Jumping Ship...Tahoe to Expedition EL

[Jamo]

Hi All,

I have a 2004 Tahoe LT, really like the truck, but almost 200K and the rust is gaining (I'm upstate NY). I am a semi retired building contractor and downsizing from my former shuttle bus ('98 E-Superduty w/7.3 Turbo Diesel), to the current Tahoe, now on to something bigger. I had been looking at Suburbans but why? I've been a Ford guy all my life and Fords have been good to me. The local dealer (Fenton Ford) is great too, but then again, Andy Fenton is a very good friend.

So...I'm liking the 3rd generation EL. Are there years to avoid, or what years are best to be beyond? I can't afford new, or even close, but with about 20K I'd like to get something with less than 100K and hopefully at the better upgrades over the years. Lots of opinions on the intro section of "what to look for", but I couldn't find stuff like better tranny gear years, and/or whatever.

I realize there might be lots of opinions here too, but I'm shopping.

Thanks for the help...

 

[ManUpOrShutUp]

2009+ imho. You get the newer/better trans (6R80 vs 6R75) and Ford had worked out most of the kinks inherent to any redesign.

 

[JExpedition07]

+1 on 2009+. While my 2007 has been fine and no big issues with the 6R75 the 6R80 is definitely an improved trans.

 

[Adieu]

Since you're only driving <15k mi / year, much higher mileage is ok

Decide if you want the V6 turbo "Ecoboost" 2015-2017, or the V8 5.4L Triton - 2007-2014

Whether you want air ride or coilovers

If you're looking at more luxurious trims, check out Navigator L, it can actually be cheaper somehow... essentially same truck with upgrades, stock HID nicer interior materials better noise insulation and better stereo.

Only thing you lose out on a bit is if you go 4x4, Expedition comes with 2R/4A/4H/4L while Navigator has 2R/4A/4H without 4L

 

[coolzzy]

Ecoboost is best in my opinion but only with the caviat that I wouldn't own one that wasn't under a powertrain warranty. Barring that shoot for a 14 with 3.73 gears and the lowest miles you can find.

 

[RustyOval]

Do research on paint corrosion on hoods and lift gates. This is a big, common issue on many Expys, mine included. I think I read somewhere that the problem was resolved somwhere around 2012. that corrosion on the aluminum hood and liftgate is a real blemish (pun intended) on an otherwise great vehicle.

 

[ManUpOrShutUp]

Do research on paint corrosion on hoods and lift gates. This is a big, common issue on many Expys, mine included. I think I read somewhere that the problem was resolved somwhere around 2012. that corrosion on the aluminum hood and liftgate is a real blemish (pun intended) on an otherwise great vehicle.

Unfortunately, it hasn't been resolved. The TSB was updated to include models all the way up to 2017 and will probably be updated again to include the latest models. There's eve one guy on the peeling paint FB group with an '18 F150 that's already bubbling up. Ford isn't likely to ever address it as it's cheaper to just pay out small claims awards to the handful of people that are willing to go that route.

 

[Jamo]

Thanks guys...that really does help. 4 x 4 is a must, and the 4L would be nice at times but maybe not necessary? I will check into Navigators too. This will be a part time work truck, part time prime ride. We (my wife) lease a Flex every 3 years so we have a ride we can jump in and go anywhere. Mine is usually not my wife's favorite ride, but this one just might be...

 

[WifeyExpedition]

We just jumped from an '07 Tahoe to a '16 Expy. Been real happy with our decision. Returned last week from a 2600 mile trip to Vermont and Expy was a comfortable champ!

Hi All,

I have a 2004 Tahoe LT, really like the truck, but almost 200K and the rust is gaining (I'm upstate NY). I am a semi retired building contractor and downsizing from my former shuttle bus ('98 E-Superduty w/7.3 Turbo Diesel), to the current Tahoe, now on to something bigger. I had been looking at Suburbans but why? I've been a Ford guy all my life and Fords have been good to me. The local dealer (Fenton Ford) is great too, but then again, Andy Fenton is a very good friend.

So...I'm liking the 3rd generation EL. Are there years to avoid, or what years are best to be beyond? I can't afford new, or even close, but with about 20K I'd like to get something with less than 100K and hopefully at the better upgrades over the years. Lots of opinions on the intro section of "what to look for", but I couldn't find stuff like better tranny gear years, and/or whatever.

I realize there might be lots of opinions here too, but I'm shopping.

Thanks for the help...

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

 

[Jon Geyerman]

Started with '11 Limited EL, then (and still have) '14 Ltd EL, now '15 Platinum EL & '17 Platinum EL; give me the 5.4 day in and out due to turbo lag and downshift lag, not to mention nanny state no accel on hard cornering with ecoboost. Give me V-8 and displacement any day. Should be able to find '14 LTD with about 75k or so for mid to hi $20s.

