Custom Built Expedition
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Tuned
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 351
Likes: 1
From: Davis County, UT
Custom Built Expedition
Ok NOBODY laugh at me. I am looking to build a custom Expedtion. I want to use an Expedition ('97 - '02) Bodystyle 4x4 using the Lincoln Navigator DOHC 5.4L 300hp motor mated to a MANUAL TRANSMISSION. I want a two inch lift, 33" Tires, and converted to Bi-Fuel to run on Gasoline and Natural Gas. What do you think??
I know where I can get my hands on wrecked 5.4L DOHC Navigator motor I am just not sure what transmission (manual) I can use with that modular V8. I don't want the crappy trans used in the F-150. I want something a little more HD like an NV4500. I have a 30' Airstream and Four Winns boat.
Basically, we need an SUV to seat six, 4WD, manual trans (because I have lost all faith in domestic auto trans.), good gas mileage (IE: The Bi-Fuel conversion - cheap Natural Gas), and a min towing capacity of 8K. I don't know of any vehicle currently on the market that fits that criteria other than a converted bi-fuel Superduty.
So if any body has tried this, has suggestions or a better idea I will surely appreciate any opinions or comments.
I know where I can get my hands on wrecked 5.4L DOHC Navigator motor I am just not sure what transmission (manual) I can use with that modular V8. I don't want the crappy trans used in the F-150. I want something a little more HD like an NV4500. I have a 30' Airstream and Four Winns boat.
Basically, we need an SUV to seat six, 4WD, manual trans (because I have lost all faith in domestic auto trans.), good gas mileage (IE: The Bi-Fuel conversion - cheap Natural Gas), and a min towing capacity of 8K. I don't know of any vehicle currently on the market that fits that criteria other than a converted bi-fuel Superduty.
So if any body has tried this, has suggestions or a better idea I will surely appreciate any opinions or comments.
Senior User
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 245
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From: Rochester, NY
Find your motor here:
http://www.car-part.com
...one of the best places I have EVER found for parts!!!
http://www.car-part.com
...one of the best places I have EVER found for parts!!!
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,082
Likes: 40
From: Melbourne, FL
Go buy a crew cab short bed Super Duty with a 6.0L diesel and the manual tranny. It seats 6, put a topper on the back and you'll have dry storage. If you get an '05 or '06, you'll have the new coil sprung front suspension with the much tighter turning radius (for the wife). You'll be able to use it now, instead of waiting for this custom to be built in your spare time or paying somebody to do it. Plus, with the diesel, you'll be able to fuel up just about anywhere. Unless you've got a major ******** for this custom built Expy, I'd go with the Super Duty.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,082
Likes: 40
From: Melbourne, FL
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Tuned
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 351
Likes: 1
From: Davis County, UT
Thanks for the feedback. I think the Superduty Crew/Short bed is a great way to go, but "THE" wife thinks she needs 7 - 8 seats for our 4 - person family. She is driving me crazy on this. I have threatened her in getting a International Travelall to satisfy her "NEED" more extra seating - she hates that idea!
The Superduty Bronco sounds like a cool idea. I have actually seen this at the SEMA show and in a magazine. It was a beautiful gold metallic 2WD custom job with a power stroke. It was pretty sweet. It would have been perfect if it was 4WD.
The Superduty Bronco sounds like a cool idea. I have actually seen this at the SEMA show and in a magazine. It was a beautiful gold metallic 2WD custom job with a power stroke. It was pretty sweet. It would have been perfect if it was 4WD.
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 391
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
Just get an Excursion PSD and be done with it. If you really want a manual tranny, it would probably be a LOT easier to drop a 6 speed from a SuperDuty into an Excursion than an Expy. And with the Excursion PSD you'd have better towing capacity and fuel economy. Not sure what your options are for converting to alternative fuels though.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Canada
Originally Posted by TDN
Just get an Excursion PSD and be done with it. If you really want a manual tranny, it would probably be a LOT easier to drop a 6 speed from a SuperDuty into an Excursion than an Expy. And with the Excursion PSD you'd have better towing capacity and fuel economy. Not sure what your options are for converting to alternative fuels though.
I DO like the original idea though. I was about a year ago tryiing to find out if anyone ever put a 5 spd in an Expidition but apparently not.
As for "worth it". We build many projects that cost WAY more than they're "worth". (To someone else) But it may be worth it to us.
I have many ideas I'd build if I could afford it. And I HAVE wondered if anyone's built a 6spd Excursion?