Problems on Expeditions
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New User
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Maryland
Problems on Expeditions
Hey guys, Im very interested in getting a 97-99 expedition and would like to know of any problems to look for. Most likely the truck will have 70-80k Miles. I would like to know the main differences between the 4.6 and 5.4 engines and how strong the ransmission will last. I have not decided weather i will jack it or drop it yet tho..............
Senior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 329
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From: Wichita, Kansas
I was in the same boat as you. I found a nice used Expy for a great price and that was it. I didn't so much look at the size of motor that it had since the power difference wasn't night and day. Heck, I now have more ponies than most 5.4L. Anyway, what I looked at was if the Expy was well cared for and the transmission and transfer case worked and shifted correctly. There are some great buys out there so keep your eyes open. These are the BEST SUV's available hands down. (It beats my father's Surburban any way you slice it.)
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 186
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From: Newport News Virginia
You take your chance when you buy a used vehicle but I'd look for an 02' lease return. They'll have 30k or less and may cost a bit more. But you'll have somewhat of a warranty left and they are normally taken care of. And, if you can land a 5.4, do it.... The power difference in my opinion is like night and day.
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Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 13
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From: Vernon
My 98 exp has been a dream... now has 58,000 miles and runs great. I found a great looking vehicle that had the 4.6L, wish I had waited for a 5.4L for towing. You can greatly improve power, shifting and overall performance with just a few mods. I installed a K&N FIPK and a Diablo perfomance chip and the change was night and day. I can only imagine what the 5.4L would be like with the same mods.
At time of purchase my expy had 24,000 miles, was a lease return. Based on miles and condition I figure it was likely driven by soccer mom around town! Those deals are out there and I think may be the best bet.
Good luck!
At time of purchase my expy had 24,000 miles, was a lease return. Based on miles and condition I figure it was likely driven by soccer mom around town! Those deals are out there and I think may be the best bet.
Good luck!
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
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I picked up a '98. I would probably buy an extended warranty for it (tons of companies sell them, they are around 1000 but well worth it) but I guess it depends on your personality. My warranty has spent over 6k on my expy in 3 months, and it was in great shape before I bought it - now it's in better.
Up to you, main problems to look for are LLS (air ride) to make sure it functions properly. The other problems are associated with newer models mainly. Make sure it feels good, I'd go for the 5.4 but drive both to see what you want. If you get an EB I think it only comes with a 5.4, that was my choice.
Up to you, main problems to look for are LLS (air ride) to make sure it functions properly. The other problems are associated with newer models mainly. Make sure it feels good, I'd go for the 5.4 but drive both to see what you want. If you get an EB I think it only comes with a 5.4, that was my choice.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 256
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From: Hendersonville,NC
I got my 99 EB last spring with 54k on it and have put almost 8k . The only problem so far has been the ABS sensor on the rearend. I did change all of the fluids first thing. The LLS works good if you plan on towing any since it keeps the rear from sagging. I drove both and liked the 5.4 much better. I test drove several other suv's and this was by far the best over all.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 106
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From: NY
I have a '98 with the 4.6, for the little utility trailer I tow it's fine. I bought it with 30,000 on it 2 years ago. GREAT VEHICLE, just check it out real good before you buy. I've had the following problems with mine, and I'm not the only one who's had them I know... They are normal wear and tear items, but can be costly if you don't do your own repairs. Aftermarket warrenty can be helpful if you use it and it's not expesive for you to buy.
Spark plugs and wires, cost me over $400 to have installed
Serpentine belt
Alternator
Blend door actuator (for heat/ac) common item to die, $350 to replace.
Of course this is just MY Expy, yours may vary from my experience. Good luck, it's the BEST DARN truck out there, hands down!!!
Tim
Spark plugs and wires, cost me over $400 to have installed
Serpentine belt
Alternator
Blend door actuator (for heat/ac) common item to die, $350 to replace.
Of course this is just MY Expy, yours may vary from my experience. Good luck, it's the BEST DARN truck out there, hands down!!!
