I have always been a memeber of a forum for the vehicle I owned at the time. I figured I would give this one a try since I bought a '99 Expedition yesterday. It is a green XLT, one owner, 115k mile cream puff. It is a 5.4, 4x4, with the 17" wheels.

I would like to know if I can fit 285/70-17 tires without rubbing problems on stock wheels? Looks like the rear is the tighter spot, does anybody sell just a 1" spring spacer for the back?

Looking underneath I have a skid plate under the tank and t-case but the trans pan looks a little vulnerable, any solutions out there? The front diff also seems exposed, any armor sources for that?

This is going to be my camping rig, that is the reason for wanting to fit larger tires and under armor. The trails here get pretty rocky.

I am also going to to a muffler swap or cat back type exhaust so I can actually hear the engine. Any advice there? Looking for inexpensive, effective, good sounding but not obnoxious.

I did notice an immediate repair I need to make too. I have a leaking rear axle seal. I have done them on a full floating axle, and I have done diff gears on a semi floater so I figure I will be OK tearing into it myself. Any tips would be appreciated though.

Thanks guys, I look forward to participating here.

 

welcome ,., yes you can fit 285/70s on your truck , if your looking for coil spacers check ebay they have them for cheep ( look for daystars there made of polly ) they go from 1-3 inches . i off road my truck hard and have no skid plates and havent had an issue ( if your realy wanting them thow , making them cant be that hard )