2005 Expedition test drive

[larryjb]

Thanks to this forum, I was able to know what to look for in the Expedition. (A BIG thanks to you!)

Now I have a few questions that I didn't see answers to here. This Expy had signs of needing most of the checklist serviced: phaser, rad support, rocker panel rust (not showing into the external body yet), rear AC, and probably more.

I like to do as much service as possible. ("Professionals" have left ball joint nuts loose, unable to do simple alignments. It's actually kind of scarey)

1) Engine:
What is it like to service the rear plugs? Especially the rear passenger side ones? If I have to use the tool to extract a broken plug, how easy is this?

How easy is it to remove the cam cover, again, especially the passenger side one?

What else is there near the back that might possible need servicing?

Is there any likelyhood of having to lower the engine to gain access to anything back there?



Comparing the 2V and 3V engines, just how much of a problem is the blowing out of spark plugs?

And now, the question you probably wouldn't want me to ask on an Expedition forum, would a 4.6L Explorer be easier to work on than the Expedition? I am interested in the Expedition because you can carry 4x8 sheets of stuff in necessary, but if the 4.6L Explorer is easier to work on, that could be a better choice.

Larry

 

[Bedrck47]

Welcome to the Forum FYI the 03 and 04 expeditions are well known for having fuel pump problems with the fuel pump relay which is soldered to the circuit board in the fuse block. The 05 and 06 models have a fuel pump drivers module which is located on the frame rail above the spare tire. This module is also well known for failure due to corrosion and being you are in Canada I would check that module before you make any purchase and have it replaced as part of the deal.

As to your questions the rear plugs on the Passenger side can be a pain to change but can be done As for plugs blowing out I can't give a answer to you as I haven't had that problem I will say that it is always best to torque plugs to specs.

 

[docraymund]

The expedition would always be the better choice. You will get the hang of doing things especially maneuvering in the engine bay. Get the expy it will be worth your money.

 

[Habbibie]

The plugs in the rear on passenger side aren't hard to replace if you move your PCM and bracket out of the way. It's held on by 5 screws 10mm. I moved them when I did mine and it was a piece of cake. Don't disconnect anything just move it around. I just had it held out of the way with zip ties.

Edit:

Larry you can't fit a full 4x8 drywall sheet in the back in the short wheel base, you only have 7 feet with second row folded flat (been there done that) you either cut one foot or figure a way to tie down the hatch & the drywall.

 

[larryjb]

OK, if you say it's not so bad, I'll believe you all.

The liftgate, I must admit, may be a disadvantage. How do you transport 4x8 sheets? It's something I'd rarely have to do, but could be annoying. In my father's Tahoe, if something was a little long, you'd just leave the tailgate down and tie things down.

Larry

 

[larryjb]

I'm turning it down. It was advertised as clean status on Craigslist. I paid for an ICBC claims history report and found it's status was "rebuilt". Front collision in 2011, "Total Loss". The radiator support was heavily rusted, so I'm assuming that the replacement parts came from autowreckers.

So, still looking.

By the way, how much of a pain are the spark plugs in the pre-2005 5.4L motors?

Larry

 

[larryjb]

Wow, everything around my area is either overpriced or really junky. Of all the cars I've bought in the past, this has been the worst experience so far. Frustrating.

 

[46L281GT]

I have a 2004 which has the 2v and I've not had any issues with the spark plugs. I have, however, had issues in my 99 mustang 4.6 which are the same heads. I have used a helicoil twice and haven't had an issue and I'm even running 9psi of boost without an issue. As stated before make sure you torque them to spec and you won't have any issues. I torqued mine to 13 ft/lbs