls, and as long as we make some occasional rest stops they are fine. I think you might regret selling your QC down the road, so please think it over carefully first.

I'd reconsider an Excursion. Engine a side, they have had more problems then most any other vehicles



I have had two Dodge/Cummins with 5 & 6 speed trans. I don't believe I could ever go back to Ferd.



Hold on for a 2010 4th generation Dodge.

 

[Kry226]

I agree, keep what you got. But then, I've got an 04 too. I love this thing and never plan to get rid of it.

 

[BHolm]

I had a 99 F350 with the 7. 3 auto and 3. 73 gears. I put 250k hard hard miles on that truck, one of the best I have ever owned.



You are going to pay with the milage, in an Excursion you will probably be in the low teens. My reg cab wasn't good for much more than 15-16, the Exc is much heavier. The auto trans is ok, sloppy convetor like a 48re, but reasonably durable. Mine had a new convertor at 100k and a complete overhaul at 200k, not too bad considering all the towing and snow plowing.



The power is different too. I personally don't care for the power band of either of the v8 deisels compared to the Cummins. The noise is going to be a shocker too, the 7. 3s are loud, especially cold. I see you have some light mods, the 7. 3 is 250hp and 500 ft/lb. I understand that they aren't capable of over 400 hp without serious engine mods, just something to consider. It is going to seem pretty slow next to your current truck



Last, if you live where it gets cold, the 7. 3 was the only truck I ever had to pull in and thaw when it got REALLY cold, like less than -20F. If you see cold like that, keep it garaged and/or plugged in, and keep the fuel filter serviced. Otherwise, no complaints about the 7. 3 or the truck itself, I was very happy with mine.

 

[Slingblade]

Thanks for the quick response. That is what my gut is telling me as well. I figured they were making this trade way too easy. I have gotten 3 calls from the dealer this week, every offer is a little better deal than the last. I guess, even tho it snowed last night and I would like a 4x4 I'll keep the '04. Once again the TDR has saved me money and problems. The moderators should make a comercial like Gieco. :-laf

 

[Grizzly]

Thanks for the quick response. That is what my gut is telling me as well. I figured they were making this trade way too easy. I have gotten 3 calls from the dealer this week, every offer is a little better deal than the last. I guess, even tho it snowed last night and I would like a 4x4 I'll keep the '04. Once again the TDR has saved me money and problems. The moderators should make a comercial like Gieco. :-laf

Smart thinking!

 

[JApol]

You mean something like this?

 

[Slingblade]

That will work. :-laf Did you do this at work. Must be a slow day in the AE shop.

 

[JApol]

Actually I just got the LPO (Leading Petty Officer aka HMFIC) of the AE shop

 

[Slingblade]

Good deal, which shop are you running? I just retired last month.