A few ?'s

[super_goob]

Hello everybody, new guy here (Tom). Got ahold of a 99 expy for cheap cheap. Everything works fine, heated seats, all power options, and runs good (5.4). The only bad thing is it has 199,000 miles. So my question is, is there any known bugs or weak links or anything that I need to know about? And how many miles can you get out of the 5.4? I need to replace the exhaust manifold's and some brake lines, but other than that it's good to go. Plan on making this a family vehicle so it'll see the road alot. Anyway, thanks and have a good one.

 

[FordandPolaris]

Check ball joints. More than likely they have been replaced by whoever owned it last since they only make it about 160k, but they are fairly easy to check. Also, you will want to make sure the lower trailing arms that attach to the rear axle are in good shape. Those tend to rust out and cause lots of problems. My 5.4 has about 215k on it now and is as solid as ever. They are very good running engines.

 

[KWT2000]

mine had 235k on it when i sold it (the kid that bought was able to blow it up in a hurry)

like said above both of those items are safety and need to be checked.

fuel filter just so you know its good.

are the manifolds cracked? or are the studs broke causing an exhaust leak?

 

[RobertNol]

My 97 5.4 has 275k. It was in an f150, and I paid $250 for the whole truck(after I scraped the truck) it's been in my lifted expedition for about 1500 miles and is still running smooth and strong.(knock on wood)

 

[1997SCEBFEX]

Welcome.
+1 on the above posts and:

I'd go through various 'systems' one @ a time i.e. tune-up, brakes/rotors, suspension (does it have the four-cornering air ride?), etc. I have nearly 200K on the expy herself, and 25K on the rebuild after spitting a plug a few years back.

PanHandler.

 

[super_goob]

Thanks everybody. Having problems with rusty busty brake lines right now. It sit for a while so everything underneath is a little rusty. I don't know if the manifold is cracked or just the gasket let go but it's LOUD lol. The studs are there but they are RUSTY!!! Local shop told me worst case scenario (alot of drilling and tapping) it would run $375 labor. If it goes smooth between $175-$200. Probly have new manifolds put on soon as I get the brake lines done. Anybody got any recommendations on a brand of manifolds or does it matter? I just looked at some internet specials for around $120-$140. Got my 4 brake hoses today so hopefully we'll have it rolling again tomm. No air ride. Coils in the back, torsion bars on the front. Every thing works fine, Eddie Bauer (if I spelled that right) heated seats, good stereo, leather, pw, pl, starts right up. I gave $1000 for it so I don't think I done tooooo bad. Brake lines, tires, and exhaust manifolds is all I need that I know of right now. C'mon PB blaster. When I drove it home I fooled around with the 4x4 and it wouldn't engage 4 low. 4 high worked, and the auto 4x4 kicks in good. I'm hoping it's just a solenoid. Never use 4 low anyway so no biggy. Is that a common deal? Anyway, thanks again everybody.

 

[FordandPolaris]

If you are going to do new manifolds, may as well do headers. It will not be a huge increase in performance on a stock motor, but they certainly would not hurt the performance, and you will have the old ones off anyways. Just my .02

 

[Lightnig]

Hello everybody, new guy here (Tom).

...

So my question is, is there any known bugs or weak links or anything that I need to know about?

...

First off - Welcome to the site!

Apart from the various rust/suspension issues already mentioned, look for a leaking windshield that can cause nasty electrical issues and the PCV hose/valve is notorious for cracking and causing driveability issues along with nasty fuel consumption (search for P0171/P0174 CEL codes...).