Tim
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 268
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From: Florida
If you find one you are interested in buying, strike an agreement with the seller to have a Ford dealership check it out first. You'll have to pay the dealer labor, but if there are major problems you can walk away or negotiate with the seller based on the cost of repair. If you give the dealership an indication that they'll being doing the work (whether they will or not), they'll probably be able to find all kinds of problems.
I have an '00 EB, no real problems to speak of, great truck. Look for signs of water leakage around the sunroof (if equipped) and where the headliner meets the A-pillars. Keep reading this forum and all kinds of things to check will jump out. The 5.4L is worth the money.
Good luck...
I have an '00 EB, no real problems to speak of, great truck. Look for signs of water leakage around the sunroof (if equipped) and where the headliner meets the A-pillars. Keep reading this forum and all kinds of things to check will jump out. The 5.4L is worth the money.
Good luck...
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 186
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From: Newport News Virginia
Has anybody had their bearings fall apart in their front end? At 24000 miles, I almost lost my drivers front tire from the bearings going out. Warranty covered it and I have had NO problems since... 47000 miles....
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 89
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From: middle tennessee
bought a pre-owned '97 eddie 4x2 with 45k on it back in 2000. it's a garage queen. use it for business mostly. now has a little over 68k. some subtle mods- navi tails, f150 grill insert, painted d pillars, eb stripe on liftgate, aux backup lights under the bumper among others.
eb's are nice because they come loaded up. only things this one doesn't have is a sunroof, 4 corner lls(has rear lls) and 4x4.
have had NO problems. stock goodyear tires are crap but have to wait for them to wear out. i have squeeks in the front end suggesting the stock bushings are worn out. it also is likely time for new shocks. because of weight, these things are hard on the oem suspension components.
there are now great buys out there for 1st gen expy's. know what are important features for the way you intend to use it, become knowledgeable regarding packages/options offers in 97/98 and then be patient. i particularly like the bright metallic paint offerings on eb's in these early years. mine is moonlight blue, a fairly uncommon metallic on expy's.
good luck! lakeside
eb's are nice because they come loaded up. only things this one doesn't have is a sunroof, 4 corner lls(has rear lls) and 4x4.
have had NO problems. stock goodyear tires are crap but have to wait for them to wear out. i have squeeks in the front end suggesting the stock bushings are worn out. it also is likely time for new shocks. because of weight, these things are hard on the oem suspension components.
there are now great buys out there for 1st gen expy's. know what are important features for the way you intend to use it, become knowledgeable regarding packages/options offers in 97/98 and then be patient. i particularly like the bright metallic paint offerings on eb's in these early years. mine is moonlight blue, a fairly uncommon metallic on expy's.
good luck! lakeside
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New User
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Maryland
I m 90% mostlikely not gonna ever need it for towing. I just want something big and beautiful. I currently have a Probe GT with a bodykit and all but i have found that spped doesnt do as much as did for me before. I was thinking of getting a RX-7 twin turbo, but insurance will be way to high for my 17 year old based statistics!! Where can i find the package lists from? I think i would like a silver or black 4x4 with leather interior. NO TAN!!!
Also could any one tell me what exaust systems work best with this truck? I know flow master are good on broncos but I havent really heard any Expeditions. Thanks again!!
Also could any one tell me what exaust systems work best with this truck? I know flow master are good on broncos but I havent really heard any Expeditions. Thanks again!!
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,264
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From: North Carolina
I have a 97 EB 4x4 with a sunroof. This is absolutely an awesome truck! I have had no problems other than an alternator replacement and factory sway bar links that I replaced. I have a Flowmaster exhaust on it. It is a SIDO custom install. I have driven this vehicle everywhere! Nice ride, decent sound system... now even better with teh introduction of Infinity Kappa's, and most of all FUN to drive. I have done a few mods to make it even more fun. It has plenty of room for anything you want to put in it, plus it's big outside! I think the only interior options your gonna find in leather are tan or lt. grey. Mine has the later. Good luck on your search.... there are many out there for sale. Just make sure you do a little research on the vehicle before you buy it. Also, if you can get an extended waranty it would be worth the price! Happy hunting.