That would be a smart move imo.

 

The Expedition is currently based on an F-150 frame. It shares the transmission, transfer case and many other parts. I would like to see the F-150 and Expy come back as the same front clip like on the '97'-'02 models.

 

The current Expeditions frame has an independent rear suspension. It shares certain parts with the 150 but that's it.

 

Agreed and that's what I thought I said. I have an '04 Expy and naturally it's not an EL but even with the IRS, it still rides stiffer than my F-150. Not really seeing the advantage on the IRS unless it comes out when towing or just in the EL.

IMO, Ford could make a common complete chassis for both and save money.

 

I used to drive a 2007 Expedition on Patrol at my last career I retired from for 8-16 hours a day. Man I used to think that my F-150 rode better than that thing! I was no not impressed with the IRS!

 

The purpose of the IRS is to create more interior room, particularly for the third row. With an IRS the rear differential is mounted in a fixed position and therefore doesn't move with the suspension. With a live axle the differential moves with the suspension, which requires a significant amount of clearance. (i.e. A "hump" in the back.)

Since pickups don't have a third row of seats they don't have the same packaging issues the SUVs do.

 

Thanks for bringing this point back up, I've read that before and forgot.

 

You think F150's and Expy's ride rough. Try riding around in an unloaded F350 with a camper package. I don't complain about it. I like the way it rides and the way it handles weight... But smooth riding it isn't.

A couple of years ago I drove a F150 and a Expy 13,500 miles from Florida to Alaska and back. F150 up and a Expy back...

 

I drove a 1967 f250 2500 miles and it was the best trip I ever had for my back. No pains at all. Yet 30 miles in most vehicles make me miserable.

 

Is the Expedition going to survive at all? Just curious.
I rented a '14 EL and it was a grand vehicle. Would be a shame to see it go because some folk don't like the idea of big SUV's.

 

It'll survive but Ford only a hair over 38,000 units last year. The take rate has dropped significantly over the years. They have become very very expensive and are way outdated.

 

It'll probably be phased out completely by the Edge, Explorer and the Escape. More and more people are becoming fuel economy conscious. But if your making long trips and your over 5'7" or pushing 6'+ you need the leg room and none of these smaller SUVs give that.

My parents have a 2000 Mountaineer with them and my grandparents, going out to Cheyenne, Wyoming, it was a very long trip. My grandparents had I think it was a '03 Mountaineer about the size of the Expedition because it had the 3rd row bench, going from Wisconsin to Baltimore, that was much more comfortable.

But with fuel prices skyrocketing again and the EPA push for fuel economy and emissions, you can kiss the larger SUVs goodbye. So keep your older ones rust free and fix them up, because one day they'll be relics.

 

The whole point of the 2015 F150 is better mpg. Large SUVs will always be around. You must also open your eyes to the fact that the internal combustion engine age is ending. $1/gallon eqiuivelant energy will be here someday.


QUOTE=Frdtrkrul;14048928]It'll probably be phased out completely by the Edge, Explorer and the Escape. More and more people are becoming fuel economy conscious. But if your making long trips and your over 5'7" or pushing 6'+ you need the leg room and none of these smaller SUVs give that.

My parents have a 2000 Mountaineer with them and my grandparents, going out to Cheyenne, Wyoming, it was a very long trip. My grandparents had I think it was a '03 Mountaineer about the size of the Expedition because it had the 3rd row bench, going from Wisconsin to Baltimore, that was much more comfortable.

But with fuel prices skyrocketing again and the EPA push for fuel economy and emissions, you can kiss the larger SUVs goodbye. So keep your older ones rust free and fix them up, because one day they'll be relics.[/QUOTE]

 

Let us not forget that he Expy is a sibling to the F-150 and eventually will likely see lighter weight body materials as well. My '04 has an aluminum hood and rear hatch.

 

Problem with the Edge and Escape is towing capacity. Not sure how the "new" explorer rates in this category. At one point, you might want something other than a pickup that tow a boat/trailer.

I figured that the Flex would take over for the Expedition. Maybe not the Expedition EL, which was really an attempt to replace the market lost when they axed the Excursion... FWIW, the Flex is 201.8" and the Expedition is 206.5" with the EL at 221.3". Even the regular Expy has a third row seat.

Times, they are a changing. Good? Bad? Just gotta wait and see.