I just picked up a 2003 EB expedition in good condition. 110k miles on it. It's going to be the wifes car, she's moving up from a 99 eclipse, so a 'big' change.

First off, a few mod questions.
It appears that parts are swappable between similar body style Navigators. So would I be ok in grabbing some of the aluminum roof rails from a 03 or 04 Nav and putting them on my Expedition? From what I can find it looks like yes.

Next, are there any better side mirrors for these? Is it possible to put the newer 250 mirrors on these?

Maintenance questions:
I'm planning on doing a synthetic oil change just so it is done.
I don't see that the plugs have been done. This engine is a 2v correct? So is this something I should be able to do myself fairly easily? Any preference in plug type, NGK is what I usually use.

Should I do a tranny/diff flush just because it is new to me?

I need new tires too, any preferences? I'm not sure yet if I want a year round set or a summer / winter setup.

Finally, there are a few locations where the paint is chipping and or rust, rear doors and near the tailgate window handle. How do you all recommend preventing this from spreading? Grind and touch-up paint?

 

Not sure about the other stuff, but for the rust, I have dealt with that in the past. You need to order some paint either in NAPA or online, my local store didn't have my color, so I got it from Touch Up Paint Online - Remove Car Scratches for around $20 shipped, perfect match, highly recommend them. You also need to sand the spot down to remove the rust then spray it. Don't forget to get some clearcoat too to cover up the paint.

 

Hey congrats and welcome. I just got and 03 XLT, moved up from a 99EXP EB and a 2000 Excursion XLT.

For your tranny/diff. When I got the 99 I did both around 120k. The tranny fluid had been changed around 60k(yellow paint on the bottom told me that) The truck never gave me tranny nor diff problems. I bought it with 89k sold it with 189k about 7yrs later. I plan on doing the same with the 03 EXP with 136k. I figure it is insurance for the wife, kids and me. FYI ford sells a (I think 12oz) bottle of additive to add to the diff fluid for these, I bought it just incase. Some say Mobile already has it in the formula but I didn't want to take any chances. I'm sure someone else can shed some light on that. Tires. I Love the Michelle LTX MS they no have the LTX II MS it lasted me over 80k miles and still had lots of live left on them when we sold the truck. They are pricey but a GREAT tire! Just make sure you rotate them every 3-6k miles. Hope that helps!