Aftermarket? What aftermarket.

[stimul8]

I recently purchased a 2021 Expedition Max with FX4 package, but perhaps pulled the trigger a little too early. My 2012 F150 5.0 FX4 was used as a trade-in, but honestly I think that truck was a much more capable vehicle. They tried to sell me the EcoBoost back in 2012, but glad I went with the proven reliability in the 5.0. Figured I'd try the EcoBoost next time around. Yeah, it's peppy, but for a vehicle of this size... Holy **** does it make me feel like I'm driving a mini van. Huge car and the engine goes "putt-putt-putt" like a little Subaru. After another 50 miles of driving it off the lot, I just couldn't shake that feeling... Thought maybe I could get some aftermarket products to personalize the vehicle and make it feel more like mine. Little did I know there ain't **** to be had in the aftermarket but a CAI, cheap lift kit, and custom seat covers. Gen 4 has been around since 2018 and we don't even have an off-road bumper or anything! This truly is a "you get what you buy" type of vehicle I suppose. Sad.

 

[Drew Nicholson]

Aloha,

I find this an interesting perspective, as I still have my 2012 F 150 FX4 luxury model - super crew with the short short bed. At 260k miles (bought it used with 250k) we replaced the engine due to cam phasers failing (hence my interest in the other cam phaser threads). So it's got a brand new engine, 5.0 liter, which given I had to replace it at only 260k miles I'm not so sure about proven reliability. We have seen *zero* improvement in fuel economy or performance with the new engine, which I found quite disappointing. Maybe I should go to the truck forums and see if there is any additional wisdom for me.

Anyway, yesterday I took my 19 expedition max limited into the mountains, and on the twisty road to Estes Park I put the yacht into sport mode and drove consistently over the speed limit and didn't slow at all for the curve warning speeds. My expy rode tight and fast, way way better than expected for this big thing - and my wife and I agreed we weren't even close to what it can do. We did slow down because my mother in law was getting car sick in the second row. This is with 85 octane gas ... I'm an old motorcycle racer and as far as I care, this thing rips. It's not the C5 corvette I had, but it's way better than our truck. But then, from my perspective, anything with 4 wheels drives like a pig!

However, I totally agree about the aftermarket stuff. I have seen some complaints here about the interior looking like an F150. Hell - make the whole thing the same as an F150 and we'll have all the aftermarket we could ask for. I want an expedition raptor ...

Mahalo

 

[Nate2020KR]

There's more than that available. Some of it you will adapt F150 stuff over. First and always biggest improvement for the least money is tuning. There are intercoolers, cac pipes, boost tubes, catch cans, cai's, exhaust systems, spark plugs, etc.

 

[TX-EXPMAX]

Are you running premium fuel? Definitely would suggest trying that as these seem to like the premium to really unleash the power

 

[grumpyoleman]

... feel like I'm driving a mini van. Huge car and the engine goes "putt-putt-putt" like a little Subaru. .

Personally, I don't care if it goes putt putt, or zip when it moves and bop when it stops... For a very large metal brick, these vehicles can move.

 

[aggiegrad05]

I recently purchased a 2021 Expedition Max with FX4 package, but perhaps pulled the trigger a little too early. My 2012 F150 5.0 FX4 was used as a trade-in, but honestly I think that truck was a much more capable vehicle. They tried to sell me the EcoBoost back in 2012, but glad I went with the proven reliability in the 5.0. Figured I'd try the EcoBoost next time around. Yeah, it's peppy, but for a vehicle of this size... Holy **** does it make me feel like I'm driving a mini van. Huge car and the engine goes "putt-putt-putt" like a little Subaru. After another 50 miles of driving it off the lot, I just couldn't shake that feeling... Thought maybe I could get some aftermarket products to personalize the vehicle and make it feel more like mine. Little did I know there ain't **** to be had in the aftermarket but a CAI, cheap lift kit, and custom seat covers. Gen 4 has been around since 2018 and we don't even have an off-road bumper or anything! This truly is a "you get what you buy" type of vehicle I suppose. Sad.

I'm sorry you've had that experience so far. I was also an EcoBoost doubter (always eschewed them for the 5.0's in my F150s), but wanted the Expi so I had no choice but to make the switch. I will never go back...the EcoBoost MOVES this thing. It's a lot quicker than my F150 ever was, and it also doesn't sound like it's tearing itself apart every time I give it the beans. Granted, I do have a Platinum, so I have a few more horsies than you do.

