Rugged Chassis: Heavy Duty, Yet Comfortable RideExcursion
* Based on Ford Super Duty F-Series pickup chassis
* Modified Super Duty F-Series suspension
* Four-wheel, three-channel anti-lock braking system
* High-capacity 44-gallon fuel tank
* Standard Class IV trailer hitch
* Comprehensive corrosion protection
Powertrains: Top Power and Low Emissions
* Choice of Triton V-8, Triton V-10 or Power Stroke®
diesel engines
* Four-speed automatic transmission
* Optional four-wheel drive with shift-on-the-fly
capability
Excursion is engineered to provide occupants with a
quiet, smooth and comfortable ride. But it also has been
engineered to handle the toughest jobs.
Chassis
Excursion starts with the same workhorse chassis
developed for the 1999-model Ford Super Duty F-Series
pickup truck. Several elements - including the suspension
and steering - were then modified to enhance ride and
handling characteristics.
The vehicle sits on a tough steel frame fitted with a
fully boxed transmission cross member for added vehicle
rigidity and reduced powertrain noise. Integrally welded
body
and suspension mounting brackets add strength. A
two-piece frame rail accepts a complete front-end
replacement module for easier repair.
Additional front and rear structural cross members
enhance Excursionís compatibility with car bumper heights
to provide added safety.
Excursion's suspension is the result of extensive
computer modeling to produce a vehicle with a smoother,
softer ride. Changes from the Super Duty trucks include
revised sway bars and spring rates, softer suspension
bushings, revised jounce bumpers and retuned shock
absorbers.
Excursion features LT265/75R-16D light-truck tires that
have been specifically tuned to the vehicle for a smooth
ride. All-season radials are standard, and an all-terrain
tire is optional. Four 16- by 7-inch wheel designs - two
in steel and two in aluminum - are available depending
upon trim level.
Several steps were taken to give Excursion more carlike
steering characteristics. The vehicleís heavy-duty power
steering gear was engineered specifically for reduced
harshness and lower effort. For gasoline-powered models,
the power steering pump attaches directly to the engine
block for reduced noise and wear. A conventional,
bracket-mounted steering pump is standard on
diesel-powered models.
Excursion's brakes include four-wheel discs and a
four-wheel, three-channel anti-lock braking system. The
ABS includes dynamic rear proportioning that optimizes
non-ABS stopping performance under varying vehicle load
conditions.
A 44-gallon fuel tank, located aft of the rear axle, is
standard. Made of six-layer co-extruded polyethylene, it
is protected by a fuel tank skid plate that is an
integral part of the fuel tank support system.
All Excursion models come ready for trailer towing with
no aftermarket electrical work required. Each vehicle is
fitted with a Class IV (10,000-pound) load equalizing
receiver trailer hitch and factory-wired, seven-pin
electrical connector. A seven-pin-to-four-pin adapter is
included.
A comprehensive array of corrosion protection measures
helps protect Excursion body work and chassis components.
Two-sided galvanized steel is used in all outer sheet
metal panels and doors. Lower body-side panels are coated
with spray urethane to ward off stone chips. Rear wheel
wells are afforded similar protection by stone pecking
cuffs or cladding.
The frame undergoes a double-dip wax coating, and the
trailer hitch has an advanced anti-corrosion finish for
extended corrosion protection.
Choice of Engines
Three powerful engines are available. The two-wheel drive
is standard with Fordís 5.4-liter Triton™ V-8, which has
a projected 260 horsepower @ 4,500 rpm and 345
foot-pounds of torque @ 2,300 rpm. The four-wheel drive
is standard with Ford's 6.8-liter
Triton V-10, which delivers a projected 300 horsepower @
4,250 rpm and 430 foot-pounds of torque @ 2,000 rpm.
Both of these proven gasoline engines are built for
heavy-duty usage with a chain-driven single overhead cam,
tuned intake, forged steel crankshaft, cast-iron block
with aluminum cylinder head, 6-quart oil cooler,
distributorless coil-on-plug ignition that eliminates
spark plug wires and platinum-tipped spark plugs. Both
allow for 100,000-mile scheduled tuneup intervals under
normal driving conditions with routine fluid and filter
changes.
Triton engines also feature an electronic fail-safe
cooling system that alerts the driver to overheating or
loss of coolant and automatically begins an alternating
sequence of cross-bank, half-cylinder firing to help
protect the engine against damage.
Also available is the 7.3-liter Power Stroke® V-8 diesel.
Turbocharged and intercooled, it generates a projected
235 horsepower @ 2,700 rpm and a stump-pulling 500
foot-pounds of torque @ 1,600 rpm - coupled with a Ford
estimated fuel economy rating of 15/18 mpg
(city/suburban).
Inspired by the diesels that power big highway rigs, the
Power Stroke® diesel engine was developed by Ford in
partnership with Navistar International.
Both the 6.8-liter Triton V-10 and the 7.3-liter Power
Stroke® diesel engines have an up to 10,000-pound towing
capability.
All three engines are mated to Fordís 4R100 four-speed
overdrive automatic transmission. The unit can handle up
to 500 foot-pounds of torque. The 4R100 transmission has
a new electronic control system that results in improved
shift characteristics and enhanced high-mileage
reliability.
The four-wheel-drive option is standard with the
6.8-liter Triton V-10 engine. Customers can order the
5.4-liter Triton V-8 and 7.3-liter Power Stroke® diesel
engines with four-wheel drive.
The four-wheel-drive system features a part-time,
two-speed transfer case with electronic shift-on-the-fly
convenience. Power to the front wheels is engaged and
disengaged using a dash-mounted selector switch that
operates a patented electro-pneumatic pulse vacuum
hub-locking system. Power switching is virtually silent
and with no shift delays, even in severely cold weather.
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