The Ford Excursion used two automatic transmissions over its production run: a four‑speed automatic (4R100) in the early years and a five‑speed automatic (5R110W) in the later years.
Transmission history by year
Below is a year‑by‑year breakdown of the transmissions used in the Excursion across its production span.
- 1999–2002: 4R100 — a four‑speed automatic transmission used in early Excursions.
- 2003–2005: 5R110W — a five‑speed automatic transmission used in later Excursions.
In short, early models relied on a four‑speed auto, while later models moved to a stronger five‑speed unit.
Technical differences
4R100 characteristics
The 4R100 is Ford’s four‑speed automatic that served as the Excursion’s initial transmission, designed to handle the weight and torque of the early trucks. It relies on four gears and a traditional hydraulic control system.
5R110W characteristics
The 5R110W is a five‑speed automatic introduced for Ford's Super Duty lineup around 2003, providing an extra gear and improved torque handling. This transmission was used behind the Excursion’s later V10 gas engines and added weight, offering smoother shifts and better highway efficiency.
Impact for owners and maintenance
Knowing which transmission your Excursion has matters for maintenance, parts availability, and potential upgrades. If you own a late‑model Excursion (2003–2005), you’re dealing with the 5R110W, which has different service requirements than the earlier 4R100.
Summary
The Ford Excursion employed two automatic transmissions during its production run: a four‑speed 4R100 in the early years (1999–2002) and a five‑speed 5R110W in the later years (2003–2005). This progression reflected Ford’s move to stronger, more efficient gearing to better manage the vehicle’s substantial size and power output.