If you are still in the first 500-1000 miles, I would give it some time. The transmissions in these vehicles learn your driving style and adjust the shift mapping as they do to give you a ride more suited to your right foot habits. So I think, after driving it for a while, you'll be much more pleased with what it gives you.

I think you have the 3.73 rear end with the FX4, so it will feel a little peppier than the 3.30 anyway.

Also, as @Drew Nicholson noted, try Sport Mode as it will give you some different shift mapping. And, as @TX-EXPMAX suggested, run a few tanks of 91 octane as you may get a better response from that too (although I don't think you notice much difference unless you're towing).

TL;DR: drive it for a while and I think it will be more to your liking as the tranny gets to know you.

 

[Trainmaster]

Seems like the aftermarket stuff comes out after the prices of used vehicles drops down a bit to attract more of the younger, poorer set who encompass that customization market. The profits are in volume, so you may have to wait a couple of more years...

 

[Steven H]

Seems like the aftermarket stuff comes out after the prices of used vehicles drops down a bit to attract more of the younger, poorer set who encompass that customization market. The profits are in volume, so you may have to wait a couple of more years...

Seems that way...although there still isn't much for 2015.

 

[Going_Going_Gone]

The extra hp in the Platinums may only be achieved under optimal (laboratory) conditions. For everyone, using 91 octane and Sport Mode do increase performance. Anyone thinking about adding anything else to make the Expedition significantly more powerful, might be advised to consider brake upgrades too.

 

[Drew Nicholson]

I second what @Going_Going_Gone says about brakes. When upgrading the engine and suspension for a race bike, we always upgrade the brakes as well. Believe it or not, brakes are just as important for going fast in racing as power. The better your brakes, the more you can use the power.

 

[JExpedition07]

The newer Expy should be faster by a good bit. Any 2021+ F-150 with the 5.0 V8 or 3.5 Eco will smoke a 4th gen Expedition (they are all in the mid 5’s to 60 now with 400 horse and a lot less weight with either engine). But a 2012 doesn’t have a shot. I think it’s just a quieter vehicle and may not feel as fast.

Just so you know by the specs the only engine you could get in 2012 that will match your 2019 Expedition is the 6.2L V8 with 411 horsepower….a very rare truck. But those hit 6.2 seconds in Harley Davidson and Limited trim like your Expys time. The Raptors were slower so they don’t even count. An older 5.0? Nah.

 

[Fozzy]

cheap lift kit

If you think the Icon and King are cheap lifts you should easily have the money for one off built parts. Lots of cool things to do to these things.

 

[Trainmaster]

Seems that way...although there still isn't much for 2015.

Yeah, it seems the market prefers the smaller 4 x 4's and the rice burners for customizing these days. Does that mean we're getting old?

 

[BMW2FORD]

I have to agree with the brakes - you could never have enough! I just replaced the pads on my 2018 Max with Hawk LTS pads. Overall, it was an improvement. The rears especially since the Hawk pads have a larger contact area as well as a bit more aggressive material than stock. I only have about 200 miles on them but so far no noises or anymore dust than factory. I don’t have any performance modifications but really felt a bit more bite was needed from the brakes which this type pad provided.

 

[sjwhiteley]

Maybe an SUV that can cost up to 3 figures has pretty much everything anyone could want on an SUV? If you are spending that amount of money, maybe you can afford another 20k on bolt on goodies? And what is the average purchaser going to do to really justify said goodies?

most people here are a minority of users, and I don’t see a lot here that are really ********* into customization. It isn’t a large market.

 

[lbv150]

Maybe an SUV that can cost up to 3 figures has pretty much everything anyone could want on an SUV? If you are spending that amount of money, maybe you can afford another 20k on bolt on goodies? And what is the average purchaser going to do to really justify said goodies?

most people here are a minority of users, and I don’t see a lot here that are really ********* into customization. It isn’t a large market.

I agree. I learned years ago that OEM is the best for performance and longevity.

 

[Tmg115]

I recently purchased a 2021 Expedition Max with FX4 package, but perhaps pulled the trigger a little too early. My 2012 F150 5.0 FX4 was used as a trade-in, but honestly I think that truck was a much more capable vehicle. They tried to sell me the EcoBoost back in 2012, but glad I went with the proven reliability in the 5.0. Figured I'd try the EcoBoost next time around. Yeah, it's peppy, but for a vehicle of this size... Holy **** does it make me feel like I'm driving a mini van. Huge car and the engine goes "putt-putt-putt" like a little Subaru. After another 50 miles of driving it off the lot, I just couldn't shake that feeling... Thought maybe I could get some aftermarket products to personalize the vehicle and make it feel more like mine. Little did I know there ain't **** to be had in the aftermarket but a CAI, cheap lift kit, and custom seat covers. Gen 4 has been around since 2018 and we don't even have an off-road bumper or anything! This truly is a "you get what you buy" type of vehicle I suppose. Sad.