 

[JExpedition07]

Started with '11 Limited EL, then (and still have) '14 Ltd EL, now '15 Platinum EL & '17 Platinum EL; give me the 5.4 day in and out due to turbo lag and downshift lag, not to mention nanny state no accel on hard cornering with ecoboost. Give me V-8 and displacement any day. Should be able to find '14 LTD with about 75k or so for mid to hi $20s.

I agree with your sentiments overall. The 6R80 seems to work nicer with the 5.4L for whatever reason. Feels more seamless on the V8 and doesn’t wait too long to downshift, engine braking is also noticeably better on the V8. The EcoBoost has better low end grunt and power when you mash the go pedal, even with 3.31 gears. The 5.4L pulls good as well as long as you have 3.73 gears. Both are good engines, but ford ought to offer the 5.0L V8 in these. They are missing out on many sales. Ford has the right idea with the F-150, it’s not 1 size fits all (offer variety).

 

[MidwestBoater]

Started with '11 Limited EL, then (and still have) '14 Ltd EL, now '15 Platinum EL & '17 Platinum EL; give me the 5.4 day in and out due to turbo lag and downshift lag, not to mention nanny state no accel on hard cornering with ecoboost. Give me V-8 and displacement any day. Should be able to find '14 LTD with about 75k or so for mid to hi $20s.

Turbo lag doesn't exist with the EB, and I've never noticed any downshift lag, besides, it rarely needs to downshift with the flat torque curve it has.

 

[J_82]

I would go with a 16-17 or go back to a Tahoe. The 5.4 has issues with the lifters and timing chains. It’s sounds like a diesel when you start it up. I like the 5.3 LS engine in the Tahoe and the eco boost is a mighty powerful power plant.

 

[JExpedition07]

I prefer fords modular V8 to the GM LS for various reasons. While as stated above is true on some, esp earlier 5.4 engines, on the contrary timing set (timing chain, phasers) issues are also well documented on the 3.5L, lots of reading at F150 forum. Don’t forget turbos are a maintanence item. Issues are on both gen 1 & 2 engines. The 5.4L and 3.5L were pretty well sorted out by this generation, but both have known issues. Take care of either and it will take care if you.

https://www.f150forum.com/f118/17-3-5-ecoboost-rattle-401441/

https://www.f150forum.com/f38/2013-3-5-ecoboost-timing-chain-rattle-slap-fixed-427280/

 

[Adieu]

I would go with a 16-17 or go back to a Tahoe. The 5.4 has issues with the lifters and timing chains. It’s sounds like a diesel when you start it up. I like the 5.3 LS engine in the Tahoe and the eco boost is a mighty powerful power plant.

1) use 5w30 or 5w40 synthetic, preferably diesel oil, if you don't like the sound
2) who cares what it sounds like, it doesn't quit just because it gets a bit noisy

 

[MuddySpokes]

Any towing? If so, the 3.5L (MY 15 - 17) is definitely capable for most pleasure needs, but needs more work to slow / hold-back the load than the v8. 6% downgrades at near combined weight with the 3.5L are manageable by manually getting into a speed range where you can select 2'nd gear, but a steeper grade will need much heavier brake use. Avoid the active suspensions as they (IMHO) take more work to correctly set-up a WD hitch and might fight against it (not to mention add even more complexity than what the truck already has).

The 3.5 long body will go toe-to-toe with a comparable Suburban, but the Expedition comes away with the win in terms of towing capacity.

Even with all of the above, a 3/4 ton Suburban with the 6.0L gas is a sweet ride and arguably has an edge over the Expedition. But the 3/4 ton Burbs either come with a price premium and / or are beat-up by this point. Tough to find too. One of the great mysteries of the world is why GM dropped that line. Oh well, their loss and now Ford's gain.

I prefer fords modular V8 to the GM LS for various reasons. While as stated above is true on some, esp earlier 5.4 engines, on the contrary timing set (timing chain, phasers) issues are also well documented on the 3.5L, lots of reading at F150 forum. . . .

https://www.f150forum.com/f118/17-3-5-ecoboost-rattle-401441/

IIRC, this motor is not the same as what the Gen 3 Expedition has as Ford put the new design in the '17 F150 but not the '17 Expedition. Having two different 3.5's out in the same year is also confusing tuners as they think that all '17 3.5L's are the same.

And as to the turbo lag mentioned earlier, perhaps this is getting confused with shift lag which is common to pretty much any automatic that wants to get in high gear and keep the RPM's low. Will admit that I have not driven a 15 or 16 Expedition, but can safely state that the 17 does not have turbo lag. Once the tranny drops gear, it rockets even with the OE tune.

 

[J_82]

1) use 5w30 or 5w40 synthetic, preferably diesel oil, if you don't like the sound
2) who cares what it sounds like, it doesn't quit just because it gets a bit noisy

Nah diesel oil is too thick and the tolerances on the bearings are not the same on a Diesel engine vs a gas. You will lock up a the engine.
I care what it sounds like. It gets pretty damn loud.