Recent content by Frank Swygert

  1. F

    Am I pushing payload capacity too much?

    I have an older Expy, 2005. Short wheelbase, HD tow package, 4x4, WDH for trailer. I towed a 26' 6200# camper with no issues. It did "wag" a little, especially in crosswinds and fast semis passing on the interstate. I keep towing speed down to 60-65 at the most. The first thing I did though was...
  2. F

    2015 Expy HD tow, but with 3.15 rear end. Why?

    I pull a 7200# camper with my 2003 Expy 4x4. 5.4L, HD towing, 3.73 axles, four speed trans, rated at 8200# towing capacity. I don't boon-dock so don't carry a tank full of water, but I'm still right at or a bit over the recommended tow capacity. Towing capacity doesn't include any passengers...
  3. F

    P0307 #7 misfire

    I'd switch too. Could first, and if the misfire doesn't follow the coil I'd just get a new plug. They aren't costly but hard enough to get to that I wouldn't want to change two. Hope they are all easier to get to than on my 2005!
  4. F

    What tuner would you recommend for improved fuel economy - 2013 Expedition

    I looked into tuners also, but mainly for towing. All I found are "learning" types, which take 2-3 days to learn your driving habits and adjust tune. That might help you that 1-2 mpg, but not me. I tow my camper 3-4 times a year, use the Expy for occasionally running errands where I need the...
  5. F

    Confused on Axle Ratios and Towing Capacity

    You will get some sag in the rear depending on camper tongue weight. The short wheelbase tends to sway a little with a heavy trailer. I replaces the dinky 1/2" rear sway bar with a 1-1/4" bar. Made a world of difference! I have a 7900 pound camper and the 9200 pound rating. 4x4, 3.73 axle). So...
  6. F

    2005, check engine light slow blink then solid again after hard acceleration?

    Many auto parts stres will read codes for free. Can't buy parts if you don't know what's wrong! These engines use individual coils one each cylinder. Over time they break down, usually in the 80k-120k mile range. The plugs need to be changed around 100k miles. Some wait until they start...
  7. F

    help with heated seat needed

    Sonds like you just had a loose connection. There is a heat/cool seat controller that I was going to point out, looks like you found it. Older models have a controller under each seat, like my 05.
  8. F

    Tires for towing XL vs E load range.

    I have an older 2005 model, bu has the IRS. I tow an 8k trailer, but infrequently. I add another 5 psi to tires ( Uniroyal LT type) when towing. That does help some, but replacing the puny little 1/2" rear sway bar with a 1.25" helped the most. I have a set of Sumo spring inserts, but haven't...
  9. F

    Dead battery

    My 2005 Expy stays parked 3-6 weeks at a time. I started having battery drain issues about a year after I got it (about three years ago) after I installed a hidden brake controller that has a power LED that stays on all the time. The company (I think it's a Hopkins) assured me it would take...
  10. F

    2004 Exp EB 4x4 question

    A deep trans oil pan holds more fluid, and more fluid means it runs a bit cooler, and the fluid doesn't wear out as fast. I don't think I'd go with a larger pan, but a larger cooler -- especially if you tow heavy loads a lot. If you don't have a trans fluid cooler or have a small one, I'd use a...
  11. F

    4R70W Transmission Mystery that needs to be solved!! Please help!

    Sounds more like the OD snap ring has let loose. I don't blame you for trying the easy stuff first, but that rarely solves a "hard" problem. Since the trans has to com apart to fix the OD issue, it's probably time to have it rebuilt.
  12. F

    Gas mileage

    I get an average of about 13.5 with mixed city/highway driving with my 2005 (4x4, 5.4L, four speed auto, 3.73 gears -- tow package). That will put it at 10-11 city, 14-15 highway. I only get that mileage because I hardly ever drive it over 65-68 mph though. Tests back in the late 70s showed that...
  13. F

    2000 Eddie Bauer - Rear sway bar suggestions please

    I think mine is a Hellwig -- bought off Amazon (2005 model, 4x4). I got the bar mainly for towing. It's a 1" bar IIRC. DEFINITELY improved towing (less sway). I was unimpressed with the little 1/2" bar on the vehicle. I can see that for a standard vehicle, but mine was equipped with the HD...
  14. F

    Transmission question

    A filter and fluid change won't hurt, just cost you $200 or so. That MIGHT solve the problem (or at least make it better), might not. You didn't mention mileage, but a 2005 will likely have well over 100,000 miles (280K would be average - 12K a year). I bought my 2005 a couple years ago and it...
  15. F

    Where to get cross bars for roof rack?

    I have a 2003 Expy, but there are no cross bars on the roof rack. Don't know if previous owner removed or they were never there. There are small tapped (threaded) metal plates in the side rails that move, so it was at least made for factory bars. I don't like the clamp on aftermarket bars that...
Top