Need help decided wether to buy 4wd or 2wd, 2002 or 2001 Expy?

[supermario]

My brother want to buy a 2001 or 2002 Expy with 4x4, is there any problems with the AWD 4x4s that those years came equiped with or should he just buy a 2wd and add some air lockers or something like that. Do they waste more gas? We go camping alot in places where 4x4 is needed and would just like to have that extra security of the 4x4. What do you guys think of the AWD 2001, 2002 Expy's.

Any help would be greatly appreciated becus we will be looking at some Expy's this weekend.

 

[tmajikman]

I have a 99 with 4wd, it has 195,000 on it, and I have not had any issues. The 4wds do get worse mileage, but camping and outdoor stuff may be the way to go, I love my 4wd X.

 

[supermario]

I have a 99 with 4wd, it has 195,000 on it, and I have not had any issues. The 4wds do get worse mileage, but camping and outdoor stuff may be the way to go, I love my 4wd X.

Thanks for the input, he really wants a 4x4 but he wanted to make sure that the AWD is not problematic. Is yours a 5.4? Do you have air suspension, have you had any problems at all? Whats your estimated gas mileage? Just curious and thanks again.

 

[tmajikman]

Thanks for the input, he really wants a 4x4 but he wanted to make sure that the AWD is not problematic. Is yours a 5.4? Do you have air suspension, have you had any problems at all? Whats your estimated gas mileage? Just curious and thanks again.

Mileage wise, I have a lift and 35" tires so mine is worse, I average 12-13 mpg, with a very heavy foot. A stock X should get 14-17, I do have the 5.4, which from what I hear gets the same if not a little better than the 4.6 as it does not have to work so hard. I have never had an issue with AWD, and is a nice feature. Air suspension does make the ride more comfy, but can be a PITA to trouble shoot and fix. My truck has been converted to coil springs all the way around and it is still 10 times a better ride than my 98 Explorer I use to have. I can't speak for what differences the 2wd gets for mileage, but these trucks do weigh almost 6,000 pounds and it is the nature of the beast. Now that I have had my truck for about 6 months, I could never go back to a car, mileage is not everything, lots of room for people, gear, or anything else.

 

[panda24619]

safety is my #1. crazy drivers in San Diego. but theres no problems between the 2wd and 4wd. if you can find a 97 or 98 that has 2wd and 4wd. no problems. and for lockers theres only a few choices. arb detroit or limited slip. and front theres a little bit more choices. cause its a 8.8. o and if you find one thats 4wd get it with the 5.4. its a stronger motor for the added weight. thats what ive found out.

 

[treycool94]

99 4wd! i got 134000 miles and no problems

 

[kustomiser]

i have a 97 x 4x4 with 232,000 no major problems with stock tires and needing a tune i get around 14 in town and 16 on long trips out of town

 

[MaverikDS]

I have an 01 with the AWD/4Hi/4Lo selector. I have 143,*** and change miles. No real issues but I do believe strongly in preventative maintenance. I have also changed my exhaust and put new heads on with better exhaust porting. I saw a minimal increase in mileage but I am usually around 14mpg city and can eek out a bit more on the highway if I'm keeping it at 70 or below. It's been a great vehicle and I couldn't imagine not having it at this point. Good luck with the search.

 

[nvycrmn]

if you are ever questioning if you should get a 2wd or a 4wd, always go with 4wd. better to have it and not need it, then to need it and not have it. as for years, i prefer the 97-98 because they had the option to run it in 2wd. my 01 does not. it is either A4wd or 4h/4l. thats it. but i have not had any problems with the system. for your applications, the A4wd will be useful when camping and you dont exactly need 4wd.

 

[ExpySport]

My 2002 Expy has almost 150k and I've had no issues with the A4WD system. I have the 5.4 and manage about 12-13 around town and have gotten 17-18 on the open road. Seeing you do travel places and go camping where, in your mind, you would like the added security of 4x4, I think you have answered your own question of whether to get 2WD or 4WD.

 

[99 Expy]

My first truck was a 1992 2WD F150, got around good when moving, but was a PITA when starting from a dead stop. Now I have a 1999 Expy with 4.6 and 165,000 and I love it!!! at least until college is done with to buy my diesel. I have never had a problem with the 4x4. I have the auto 4x4 but I wish I could select 2WD instead, but I love the switch on the fly for when I'm in the mountains and I can pop in and out with ease. I would recommend getting the 5.4 for the power. I always wanted more power with the 4.6 but it is really needed here at 7000 + feet in Laramie.

 

[supermario]

Thanks for all the help guys. My bro got a 2000 EB 4X4 with 108k miles. White. He loves it and it was in super clean shape. He paid $5500.
Only thing we have noticed is, it makes a strange noise (kinda sounds like rubbing or grinding) when he goes around corners while accelerating. It sounds like its coming from the front axle area? Anybody have this sound or is it becus its AWD? thanks

Also while in the search, I found a 2002 4X4 Expy that Im buying. One for me and one for the wife to dirty

 

[ExpySport]

Thanks for all the help guys. My bro got a 2000 EB 4X4 with 108k miles. White. He loves it and it was in super clean shape. He paid $5500.
Only thing we have noticed is, it makes a strange noise (kinda sounds like rubbing or grinding) when he goes around corners while accelerating. It sounds like its coming from the front axle area? Anybody have this sound or is it becus its AWD? thanks

Also while in the search, I found a 2002 4X4 Expy that Im buying. One for me and one for the wife to dirty

Check the front hub bearing assemblies. My right one went around 120k and my left one went about 3k ago. It starts off as a rubbing/grinding sound and eventually works up to a metal to metal sound.

 

[supermario]

Check the front hub bearing assemblies. My right one went around 120k and my left one went about 3k ago. It starts off as a rubbing/grinding sound and eventually works up to a metal to metal sound.

Thanks, I read another post on here and they said front hub unit. So Im pretty sure thats what it is. Now to find a decent price on the parts. Is there aftermarket hub units that are stronger than the OEM? Thanks guys.

 

[tmajikman]

Thanks, I read another post on here and they said front hub unit. So Im pretty sure thats what it is. Now to find a decent price on the parts. Is there aftermarket hub units that are stronger than the OEM? Thanks guys.

Try rockauto.com, great prices, the hubs that are oem are normally great and strong, I would think you could go aftermarket, but if its a dd or occasional off roader I would stay with stock parts, aftermarket can occasionally bite you in the rear with fitment and sometimes having to mods things. I have an 87 stang, so I know, but I don't do very well either when it comes to not wanting to upgrade oem parts when they do break.