Well I made the move this weekend. I traded in my 2000 F-150 4X4 Extra Cab for a 2002 Black Eddie Bauer Expedition. I really didn’t want to get rid of my truck but I was single when I bought it and I decided the Expedition would be a better family vehicle. I really had bittersweet emotions when I left the dealership.

I am really beginning to be happy about the trade. The mark of a quality vehicle, in my opinion, is if you like it better as you drive it more. Every trip I make in the Expedition, the more I like it. (It just crossed 250 miles this morning.) This is a very nice vehicle. The ride is unbelievable. Everyone was impressed with the ride of my truck since it was a 4X4. This blows it away. It has enough gadgets to keep me happy and I think it is a nice looking vehicle.

What type of cargo mats do you guys use? We are always working on the house and eventually something nasty will have to be hauled. I would like to have something that would cover the entire back for when the 3rd seat is removed and the 2nd is laid down.

I have thought about lifting the Expedition and putting on bigger tires but I really don’t want to affect the Lincoln style ride. Any thoughts? Thanks and great

 

If your Expy is not a 4x4, I wouldn't put bigger (taller) tires on it for a couple reasons.

1. Why do it on a street vehicle?
2. It will change your gear ratio and throw your speedo off.
3. Cost justified?

Now if it is a 4x4, put taller tires on it to fill in the fender well areas and crank up the torsion bars to level it out.

My 2¢

 

I failed to add the 4X4 part in my description.
It is a 4X4.

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 04-Apr-02 AT 12:43 PM (EST)]Congratulations on your Expedition purchase, and Welcome to the FTE family!
We have two different kinds of mats: 1) A cargo mat with a drip rail that covers the cargo area when the third seat is out. (This one stays in because of the two Golden Retrievers that have to go anytime we do) This one was purchased from Pep Boys of all places, it was cheaper than most anywhere else, just as durable, and can be modified to stay in place when the third seat is in. 2) We ordered a "Black Armor" mat from JC Whitney (http://www.jcwhitney.com) to go in when we are making the "Home Improvement Center" runs. It covers the entire cargo area, a must for those lumber hauls, it definately saves the carpet! We have been happy with both and both work really well.

As for the lift, I personally do not think it necessary for us...yet...I am sure there are lots of other guys out there that would tell you differently. I'm happy with mine the way it is, it has the offroad package, (skidplates, etc) and enough lift to keep us happy. We have done just about everything from snow to mud, sorry no rock climbing, and it pulls through just fine.

Have fun!

Deb

Edit: P.S. The first mat is the same Eddie Bauer tan as the rest of the vehicle.

 

Deb,
Many thanks.
That sounds like a great idea. I will try to order a J.C. Whitney catalog today.

I have a Lab so I can appreciate your story.

 

>Deb,
>Many thanks.
>That sounds like a great idea. I will try to order a J.C.
>Whitney catalog today.
>
>I have a Lab so I can appreciate your story.

Warning - JC Whitney kills you on shipping and handling charges !

 

I got the "Catch-All" capeted matts (they are color matched and fit perfect. A buddy got the "Husky" (heavy duty rubber) and seems equally pleased.

If your want to maintain your "Ride Quality" when upgrading the tires you will need to go with the Michelin (either the new CrossTerrain or the LTX M/S. Also stay try to as close as possible to the same load rating I believe yours came with P265/70-17's right?)

This will be very hard in a 17" dia. I think BFGoodrich just came out with the A/T sized at 285/75-17 but it is a heavy duty LT load range C tire and will ride much rougher. You may have to switch to 16 or 18" wheels to get the size tire (Look) you want with the ride you like.

Petrol
99 XLT 5.4L

 

Thanks to everyone for the tips.

J.C. Whitney is rough on shipping and I wouldn't order any quality essential item. Just my .02. A 15,000 amp for 19.95 makes me leary.

 

I haven't gotten the cargo area mat, but I did get the Weathertech mats for the front/2nd row seats. I got the premium ones with the carpeting vs. the all rubber ones. They are okay...color is a little off on the gray. There is a Ford parts website that offers all of the FOrd accessories that are much more custom fit.. the Weathertech mats are not custom although they imply they are. The weathertechs can be purchased at www.macneil.com and I think the ford site is www.fordpartsmall.com I'll check and repost if its different. Good luck with the new truck.

 

Congrat on your new Expy!
I'm sure you'll enjoy it!

 

Welcome aboard the Expy family. I got my Eddie Bauer, white, 4x4, all the goodies except load leveling shocks (LLS) and the entertainment center. Bought mine in middle of December and already have 9k on it. It's been off-road more than on-road! Can't say enough about it except that there's alot of metal to wax! Whew! Lots of info around to keep you up to speed about impending problems. Again, hope you enjoy your ride as much as I do.

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