New Expedition Owner

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WakeZone

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Personally, I like the transmission flushing machines. I'm at 197k on '03 5.4L and have had 2 flushes done, they run around $100. When you factor in cost of fluid, filter, gasket, gasket maker, time, Go-jo, paper towels and cat litter, a flush doesn't cost much more. The machine replaces the full 13.4 quarts whereas a drain and fill will get what, 1/2 to 3/4 of the dirty stuff out? The flushing machine taps into the system just before the trans cooler so as the trans pump sends old oil to the cooler, it's collected and new fluid is pumped in at the same rate. You can watch old coming out and new going in, it's pretty cool. Only disadvantage is the filter "screen" stays in but in a properly running trans, it will only hold initial wear shavings and will not restrict flow. Been very happy with trans flushes and my driveway is spotless.
 

XR4Ti

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The u-joints are pretty easy. And if you're going under there to do one, do them all. Don't forget to mark alignment.
 

rjdelp7

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Motorcraft 5w20 full synthetic, made my 4.6l 32v DOHC Lincoln tick/rattle on start up. That was with a Motorcraft filter. I switched to Mobil 1(oil and filter) and noise went away.
 

johnboneske

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Personally, I like the transmission flushing machines. I'm at 197k on '03 5.4L and have had 2 flushes done, they run around $100. When you factor in cost of fluid, filter, gasket, gasket maker, time, Go-jo, paper towels and cat litter, a flush doesn't cost much more. The machine replaces the full 13.4 quarts whereas a drain and fill will get what, 1/2 to 3/4 of the dirty stuff out? The flushing machine taps into the system just before the trans cooler so as the trans pump sends old oil to the cooler, it's collected and new fluid is pumped in at the same rate. You can watch old coming out and new going in, it's pretty cool. Only disadvantage is the filter "screen" stays in but in a properly running trans, it will only hold initial wear shavings and will not restrict flow. Been very happy with trans flushes and my driveway is spotless.


You do know it doesnt actually replace all the fluid right? Think about the fluid in the pan, when they flush through the trans lines, the fluid goes through one side of the lines, goes through the trans, then into the pan/filter to mix with other fluid, then back through the lines... So, when it goes into the pan it mixes with the other fluid that is already in it. Make sense?
 

johnboneske

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I thought so too. But apparently all the oiling problems on 3 valve 5.4 engines seem to act up more with the Fram, actually all the low end filters. Could be coincidence, but that many owners can't be wrong. I personally use Fram in my 2 valve motor, have used them for years. I now use the better Fram only cause I found a great deal on a 5 pack. Shame again that Ford even released such a poor design with all their experience, but they did, over 400,000 or more between f150 and expedition per year not to mention mustangs and whatever vehicles used their motors. It all boils down to profit. I'm sure the engineers say this is going to be a problem, but the top brass says we can fix things later, just build them!

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Where did you find a 5 pack of Filters? The Tough guard or Extra guard?
 

1955moose

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I stumbled upon them I think it was ebay. The boxes were pretty tattered, but the filters were fine. It was like $25.00 for all 5 or 6, don't remember. Normally these are $10.00 each, so I jumped on it. You might get lucky on line, I did.

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1955moose

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John just looked at boxes, their was 6 ultra synthetic xg2 fram filters. I was just using the orange fram's that everyone hates. Thank god I didn't buy a 2005-09 expedition, so not a issue. I run regular Mobil 1 5w30. I fire my Suv at 6:30 each morning. Quiet as can be so far!

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johnboneske

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I always use Mobile 1 also, and have always used the XG2 filter too. Although, since changing the engine in mine, for the first change I used Mobile 5W20 and a Motorcraft filter and plan on changing it at about 1000 miles to make sure all if any crap is in the engine its gone... From now on I will be using a XG2 and 10W30(I am amazed how many people dont actually know what the numbers mean-kinda like the numbers on tires LOL)

I found XG2 6 pack of filters on Ebay for $24.99, and ordered a set!
 

johnboneske

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John just looked at boxes, their was 6 ultra synthetic xg2 fram filters. I was just using the orange fram's that everyone hates. Thank god I didn't buy a 2005-09 expedition, so not a issue. I run regular Mobil 1 5w30. I fire my Suv at 6:30 each morning. Quiet as can be so far!

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How often do you change you oil? I have always typically gone about 10k or 6 months, whichever comes first... except when I tow alot, then I change it more frequently, like every 7k.
 

1955moose

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I'm old school. Even with synthetic, I rarely go over 6k. At a total of $41.00 and 1/2 hour of my time, why push it. I know it's good out to 15k, but why push all that dirt through the engine. Sounds like you found the same guy on the filters I did. Don't be surprised if the boxes are a little worse for wear. But at 60 percent off retail, who needs boxes! I think that's what I paid about 10 months ago.

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