Looking to move on from an Excursion

[Marky Dissod]

I'm glad that you checked out the costs associated with the gear ratio changes. If I remember correctly, you were a bit shocked,
when I answered your question regarding the cost of my gear ratio conversion to 4.10. It is not cheap for a complete rebuild, with quality workmanship.
Further, in my project, I had everything replaced, except the shell itself, in both the front and rear axles. But, considering the great results, I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

I'm pretty much forced to settle for finding a used 4.10 front differential assembly and a used 4.10 rear axle assembly,
and hope they were well-maintained before I freshen the fluids and swap them for my 3.73 stuff. That I can afford, and I know I won't regret it either.

 

[EvergreenZ71]

I have a few different Holy Grail suggestions:
800:
1) 2005-06 Suburban 2500. The 8.1l would be the most comparable to your 7.3l Excursion and there were a lot of new features in the 2003-04 with increased issues. But these wouldn’t fit your airbag request as the side impact airbags are just in the front seats from my understanding.
900:
1) 2009 Suburban 1500 LTZ with 6.2L. The only non-afm 6.2L 800 available in 4x4. It was the first year with 6-speed and benefits from a aftermarket torque converter. You may not need it for towing but you’ll be amazed at the peace of mind the surplus power provides when accelerating on the freeway, whether it be on the on ramp or passing that trailer. I really like my 2009 Tahoe LTZ. Ventilated seats are worth it, and I only wish it had the OEM brake controller like my Suburban.
2) 2009 Escalade ESV is same as above but has AWD. XL Denali is another option, but I didn’t like the GMC 900 grill. 2010-14 are also possible but plan for a mechanical AFM deletion.
3) 2012-13 suburban 2500 (6.0l). 6-speed non-afm with sufficient power for decent towing. I have a 2010 LT and the only thing I wish it had was ventilated seats like my Tahoe. I really appreciate the OEM brake controller. I generally prefer the last few years of model as the previous years are beta testing. I obviously would count 2010-11 as acceptable, but I prefer the last two years of the generation.
Note: one thing I like about the 900 (and earlier) generations is they easily accept a second battery. I’m just not familiar with the K2 to say so.
K2:
1) 2016-18 Suburban 3500 would technically also be an option, but it’s a unicorn (or white whale), even more so with the LT trim and as a result they are probably keeping themselves out of the stated price range.