I am looking for a new tow rig and am currently looking at the 2005-2006 Navigator.

I like the R&P steering, independent rear suspension and 6 speed transmission on the Navigator vs the Tahoe/Yukon. And I prefer the Lincoln interior over the Expedition, as well as the 6 speed trans vs a 4 speed.

We tow a 5500 lb (loaded) vintage 26' trailer. Our first tow rig was a 2004 Tahoe which was a great tow rig. Plenty of power and very stable. We put over 10k miles towing with it. I was dumb and sold it to buy a 1994 Roadmaster Wagon, but the wagon just isn't as stable.

I don't need 4wd as we rarely have snow in Portland and rarely go off road. I also don't want the air suspension and its associated complexity if I can avoid it. So I believe I am looking for a 2wd Navigator with the Luxury or Ultimate package.

So my specific questions are:

How do I identify the tow package with just a VIN? O have access to dealer only auctions but I often can't see the car to check for coolers etc. I found the VIN translator here but can't tell if it really knows the options.

Are there any major issues to watch out for? Broken spark plugs is the only one I have seen.

Is there a list of the standard Navigator features somewhere?

Any issues with the 6 speed ZF transmission?

I am looking at a truck with probably 100-150k miles.

If I missed a sticky post my apologies, I have been poking around for a few days now.

Thanks!

 

All the options are on the sticker located on the B pillars when you open the driver side door.

Looks like this:
Vehicle Door Jamb Sticker Decoding Page

You can try to find one for the Expedition/Navigator


EDIT:

Here's one:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/articles...icker-decoder/

 

Thanks, that does halp. Now I just need to figure out how to determine if it has the tow package.

If it doesn't have the tow package I assume there is no hitch. Is there a blank off plate?

 

I think it still has a hitch, but it won't have a connector to a electronic trailer brake in the back, and in the dash near the OBD connector.

 

Well it seems I now own a 2003 Navigator Ultimate! I made a low ball offer and they took it for less than my high offer.

It should arrive on Wednesday and will be interesting to fond out all that's wrong with it.

 

How did it look when it arrived?

 

It's rough. But it runs well so we will hold on to it and see if I can clean it up.

The worst is that the two front seats are ripped, and the interior is filthy. So a good detail will go a long way.

The good news is that it runs strong, no warning lights, trans shifts well, has the towing package, and no major body damage.

The bad is ripped front seats, faded paint, windows that don't work, and is filthy inside.

A set of good used seats, new window switch and a deep clean and she's not bad. She's definitely usable as is so I can't complain too much.

 

Call around for a local automotive reupholster, it might be less expensive than getting seats.

 

I plan to try that. I can get used seats for $300 each, I'm not sure I can get them recovered for that but I will ask.

First step is getting everything functional before making it look pretty.

 

2003, so no 5-speed or 6-speed trans, is it a 4R100? How did you tell it had the trailer tow package? Is there just one level of trailer tow, or is there a HD trailer tow? How many miles on the dirty 2003 Navigator?

 

The Navigator has 155k miles. I'm not sure how to tell if it has the towing package other than it has a hitch, and two wiring connectors (7 pin and 4 pin). I believe without the tow package there was no hitch, or no 7 pin connector. Or both.

The truck has lots of grunt off the line, and shifts smooth. It runs great, doesn't have any obd2 codes, and has nearly new shocks/springs to replace the air suspension. A couple seats and a deep clean and she'll be fine.

 

You say that like it's a bad thing. Back in the dark ages of long ago most vehicles were equipped with 3-speed transmissions. Not includes those poor unfortunate souls who's vehicles had a GM 2-speed Powerglide in them.

 

I believe all the 2003 Navi's came through with 3.73s for grunt.
And the 4R100 for durability.
And the VIN "R" engine (for top end horseypower).
(That's the DOHC 32-valver - BIG brother to the Mustang SVT Cobra!)"


AKA, the Hot rod Lincoln!

 

Could be that or it could be they installed those gears for any factory equipped tow package vehicle.

 

Most of the time the 4 speed is just fine. But when towing at least with our Tahoe there can be a huge gap between 2nd and 3rd when towing up a hill.

Plus a deeper overdrive would be nice.

I'm just a fan of more gears, assuming the transmission holds together.