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I'm glad Ford decided to invest in the retooling because I think with the new 3.5 engine & matched transmission, Ford is going to find a lot more sales.
I owned two older expy's and both powertrains had their "issues" as did the trucks. We all know about the head-gasket, rust, spark plugs(both access & breakage on some years), water leakage & electrical issues.
Word got out and people got wise. I think that is what has caused Fords Expy sales to plummet in comparison to the competition. Yes, the competition has their share of issues but only very rarely are the engine/tran related. They seem to be more suspension/wheel issues...a lot cheaper than a head gaskets or plug extractions(that engineer should be shot).
My opinion is that most of us that buy used Expy's are the guys that know how to work on their own cars/trucks/motorcycles and we aren't afraid of dealing with some things.
When they run right, we'd probably all agree that they are great trucks. Strong, powerful and absolute beasts in the deep snow...and not bad looking in their own right.
I have to admit that upon seeing the large moon roof, my first thought was "gee, if they can't keep the small one watertight over the test of time, how will they manage that with the big panel".
That aside, I'm sure that you guys who but one of the '18's when they become available will enjoy them as much as anyone who buys a new car or truck does! Hopefully, in ten years, they will be running as well as they do new!
jeff
Does anybody know if the Front End is identical enough to the 2017 F-150 that F-150 aftermarket items will be direct matches to the 2018 Expy? It is nearly impossible to get bumpers and brush guards for the second generations because of how few there are, how old they are now, and because they didn't mirror their companion F-150s.
I am beginning to wonder why have 4H and 4L other then maybe snow as the 2018 Expy looks very low and not well suited to leaving the pavement sort of like that one Grand Cherokee that had the "Warrantee Void is taken off-road" sticker on the dash. I need an SUV that can handle rough gravel roads and some dirt roads that are fairly rutted. My 2003 handles most of them in 4H and there are 2 places I need 4L. The front end of the new Expy reminds me of when the Dodge Durango turned into a 4 wheel drive mini-van.
Is anybody already wondering if an engine/tranny swap might be possible in an older Expy to get the Ecoboost and 10 speed tranny?
the expy wont share anything with the 17 f150, howver if you look at the 18 f150, they have a very similar front clip and looks to share a few parts as well, such as hood. once the after market truck parts start to be distributed, im sure things will start being rolled out for the ezpy (if it sells well). idk if ppl will like it or not as im not a off roader, but the exply will now come with a electronic diff locker. as for the 4h, i would think the terrain management system dictates the engine speed for the settings separately, where as 4h was just hit the gas and go type thing, probably to prevent unnecessary wear on the crazy sophisticated drivetrain. as for engine swap, im sure the engine could be tuned or swapped, but idk of the old expy would be large enough to hold the 10sp.
i would think they have the same mounting pts for a brush guard