'97 - '99 Expedition Changes / Problems
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: USA
'97 - '99 Expedition Changes / Problems
If you saw my previous post re. the gear code for 3.73LS axles you'll know that i'm in the market for a 1997-1999 Xpe. I go off road occasionally and tow a hard top camper so the 4x4 and 5.4L is a must. I like the Eddie Bauer models, but may get an XLT instead.
My question is...Do any of y'all have suggestions on which of the 3 model years to get? i.e. Were there any problems when they first came out in '97, or any major issues or recalls to look for in the other years? Also I'd appreciate any opinions on the models or options to try and get. I would like to stay around $12,000, so that limits me to 1999's and older with around 100K miles on them.
Thanks for your opinions & information in advance...Dave
My question is...Do any of y'all have suggestions on which of the 3 model years to get? i.e. Were there any problems when they first came out in '97, or any major issues or recalls to look for in the other years? Also I'd appreciate any opinions on the models or options to try and get. I would like to stay around $12,000, so that limits me to 1999's and older with around 100K miles on them.
Thanks for your opinions & information in advance...Dave
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Joined: Sep 2003
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I've got a '97 EB 4x4 that has overall been a great vehicle, but it has exhibited most of the known problems with the early models. These problems include:
Ignition Coil Failures: One went bad, another was marginal, both replaced under extended warranty.
EGR/DPFE: Again, typical problems. DPFE sensor replaced under extended warranty.
E4OD Transmission: Torque converter fragged at about 79,000 miles, sending metal throughout transmission. Problem revealed when TCIL began flashing after ECM (TCM?) detected slow 1-2 or 2-3 shift. Transmission completely rebuilt under extended warranty.
Rear Drive Shaft: Early designs used three u-joint (2 front, 1 rear) with a centering ball between the two front joints. This wore to the point it was vibrating. Entire driveshaft replaced as a unit with upgraded design, again under extended warranty.
We bought the truck to pull a large pop-up camper, then traded the camper for a larger unit. So... we bought a 3/4 ton Suburban to pull the larger camper. The Expy is for sale if you want to contact me off-list.
Engineerdad
Ignition Coil Failures: One went bad, another was marginal, both replaced under extended warranty.
EGR/DPFE: Again, typical problems. DPFE sensor replaced under extended warranty.
E4OD Transmission: Torque converter fragged at about 79,000 miles, sending metal throughout transmission. Problem revealed when TCIL began flashing after ECM (TCM?) detected slow 1-2 or 2-3 shift. Transmission completely rebuilt under extended warranty.
Rear Drive Shaft: Early designs used three u-joint (2 front, 1 rear) with a centering ball between the two front joints. This wore to the point it was vibrating. Entire driveshaft replaced as a unit with upgraded design, again under extended warranty.
We bought the truck to pull a large pop-up camper, then traded the camper for a larger unit. So... we bought a 3/4 ton Suburban to pull the larger camper. The Expy is for sale if you want to contact me off-list.
Engineerdad
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: USA
Thanks for the info. It really helps when looking for a used vehicle if you know the common problems and where to look for them.
EngDad, couldn't get in to send you an E-mail on your X, you can send me the details if you want
EngDad, couldn't get in to send you an E-mail on your X, you can send me the details if you want
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Joined: Sep 2003
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mcn420:
Yeah, since I don't have 15 posts yet, there are lots of things I can't do - Thanks Spammers. I can't send you one either. I've include a link below to the listing on Ebay - this auction is closed but I'll be relisting it this weekend or early next week if it doesn't sell.
When we first bought the truck, we loved it. That toned down a little bit as each of the annoyances occurred. Then we traded campers and it just isn't up to the task of pulling the larger camper. I hated to ruin a perfectly good vehicle by forcing it to do something it wasn't designed to do, and didn't want the liability of towing overloaded or marginal.
The truck is still a lot of fun to drive, comfortable, quick, nimble, and well-behaved. I wish we could keep it as a spare.
<a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2472389604&category=60 11&sspagename=STRK%3AMESUS%3AIT&rd=1">Ebay Auction</a>
Yeah, since I don't have 15 posts yet, there are lots of things I can't do - Thanks Spammers. I can't send you one either. I've include a link below to the listing on Ebay - this auction is closed but I'll be relisting it this weekend or early next week if it doesn't sell.
When we first bought the truck, we loved it. That toned down a little bit as each of the annoyances occurred. Then we traded campers and it just isn't up to the task of pulling the larger camper. I hated to ruin a perfectly good vehicle by forcing it to do something it wasn't designed to do, and didn't want the liability of towing overloaded or marginal.
