New here. Sold my explorer and decided I needed bigger. Looking for a 99 to 01 expy. Do I need to look for any specific problems or any options to stay away from? I would appreciate any input.

 

Myself, a friend, and a neighbour had 00's and 99's. Only problem was the heater in the drivers seat failed on all of them.

 

A couple very well documented problems:

Head gasket leak mainly on 5.4L's between '99 and '00
COP (coil on plug) failure on #4 due to leaking heater hose
5.4L rough idle
Spark plug launching out of heads (rare but documented)
Sensitive steering (takes some getting use to). I installed a steering stabilizer that helped tremendously.

I've got 70K miles on my '00 and couldn't be happier (haven't had any of the above probs). Do some site-wide searches for the above noted concerns and you'll find a wealth of info.

Good Luck.

 

I would look for one that doesn't have the air suspension. Unnecessary complexity = more things to break.

 

Ditto on the air suspension - many have had difficulties with this system.

 

Don't forget the other issue... your garage will shrink.

 

I'd avoid the LLS too...I've got the spring suspension with aftermarket airbag inserts...and it rides better than any LLS expy I've yet driven, and has the extra towing capacity that we all sometimes need without that annoying squat.

I'd go for a 2001 (had a few apparent bug fixes, such as the leaky head gasket and spark plug problems)...but I might be biased.

I'd also look for one with the towing package. This will get you the factory hitch, transmission cooler and engine oil cooler, as well as factory trailer lighting package. Worth the $$ for the coolers alone, and I couldn't find a price difference in used ones with and without the package.

Different people have different opinions, but I'd look for a 5.4L v-8, as compared with the 4.6L. The 5.4L comes with more HP, more torque, and the 4R100, a much beefier transmission. The 4R100 is what Ford formerly used behind the Powerstroke Diesel, and is still used behind the 5.4L v-8 and 6.8L V-10 in all superduty trucks with automatics. It is a pretty bulletproof tranny in the Expy. The 4R70 that comes with 4.6L is a good tranny, but not nearly as strong.

Some say 4.6s get better mileage. I don't really believe it--and the claimed differential is usually +/- 1 mpg...which I can create by pushing harder or less hard with my right foot.

If you look at ones with sunroofs, listen for rattles in the roof. Several I drove with sunroofs had really REALLY annoying rattles that the dealers couldn't diagnose.

Other than that, it's kind of a question as to what options you want. I.e.

1. Do you want leather seats? If yes, look for breakdown in the foam/leather on the outboard side of the driver's seat...drivers who slide in and out of the truck really do a number on it.

2. If you get the heated seats, check to make sure that they both heat up nicely and that the heating elements aren't burned out.

3. If you get one with a CD changer, put a few CDs in it and make sure it works.

4. Make sure you get the 3rd seat. It greatly affects resale value, can be removed when not needed, and is a lifesaver when extra passengers need to be moved.

5. If you get into higher mileage, think about normal wear and tear items. In particular, I'd either jack it up myself and jerk on the front tires, or take it to a mechanic and have him inspect the lower ball joints, control arm bushings, etc. Also have him look at the swaybar links.

Check over the engine for any oil leaks/coolant leaks, kick the tires, etc.

I went through the process a while ago and ended up with an 01 EB Expy with the tow package and every option EXCEPT: 1) LLS, 2) sunroof, 3) captains chairs in the 2nd row. I love it.

 

I tend to agree with you. I'm thinking 2001 eb,
5.4, tow, ls, moon-roof,
cd changer, and side air-bags. I found one 2 weeks ago dragged my feet and it got sold. It went for $19,990. This one had the hitch and the round trailer connector. Was that part of tow package?

 

The round trailer connector was part of the tow package (located to the LHS of the receiver). The factory tow package also included a converter that plugs into the round connector and converts it to a flat 4-prong trailer light plug.

To check if one has the factory package, look through the grill. If you only see radiator, it doesn't have it. If you see 2 small radiator-looking things in front of the radiator (and about even with the bumper), those are the oil/tranny coolers. This indicates that it does have the oil/tranny coolers.

 

I bought a used an '00 with moonroof, 5.4L, limited slip, no load leveling. I love it. Only minor thing is an occasional roof rattle but no where near the annoying level. Tow package and 5.4L are a must in my book.

 

On the 5.4L engines, with the factory towing package and A/C, what are you guys getting on average for gas? I'm looking into a used 2000, since it seems my "dream" 1999 has it's share of leaking head gaskets.

On the same matter, if a 1999 Expy had the head gasket changed was there any further problems of future leaks?

 

I average around 15 at fast highway speeds (75 or so) and about 13 around town. I can eek out an extra 1/2 mpg or so if I switch from "auto" climate control to a no-a/c mode such as vent or floor. That's with an 01 5.4L EB 4x4 with tow package and 3.73s.

 

I have 3.55 gears and get a little better than FarmLaw - but not much. If your 1999 is in good shape otherwise I'd think a head gasket change would be a cheaper way and give you 60k miles or more. I'm a 3 out of 5 on the mechanic's scale and I have successfully done head gaskets. A good manual is key.