'00 Expy vs. '03 Expy 4x4's, EB's towing/payload and ball joints

[Cecil]

Currently have an '00 Expy EB, 4x4 w'/ 176k miles. Runs very good. However, I am considering one with lesser miles. Came across an '03 w/ 118k miles that appears to be well maintained for a very good price.

In looking at the specs of both looks like th '03 was raised from 6900 towing capacity to 8900. Good so far. However, the payload went from like 1850 to 1650 lbs. Does this mean that the '03 Expedition really shouldn't carry as much cargo weight even though it can tow more behind it. I don't tow 8900 lbs but I don't like to pack light . Which is better for towing and cargo carrying capacity?

LAstly, will the 2nd generation have some of the same issues as 1st generation. Make sure you change plugs, do the fluids etc or does it carry over to the weak ball joints and front suspension stuff. I didn't know the service history on mine and even with the high miles it drives very well and is tight so I assume some of this stuff might have been by previous owners just due to miles whereas one with 118k miles be right on the cusp of having things go bad. Any help is appreciated as I might have to move quick on the '03. thank you

 

[smo0othride]

As you can see in my sig I have a 03 XLT, and I’m at about 121,000 miles so pretty close to the expy you are considering buying. I have had over 2,000 pounds of cement bags in the back of my truck a few times and that was when I was around 40,000 miles and it never caused any problems. I haven’t had any suspension problems and I do a lot of hard cornering as you can probably tell from my suspension upgrades. With the upgrade to fully independent suspension I think that you will be very happy in the way the 2nd generation handles compares to the 1st. So far I have done nothing at all except scheduled maintenance, and I had a leak in the ac compressor so that needed replaced. When buying a used truck you never know exactly how well it was maintained so it is always a gamble.

 

[Cecil]

As you can see in my sig I have a 03 XLT, and I’m at about 121,000 miles so pretty close to the expy you are considering buying. I have had over 2,000 pounds of cement bags in the back of my truck a few times and that was when I was around 40,000 miles and it never caused any problems. I haven’t had any suspension problems and I do a lot of hard cornering as you can probably tell from my suspension upgrades. With the upgrade to fully independent suspension I think that you will be very happy in the way the 2nd generation handles compares to the 1st. So far I have done nothing at all except scheduled maintenance, and I had a leak in the ac compressor so that needed replaced. When buying a used truck you never know exactly how well it was maintained so it is always a gamble.

Thanks Smoooride for the reply. I see commonly on these threads on the 1st generation issues like blend doors, heater cores, AC/HEat not blowing hot or cold and sometimes not out of right location, COPS going bad, starters being subjected to a lot of corrosion due to placement.

Do the '03's share these same faults or do they just have new ones now and if so what are they. thanks

 

[Never_Evil]

The 2000 Expedtion will have a solid rear axle vs the 2003 having an independent rear axle. Both axles will have a 9.75" ring gear which is plenty strong. Both trucks will have the 260 HP 2v 5.4L engine. Even with a towing capacity of 6900 LBS, a car hauler will weigh in the neighborhood of 1500 and a vehicle of about 3500 or a truck being 5000, you are still under the safe towing limit of the vehicle. Being able to stop a trailer is more of a concern, make sure you have an electronic brake controller box installed and it will help. At this point with both trucks being within the limits of what you are capable of carrying, it is now up to style and comfort.