Common problems 1997 Expedition

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Mar 18, 2013 | 09:35 AM

SilverSS

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From: Ocala FL

Common problems 1997 Expedition

Hi guys. New guy here. I just bought a 97 Expedition yesterday. 5.4, 4x4 tow package with 96000 miles on it. So far I know the a/c doesn't blow cold, steering wheel bearing is shot, and there's an exhaust leak. Also after I bought it and filled it up with gas on the way home it was leaking gas from the tank area. So I've got some work to do

. If anybody has any good diy links I would greatly appreciate it! I'm making a list of parts to order and also what manual would you recommend? Haynes, Clymers, factory service manual, or something else? Thanks for the help!

Mar 18, 2013 | 04:43 PM

alloro

Fleet Owner

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From: 0,0,1

Get yourself the factory manuals.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280759945408&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT

Mar 18, 2013 | 05:49 PM

1979 Ford

Cargo Master

Joined: Jul 2005

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From: Not as far west as I want

Also a good OBD2 code reader.

Mar 18, 2013 | 06:52 PM

SilverSS

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Joined: Mar 2013

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From: Ocala FL

Thanks. Already have a good code reader that also shows live data and ordered the factory service manuals today off ebay. I can't pinpoint where the fuel leak is coming from by looking at it so I'm probably going to have to drop the tank. Should I put in a new fuel pump if I drop the tank? How long do they generally last?

Mar 19, 2013 | 07:16 AM

johnpvb

Mountain Pass

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 164

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From: Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

The A/C compressor seals are probably shot, but you would need a freon leak detector to make sure there isn't a pinhole somewhere or an o-ring is leaking at one of the connectors.

If you have LLS (air bags), that will be a maintenance headache. I finally swapped out for regular springs and shocks after the rear bags blew.

Other repairs at this age/mileage: alternator, ball joints, spark plugs. Also would need to flush the tranny and replace the axle grease.

Mar 19, 2013 | 08:42 AM

SilverSS

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From: Ocala FL

I really hope it isn't the compressor leaking lol. It doesn't look like fun to get at. I'm going to vacuum it down and put some r134 in it with some dye and go from there. I found some slop in the tie rods yesterday so I'll go ahead and do the ball joints when I do the tie rods. Going to put new brakes on it all the way around also. Luckily it doesn't have the air bags. I planned on doing a tune up and changing all the fluids just so I have a baseline of when everything was done. The exhaust leak appears to be coming out of front driver side cat. I read about the exhaust manifold studs breaking off so I might go ahead and put a set of headers on it and redo the whole exhaust. I like loud pipes anyway

. Are these alternators pretty easy to rebuild? I'm going to be taking this on vacation in July so it needs to be 100% by then

. It will be nice to have the interior room because we usually take my extended cab truck. Now that the kids are getting bigger it doens't work out too well... Thanks for the help guys!

Mar 20, 2013 | 02:43 PM

johnpvb

Mountain Pass

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 164

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From: Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

I got a rebuilt alternator from Autozone with lifetime warranty for $150. Already replaced it under again warranty and it's going strong. Not sure there's good reason to rebuild it. The swap out is very easy.