OK.. this may be a silly question.. I tried to search and couldn't find what I was looking for..

What are the years of the Expy generations.. 1st gen, 2nd Gen and such..

Specifically, I have a 99 EB (5.4) and when looking for parts, want to know (in general) what years parts will fit.. I THINK 99 MIGHT be the last 1st gen??

I know that not ALL parts are interchangeable, especially between 2/4WD etc.. but just looking for general guidelines.

Thanks!

Brian

 

2002 was the end of the "old" generation. 2003 refects today's look. 2003a, 2003b, 2003c from what I understand. I own a 2003a that has a bunch of features that no longer exist. Ash tray with lighter, third row switches in two locations, higher power radio, black running boards and a few other minor details. Funny thing, this is my first post. I have 73,500 miles on my 2003a E/B on the original rotors and pads. Don't get me wrong, the pads are grooved but not warped at all. No noise from the rear end either. I guess I got lucky...

Geo!

 

geo, could you post some pics of you expy and all the special 2003a things it has like ashtray and third row seat switch in 2 places

 

I too have a 1st issue 2003 which has the ashtray with lighter. Never paid attention to the stitches in the the 3rd row, going out now to check. Also has the mirrors that tilt down, understand they stopped those due to problems. Already had my drivers side mirror unit replaced due to problems.


Anything else anyone can think of thats different from later 2nd gen expys?

 

I also have any early build expy. There are only 2 sonar sensors visible in the back but from what I'm told there is also a radar sensor under the plastic in the middle of the bumper. I think this setup was more sensitive but more expensive so ford changed it to all sonar with 4 visible sensors. I also have a light under the hood that goes on when I open it.
Shov

 

...besides just problems.

On the driver's side, back passenger door. Open the door and look behind/beside the head rest. On the side panel you will find additional switches to raise and lower the third row without ever having open the back hatch or glass. So next time you are in a hurry and trying to load the kids up only to find that the third row was left down for your golf clubs you can raise the seats without having to walk around.

OK let's see:

* Third row switches (I guess nobody else buys this thing that has kids)
* Hood light (cannot believe the arrogance or Ford thinking that their product does not ever break down in the middle of the night in middle of nowhere)
* Black running boards (makes this thing look more like a truck and not a soccer mom wagon)
* Reverse tilt down mirrors (I thought all the kids were in the car!)
* Super sensative rear radar (Some kids are real small)
* Higher power audio system (Have I mentioned kids yet?)
* The all have the towing package (Tranny / oil cooler, etc.)
* Ash tray with lighter (Is it just me or does the newer models with the power port look like an after thought? Looks like the guy at Autozone stuck it in)
* Anything else?

Geo!

 

1997 to 2002 were the first generation. There was a slight face light in 1999, to make the Expedition appear "smoother." Nothing mechanical was chagned from 1998 to 1999, except the motors got a boost in output.

Everything is pretty much interchangable from 1997-2002...2003 is the second generation...the style we have now.

-Kyle

 

Have you ever noticed how A LOT of vendors and sellers on Ebay and even other places in the aftermarket, list the 1997-2003 Expedition together and then think the cuurent generation started in 2004. I think a lot of this has to do with the F-150 current generation starting in 2004. I even argued with the guy at 4WP about bolt pattern because he was trying to fit me with the 5 bolt wheels and I was telling him "no the new body style has the 6 bolt wheels", and he was saying "yeah, but you have a 2003 which is the old bodystyle." It even is listed in the computer that way 1997-2003 and then 2004-current. Do a search on Ebay and you'll see what I mean. I wonder how many undrinformed owners bought something and got stuck with a part that won't fit their truck?

 

sprung-

in general, you will have parts compatibility '97 through 02. in light of the above discussion of 03a,b,and c models (!), first gen expys break out something like this-

1st gen-a : these will be '97 and '98 model years. think large chrome front bumper and eddie bauers only came with 5.4 engines. at least in '97, no sunroof with rear air....

1st gen-b : these would be '99 to '02 models. different front bumpers/grills/valence (ford said early years "too aggressive..."). 5.4 got a lift in hp too i believe. e.b. could be had with 4.6. limited edition mono painted e.b. (either black or aztec gold) offered briefly in 01 into early 02. captains chairs as second row option appeared. de-contenting begins.....

others i am sure can provide more details, but this should address your parts compatibility question.

 

...kind of got off the original question, sorry about that.

1st generation, up to 2002. The changes described in this thread can be associated with the a/b release. You can pick out the earlier series of the first generation by just looking that the front end. The bumper looks like a fire truck, a large shelf. The front grill has a wave in it that runs from right to left.

Geo!

 

Geo,
Hey man I am with you I think the pretty color matched running boards on my 05 make it look like a Soccer mom car. I just ordered a set of black and will post my pueblo golds for sale.. I like the Trucky look.. I also don't like that my 05 is lower than my 97 was.. I got over the missing chrome bumper by installing a bull bar by westin. I get a LOT of compliments on it.. I also put a 'gangsta' looking black stripe on the top of windshield with a custom EB logo that was scanned from the name plate. I don't have the 3rd row switches.. could you post a pic.. That would be great.. !
Love my expy but miss a few of the little things like the pop out Drink holders in the dash, hood light.. ( just because) lighted running boards although I have the mirror puddle lights.. etc.. nice rig all thesame.

 

Thanks Lakseide and Geo! Just what I was looking for! Let the shopping begin!

BD

 

I remember reading where you could tell by a digit in the vin to determine when the truck was made. Then maybe match to the generation mentioned here. I have an 03/EB with black running boards, no lighter, the better radio biut no second set of switches for the 3rd row seats. Hmmmmm.
Jorg

 

The following was taken from the post I was refferring to above. Can't remember who wrote it. Maybe one of you guys?!
Thanks,
Jorg
__________________________________________________ _____________
"I think what you are describing is normal for your particular model with the 4 sensors. In mid '03 when the Expy was altered somewhat, it was given dual zone climate control on the EB, a softer suspension (read that in Car and Driver), and the reverse parking assist was given two additional sensors. However, with the two additional sensors, you only are using one type of sensor system which IS NOT extended range. The early '03 EB models that have two sensors use sonar and radar to detect objects which allows for the Extended Range of detection. The four sensors use only either sonar or radar, I'm not sure which one, but not both like the early '03 models with two sensors use. Mine has the two sensors and it begins to pick up about six feet away. I back out of my driveway every morning and it begins to pick up the fence at about 6 feet every day works perfectly. So there's nothing wrong with yours I don't believe, it's just working with one sensor system, not two, which is why yours isn't extended range. But since Ford upgraded the Expy in some
ways in mid '03, they had to downgrade something’s like the reverse system. The mid Eddie Bauer '03s and current Eddie Bauer '04s don't come with as good of a stereo system as the early ones, mine came with like a 340 watt audiophile and the newer ones have a 260 watt, no option of a 340 watt. Also the underhood light was omitted and you only have one set of power 3rd row seat buttons, the early ones had buttons behind the second seat and in the rear hatch area, the new ones only have them in the hatch area. But the new ones have dual zone climate control, softer suspension for a better ride, easier steering, and the Eddie Bauer running boards are now Arizona beige like the bottom color, not black like mine. So, where Ford improved in some areas, they had to cut back in some. It all works out. Hope this helps."