03/04 Current owners- would you do anything different?

[Guest]

We're shopping the Expedition and my wife has narrowed it down to the Bauer package. The engine, drivetrain, everything else is up to me.

While I'd rather have the 5.4 4x4, it's not necessary. We're in Texas so 4x2 will do. Down the line, I might be towing a small car but shouldn't be more than 4000lbs.

So- current owners... would you have rather gone with the 5.4 or 4.6? Any other options?

We almost pulled the trigger on a 2003 FX4. Nice truck but more than we needed. Who needs skidplates in town anyway?

 

[Guest]

I bought an '03 with the 5.4 about a year ago. The 5.4 is underpowered, so I wouldn't even think about getting the 4.6.

 

[Guest]

Agreed. The 5.4L is just adequate. The 4.6 belongs in a base model Pony car.

If you get the FX4, I'll buy the skidplates off you! I couldn't find an FX4 Expy on the island when we were shopping.

 

[monsta]

Crap...forgot to log in...

That was me :shootout: above.

 

[Guest]

I've found just 2 FX4s... one unmolested, the other kitted up with brushguards and bling wheels.

We've settled on the EB 5.4 4x2. I'm calling today to see if this dealer will match the other's ads- a dealer discount of $6500 and $4000 off on 03 closeouts.

Toots wants the brushguards on the EB though...

 

[Guest]

Originally posted by Unregistered
Agreed. The 5.4L is just adequate. The 4.6 belongs in a base model Pony car.

If you get the FX4, I'll buy the skidplates off you! I couldn't find an FX4 Expy on the island when we were shopping.

The 4.6 should not even be an option, as soon as I save up enough money I throwing a blower on the 5.4, but for now I am just trying to find a nice catback exhaust system to go with the Airaid system.

 

[monsta]

Originally posted by AZ-EXPO
as soon as I save up enough money I throwing a blower on the 5.4, but for now I am just trying to find a nice catback exhaust system to go with the Airaid system.

Your point?

Or are you just bragging?

 

[Guest]

Originally posted by monsta
Your point?

Or are you just bragging?

Naw...I just think Ford needs to get with the HP revolution and get the 5.4L some balls! I am not happy with the power of te 5.4L so I am going to "FIX" that soon.
A good 300+ HP engine would be a great start!

 

[Guest]

That new 3 valve Triton would be a good powerplant. I guess they can't build enough for the F150.

Since it's not available for the 2004, he next best guess is 2005MY.

 

[Guest]

Originally posted by JayP
That new 3 valve Triton would be a good powerplant. I guess they can't build enough for the F150.

Since it's not available for the 2004, he next best guess is 2005MY.

Yeah....that would be nice! Hope your right

 

[mm7759]

I think the only thing I would do differenct, was waited and get a 2004. After reading some of the posts on the issues with the 03's, I get a little worried. I will have to say that I had some irritating rattles at first but now, only a couple months and 1800 miles later, they seem to have settled. I hope it stays that way. Only other thing that is annoying is the brake dust. I hate seeing vehicles like that....it tells "me" that the vehicle is neglected. I try to keep mine up, but now that we are gearing up for winter here in Colorado, it gets tough to get motivated to fire up the hoses when it's in the 20's and 30's to clean the wheels. Other than that.....very pleased so far.

 

[Guest]

Originally posted by mm7759
I think the only thing I would do differenct, was waited and get a 2004. After reading some of the posts on the issues with the 03's, I get a little worried. I will have to say that I had some irritating rattles at first but now, only a couple months and 1800 miles later, they seem to have settled. I hope it stays that way. Only other thing that is annoying is the brake dust. I hate seeing vehicles like that....it tells "me" that the vehicle is neglected. I try to keep mine up, but now that we are gearing up for winter here in Colorado, it gets tough to get motivated to fire up the hoses when it's in the 20's and 30's to clean the wheels. Other than that.....very pleased so far.

No rattles here, just the gears that whined, had to be fixed and I am waiting on the Brake pad fix, I'll be needing new running boards too, mine are totally brake dust stained! The only other complaint is the paint seems to chip easily! Time for a bra or rock deflector!!

 

[Guest]

The difference between the 03 and 04 is Ford giving $4000 vs just $2000. I've seen an '03 XLT 5.4 4x4 w/ leather going for $32k. I wish I'd bought it now. Ohwell.

My 01 Mustang rattled like a cheap ox cart until I got under it and replaced the cheap plastic retainers with proper nuts and bolts.

We'll invest in a bugcatcher and maybe headlight protectors if available. They have worked well in the Mustang.

 

[mm7759]

Will you be changing the running boards on your own, or is Ford going to replace them due to the brake dust? I know it's a "pipe dream"...but just thought I'd ask. Mine are getting pretty bad, and that is with only 1800 miles.