2003 Expedition Face Lift Begins

JuniorExp03EB said:

x2 Love it. was it painted too? or u had to get that done?....although my truck currently has more of a tuner look. i would have to get wheel set to give it more off road look.

Noob question. i read online that adding metal bumper is bad, because of weight on motor or strain on transmission. i plan to do some 20-30hr road trips non stop would that be a determining factor?.

Click to expand...

Thanks, Junior... I painted it myself. Rattle canned it. My plan was to have it properly painted, and probably will at some point, but for now I'm content to leave it as is while I focus on other projects around the house.

The added weight of the bumper and tires, and the increase in tire size is what prompted me to go to the 4.56 gears. With the taller tires, she labored a bit more heading over the Coastal Range to reach the ocean but the gear changed addressed that and then some. Weight wise, it's ultimately just weight. As long as you don't exceed the load capacity of the vehicle with additional passenger/cargo all should be good. At least that's how I see it .

yeah, i wouldnt spend the extra buck for quality paint, it is going to tqke some beating im sure. once the mud is on there you wont really see a difference, except for the obvious bad ass bumper man. props!!! what wheel, are you riding. i like the stance. tire size and wheel size.


if you got more pics of custom stuff you done. if you wouldnt mind sending then over my way, i would love to see more. i like to look at diff. people styles and the so...

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

I have the Fuel Beasts. 20x9 with +1 offset and 35x12.5R20 Toyo RT's.

Most of the pictures I have are earlier in this thread. There are pictures of what others have done as well. But if there's something specific I'd be happy to post.

thanks ill look into. barley getting the hang of how these forum work again. i use to use them like 6years ago. just downloaded the app to when i posted my problems. thanks man. looks dope. you got any mats for the inside or just universals?

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

Just using the stock mats... could definitely use some nicer ones. My floors have about a half inch of beach sand all over. What are you using? I looked into the Weather Tech ones a while back but seemed they only had the universal mats available for our model year. Perhaps by now they've expanded their offering.

Vancouver Bob said:

Just using the stock mats... could definitely use some nicer ones. My floors have about a half inch of beach sand all over. What are you using? I looked into the Weather Tech ones a while back but seemed they only had the universal mats available for our model year. Perhaps by now they've expanded their offering.

Click to expand...

negative on weather tech on 1st and 2nd row. i wanted someting like the Minivans. where it actually goes under the seat. of 2nd to 3rd row.

i looked on ebay. and they make custom one. i really liked the vinyl One Piece, got to rip out the seat to install, something like that i dont quite recall. plus adding some universal semi plush universal mats on top of it.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

Vancouver Bob said:

Scoot! How've you been? Last I think I heard you were working on a Bronco or Blazer project.

Click to expand...

I'm good slowly but surely keep adding stuff to the rig.
I ordered another MT wheel that matches the ones on the rig for my spare.
I finally got my Yakima roof rack extension on now it looks a lot better with a full size rack.
Now gotta order the Yakima Hi-Lift jack basket mounts.
And build me a spare tire tie down for the roof rack to keep my spare up top.

Yeah I passed on getting the Bronco for now I still got stuff I wanna do to the Rig
I'm still heavily interested in doing a straight axle swap on the Expedition for the past 6 months I've been reading a lot of SAS threads n other Fourms to get a good understanding what all needs to be done.

I'd really like to 3 link the front and 4 link the rear, but the cheapest way for now is going with leaf springs front n rear.
Then after I get it finished I could always go back and change it to link set up.

Price wise it's gonna cost about the same as buying a Bronco around $6,000 .
The axles being the most expensive part.
The front really isn't much different than a F150 SAS the rear is easy and simple.

Yeah I entertained doing the F-150 front conversion but honestly u really ant gaining nothing for the amount of time and money to do it. I use my rig a lot offroading and Straight Axles is the only way to go.

But for now that's what I've been up to lately..lol..

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk

Wow just got threw reading this build thread from beginning to end and its better than a book! Thanks for all the awesome pics and descriptions guys. I just bought my 97 rust free Expy here in Aridzona for $400. It was a non runner at an auction and the locksmith came the next day, cut and programmed a key, then I fired her up and drove her off the lot! I took lotsa notes and learned tons while reading your thread so thanks again.

Jonnyrocket said:

Wow just got threw reading this build thread from beginning to end and its better than a book! Thanks for all the awesome pics and descriptions guys. I just bought my 97 rust free Expy here in Aridzona for $400. It was a non runner at an auction and the locksmith came the next day, cut and programmed a key, then I fired her up and drove her off the lot! I took lotsa notes and learned tons while reading your thread so thanks again.

Click to expand...

congrats man. these trucks are known for very high milage. you wont be dissapoint if your do regular maintance and preventive. mine is still non running but im looking to take it to Expert fordtechmakuloko once i ger enough $$ hopefully he can point me in the right direction.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

Jonnyrocket said:

Wow just got threw reading this build thread from beginning to end and its better than a book! Thanks for all the awesome pics and descriptions guys. I just bought my 97 rust free Expy here in Aridzona for $400. It was a non runner at an auction and the locksmith came the next day, cut and programmed a key, then I fired her up and drove her off the lot! I took lotsa notes and learned tons while reading your thread so thanks again.

Click to expand...

Wow... now that's a deal! Post some pics when you get a chance, we'd all love to get a peak at her. Welcome to the forum!