I always have 2 vehicles for myself and I replaced my lifted 2500HD Duramax with my new 2020 expedition. I could not disagree with you more. My expedition feels nothing like a minivan. The 3.5 has some balls to it and tows my trailers with a half ton load on it just fine. I still have the Duramax but it's now just the ranch truck and for heavy 3/4 ton stuff.

The expedition is a great vehicle and does everything my wife's 1500 Chevy will do plus more. It's so nice having my cargo secured inside instead of out in a pickup bed. If I need to haul something that should be in a pickup bed I just grab a trailer but that is very rare since there is so much space inside. My expedition does pretty much everything a truck will do but more due to the 3rd row and inside cargo storage.

Put a ranch hand on the front end If you want the truck look. They look pretty sharp.

 

[rick619]

I have a 2019 Limited and was very impressed by the 3.5 Ecoboost. My trade in was a 2018 F150 with the 2.7 Eco. I had a 2011 F150 5.0 before that.

I was skeptical about the 2.7 until I test drove it. Plenty of juice for what I need. So I was excited to move up to the 3.5 in the Exp, definitely an upgrade in power. Though fuel economy is significantly worse compared to the 2.7.

The interior does remind me of my '18 F150. My weathertec front mats fit perfectly in the Exp. The steering wheel is the same shape and feel (though covered in leather unlike my F150). Electronics are similar enough. Plus I got the Max tow package, so it has the same tow capacity as the F150.

I understand your disappointment with lack of aftermarket items. Though this isn't a 4X4 that you'll be able to do any offroading in anyway. It's just too big. Sounds like you need a Jeep or Tacoma if you want to do some offroading. I have a Jeep for that.

 

[shinysideup2]

A bit pricey at $2k+ per axle, but these are very nice.

Performance Suspension Systems, Coil-Over Shocks, Uniball Upper Control Arms, and Lift Kits for Trucks and Suv\'s

Icon Vehicle Dynamics quality off-road suspension system components, lift kits, coil over shocks, uniball upper control arms, leaf springs, life-time warranty and guarantee of all manufactured parts, and personalized customer service and tech support for Ford, Chevy, Toyota, Nissan, Jeep, Dodge...

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I've tried Bilstein 6112 and Rancho adjustables. Ranchos surprisingly worked better, but didn't last more than 1.5-2 years after some towing and a few hundred miles of washboards.

I recently purchased a 2021 Expedition Max with FX4 package, but perhaps pulled the trigger a little too early. My 2012 F150 5.0 FX4 was used as a trade-in, but honestly I think that truck was a much more capable vehicle. They tried to sell me the EcoBoost back in 2012, but glad I went with the proven reliability in the 5.0. Figured I'd try the EcoBoost next time around. Yeah, it's peppy, but for a vehicle of this size... Holy **** does it make me feel like I'm driving a mini van. Huge car and the engine goes "putt-putt-putt" like a little Subaru. After another 50 miles of driving it off the lot, I just couldn't shake that feeling... Thought maybe I could get some aftermarket products to personalize the vehicle and make it feel more like mine. Little did I know there ain't **** to be had in the aftermarket but a CAI, cheap lift kit, and custom seat covers. Gen 4 has been around since 2018 and we don't even have an off-road bumper or anything! This truly is a "you get what you buy" type of vehicle I suppose. Sad.

 

[wakeboarder]

A bit pricey at $2k+ per axle, but these are very nice.

Performance Suspension Systems, Coil-Over Shocks, Uniball Upper Control Arms, and Lift Kits for Trucks and Suv\'s

Icon Vehicle Dynamics quality off-road suspension system components, lift kits, coil over shocks, uniball upper control arms, leaf springs, life-time warranty and guarantee of all manufactured parts, and personalized customer service and tech support for Ford, Chevy, Toyota, Nissan, Jeep, Dodge...

iconvehicledynamics.com

I've tried Bilstein 6112 and Rancho adjustables. Ranchos surprisingly worked better, but didn't last more than 1.5-2 years after some towing and a few hundred miles of washboards.

Have you found the Rancho and 6112’s for the 4th gen expeditions?