Which Expedition???

As many of you know, I used to have a 97 and now have a 2003 Expedition. Both 5.4's and both 4WD. My wife and I were talking about replacing the 2003 with a gas F250, but not the V10 or 5.4 and the newer V8 F250 with the 6.2 is probably to rich for my blood now... Or even a good used Diesel(but also probably to.much $) So why not another Expedition? Dollar for Dollar the are cheaper than an F150.

So what years Expys had the 2 piece spark plugs? 2005 to 2008 correct? I want to stay away from those... I can't afford a 2012 or newer probably. Need to stay around 11k or less in my opinion? Maybe a little more if the boss approves it?

I will still be hauling my camper(GVWR of 7600lbs) and will transfer my prodigy controller and use my Equalizer E4 hitch still. My 03 just doesn't have enough "oomph" for my trailer and it is starting to show its age.. So a newer Expy may have to fit the bill for a few more years?

Again, typical for me to think out loud, and looking for opinions/help too.

Can’t go wrong with a 3rd gen 5.4L 3V/ 6 speed. The 3V will have 40 to 50 more hp and some more torque as well, with the power band being better optimized. I’d recommend 3.73 gears for towing, it’s a good performer. Will be a significant improvement over the 2V/ 4 speed while pulling. 2009+ had one piece spark plugs, 2007 and half of the 2008s had the three piece. Many of the 07&08 units will have the updated one piece plugs by now as long as they’ve been changed. I changed all of mine with Motorcraft SP-546 plugs and didn’t have difficulty following the tsb for removal on the old ones. Do your homework on the truck and make sure it’s in good shape and test drive. As with any there are known issues with these vehicles. The 09+ have the newer plug design as well as the 6R80 (07&08 have 6R75). Any of them can be good vehicles. I’ve been happy with mine. Remember braking and handling is more important than acceleration, your 03 isn’t a bad tow rig either.

johnboneske said:

My wife and I were talking about replacing the 2003 with a gas F250, but not the V10 or 5.4 and the newer V8 F250 with the 6.2 is probably to rich for my blood now... Or even a good used Diesel(but also probably to.much $)

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Maybe you typo'd or maybe I don't know my F250s.
--- What gas F250 could you get that isnt a V10, 5.4, or 6.2?

I know that in Brazil, in addition to getting murdered, you can find 4.2L V6 gas F250s as well as Cummins powered diesels. Factory.


I personally wouldn't even consider the 2 piece plugs an issue or deciding factor. Considering Expedition sales numbers, your largest selection will be 07-08s.

I would like a 6.2 but can't afford a truck that new. Don't want a 5.4(no better than I have now) and don't want a V10 either. I would like a diesel, but will probably just stay with another Expedition

I agree braking and handling is more important than performance. While I know that my Expy isn't the best for towing as much weight as I do, but with my Equalizer its not bad. I towed a 6000 pound Travel Trailer years ago with my 97 and it was ok, and my 03 towing around 7000 isn't terrible, it handles and brakes just fine as long as you drive sensible. Just doesn't have enough HP or torque for hills and maintaining 62 to 65 on the highway unless I push it hard. I don't like to do that... My trans temp has never been above 193° towing(using the torque pro app). I would assume there would be a good improvement towing with a newer one.

I didn't know you could replace the 2 piece plugs with a one piece? Thought they had to be the same when replacing. Good to know I could get a 2007 or 2008 and put in 1 piece plugs.

What year went to a more than 4 speed trans? I have the 4R70W, and my old expedition had the 4R100.

6 speed started in 2007, all the new Motorcraft plugs sold for the 5.4L are of a one piece design. They stopped making the 2 piece ones a while back. The new ones look similar but are a updated new part # and one piece.

SP-515 was the first redesign and much better than the originals but were prone to misfires

SP-546 are the newest edition that came out fairly recently, and what I put in and so far so good.

I'm with J, unless you have the funds for a good shape F250 or 350 diesel, a 2008 or newer Expedition will probably be your best bang for the buck. My good friend just sold his 02 F250 with the 7.3 International diesel. He loved that truck. Sold it with around 300k. Very few problems. Good luck with your hunt, keep an eye out for rust if your hunt is anywhere but dry climates.

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Thank you. Still a ways off looking for a new one. Probably in the spring, but can't hurt to research now. As I have said, I love my current Expy, have done to much work to it too. My last Expy was trouble free for about 150k. This one has issues at least every 10k. But, I will buy another one. I prefer Expeditions over Suburbans and the Ford pulls more! Just cause something will pull a certain weight, DOESN'T mean you SHOULD! The weight police will get you too. I am referring to a Suburban having a 7500lbs tow rating...

My 2003 pulls my 32ft 7000lb (empty) just fine. It's got 151k on it. Most of the time I keep overdrive off. For the first 15 minutes it does struggle, but then it adapts and tows no problem. Last year has been a learning curve with this new camper. I had torrible sway so I took it back to the trailer place. They made some hitch adjustments and told me to inflate the tires to what the door sticker has. I think it was around 50 lbs? Anyhow, it tows like a champ now. NY rust is starting to get to it so I probably only have a couple years left. It's been an awesome truck with relatively few problems.

Inspect the inner and outer rocker panels very carefully for any signs of rust. They are notorious for rusting out quickly and completely. If the rust is even just starting pass on the car.