The truck is still a lot of fun to drive, comfortable, quick, nimble, and well-behaved. I wish we could keep it as a spare.
<a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2472389604&category=60 11&sspagename=STRK%3AMESUS%3AIT&rd=1">Ebay Auction</a>
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: All over Texas
I personally like the '99+ models for the added HP/Torque and the redesigned front end. However, it was in '99 when the infamous right head gasket oil leak surfaced. Make sure you inspect this area carefully. Also make sure the truck you decide on idles nicely. A few of these modular engines have had problems with a smooth idle.
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Joined: Sep 2002
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1997-98 models have a "2HI" selection for the transfer case. Dropped for 1999, gone until 2003.
I would also shun those models equipped with the air suspension option. Apparently it doe$n't age very well.
The 17" wheel option gives about 1-1/2" more ground clearance compared to the 16's, but tire selection is more limited and expensive.
A sunroof is nice, but for '97 - '99 is incompatable with the rear heat/AC option. Can't have both at the same time.
Third row seats were optional during this era, if you want one, be certain to find a vehicle already equipped. It can't be added on unless you go to an aftermarket model.
I would also shun those models equipped with the air suspension option. Apparently it doe$n't age very well.
The 17" wheel option gives about 1-1/2" more ground clearance compared to the 16's, but tire selection is more limited and expensive.
A sunroof is nice, but for '97 - '99 is incompatable with the rear heat/AC option. Can't have both at the same time.
Third row seats were optional during this era, if you want one, be certain to find a vehicle already equipped. It can't be added on unless you go to an aftermarket model.
Last edited by PaulC; Apr 15, 2004 at 11:28 AM.
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: USA
Thanks all this post is great. Especially for guys like me who are very meticulous about their vehicles and which options they have and don't have and why.
Buzzard- I wasn't aware they changed the HP & Torque in '99. To save me some research time do you know how much the HP & Torque rating Changed between the '97-'98 and the '99s? Or a link to this info?
Engineer Dad- Thanks again, and the EB- X looks very nice but I'ver really got my heart set on a Black with Tan Leather EB, but we'll see.
Paul- Thanks for those pointers, that little stuff is what I want to know esp, the sunroof / rear heat thing that always puzzled me in ads why some had and some didn't!
Buzzard- I wasn't aware they changed the HP & Torque in '99. To save me some research time do you know how much the HP & Torque rating Changed between the '97-'98 and the '99s? Or a link to this info?
Engineer Dad- Thanks again, and the EB- X looks very nice but I'ver really got my heart set on a Black with Tan Leather EB, but we'll see.
Paul- Thanks for those pointers, that little stuff is what I want to know esp, the sunroof / rear heat thing that always puzzled me in ads why some had and some didn't!
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 54
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From: North Carolina
wife bought a 1997 1.5 years ago, xlt, 4x4, 4.6l 86k, only problem we have had is a door sensor went out. has 114k on it now. could be all the first year bugs happened before we got it, i am guessing if you get one around 85k miles or more all the bugs should be fixed
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Joined: Apr 2004
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I have a 99 EB 5.4. At 70k, just now starting to have a couple problems.
Rear wiper has stopped working. Took it in once .......... intermittent problem. Started working after I dropped it off. Now its deader than a door nail. I think it's a bad connector in the rear door panel. It would only stop working after it sat out in the sun. The service writer looked at me like I was on drugs. I wonder if he's ever worked on cars before ?
Parking brake cable just broke. Never use it. Probably rusted in the cover.
I have the middle level ESP. So nows time for a trip to town.
I working on an EGR problem. But should be under control with one more part. $25 so far. We'll see if the Control Valve will fix it. If not I'll need the sensor.
Rear wiper has stopped working. Took it in once .......... intermittent problem. Started working after I dropped it off. Now its deader than a door nail. I think it's a bad connector in the rear door panel. It would only stop working after it sat out in the sun. The service writer looked at me like I was on drugs. I wonder if he's ever worked on cars before ?
Parking brake cable just broke. Never use it. Probably rusted in the cover.
I have the middle level ESP. So nows time for a trip to town.
I working on an EGR problem. But should be under control with one more part. $25 so far. We'll see if the Control Valve will fix it. If not I'll need the sensor.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 736
Likes: 1
From: Texas, USA
I have a '97 XLT built on May 21, 1997. It has 126K miles on it now and has had no major problems at all and has towed a travel trailer from day one up mountains, across deserts and beaches, cross streams and through 8" deep snow in -25 degrees at 10K ft. I'm keeping it until it gets 250K miles or the 2008's prove to be much better/more powerful vehicles than the current lot. No problems or adjustments needed in the air suspension. I'd never have a tow vehicle again without it. See my sig for specs.
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