1998 Expedition - Renew or Replace

[offthehook]

Original owner of 1998 Expedition with 180,000 miles. Body in great shape, Engine still going strong. Trying to decide on whether I go for a new truck, or spend some money in a major overhaul.

Did a quick scan, but did not find any section that focuses on restoration or upgrades.

I thought that new paint, suspension, tires & wheels, bumper guards, winch, running boards, some performance enhancements and interior upgrades might just be a bit more economical than a new truck and be something really different. Do I need to get creative and piece this together or is there some help or advice I can find to help me through the process?

Would appreciate knowledge from forum members.

Thanks

 

[TexasAngel34]

I would say keep it n just overhaul it , but thats me, especially if there are no real issues with it

 

[jacks3am]

Ide say replace it with somthing newer, like 05+ paint is way too expensive for what its worth, I could buy a nice car for what it would cost to get a good paint job on my truck.

 

[alaskanexpy]

personally speaking i'd do a minor overhaul on it. $10,000 or less for everything is a hell of alot cheaper then 25k+ for a newer one.

i'd focus on the drive train first. do any and all maint that needs to be done. reliability is key before anything else. then work out from there.

 

[Lane24]

Depends on how much you love your truck. I could never part with mine, I've done a lot of personalization, and mods to it. But we wanted something newer and more reliable for trips and such so we bought something new on the side. I'll just upkeep my 98 for ever. But if you are not into doing mods on your Expy, and it's still just a plain Expy, if you have the $$$$$, go for a newer one. The 3rd gens are really nice and full of creature comforts. I'd love an EL.

 

[masterhacker]

Id say fix er up, Pick up some tactical armor group bumpers, fender flares. new rims/tires maybe a lift.
if your in the market for a paint job shop around, I found a guy out by me that does professional quality work for dirt cheap (he works out of his pole barn) I gave him a 04 KIA spectra i bought that some creamed a deer in, he installed new front fenders, hood, and stripped, primed and painted everything for $250 (and a case of beer). I provided the body panels,

 

[Canadian Expy]

Fix it up, cheaper than new, start with a good maintance go over. Then add the toys, just have a good budget for what you want to do.

 

[Stoned06]

All depends on your intent to keep it till it dies or not. Since you are the original owner of a '98, I assume you are the type to keep it. Just remember, any major money you put in it, you will not get out of it due to it's age. But if you will enjoy the vehicle for many more years, it may be worth it since it will still be cheaper than a new one.

 

[CARO'S98EB]

Keep it! the newer ones are nice but a lot more problems. The dealer wont give you anything for the 98. I would buy something newer if you want but keep the 98.

 

[1997SCEBFEX]

We had the engine rebuilt a year ago on ours after throwing a plug; $4K compared to, well you name the $$$$$. My $.02 would be to keep.

 

[cprince09]

Keep It

I have a 98 EB, with 270k mil and he run like a champ. I drive it on the weekends. I haven't had any mayor problems. I carry Dj equipment in it also. Rent a car for travel, just my thoughts.

 

[FordandPolaris]

My Old Man has had an 04 Expy that has really fought him over the years since he bought it new. These 1st gen expy's are built as tough as any vehicle on the road. Plus, if you like the offroad look, I think they look better on the old models, but thats just me.

And to be clear, my old man's expy has had a transmission at 50,000 and we just did a new motor at 110,000. My truck (1997) has had no serious issues in the 195,000 miles its been on the road, and I use it exclusively for pulling our snowmobiles, and any other dirty work you might do in a truck.

 

[cleaningman94]

Yeah we have a 1998 ford expedition also and we are fixing it up getting body work done repaint and interior all fixed up. I agree with other people it cheaper then a new car and you can add your taste.