Best Expedition model for off roading?

[harrison]

I have had a 1997 XLT, 4.6L, 2WD and a Navigator on the same chassis with the 5.4L. Both worked just fine for my needs at the time.

Now, I am looking for an older Expedition (1997-2000ish) with 4x4 and would appriciate some advice on which model to get and what to look out for. (Eddie Bauer/XLT/Etc.)

I am in Mexico and the selection will be limited and I will not be able to lift it or do many mods like that.

Should I avoid airbags? Are certain transmissions or transfer cases are better than others?

 

[tonydiv]

The 97 & 98s had the most robust driveline and 4wd system.

In later years they added full time all wheel drive, integrated wheel ends and independent rear suspension. All those 'advancements' made it less desirable for off roading.

That's not to say that you couldn't modify a later model to be a great off roader, but you said that you will need to keep it pretty stock.

 

[BIG GREEN FORD]

What you need is one like mine.
*5.4
*transmission 4W100
*3.73 gears limited slip
*4x4
*XLT
Stay away from air bags

 

[BIG GREEN FORD]

Mine came in a4wd (before the brown wire mod)
97-98 came in 2wd, a4wd, 4hi , 4lo witch is better

 

[harrison]

Great, so I'll be looking for a 97-98 XLT 4x4 with a 4W100 transmission and 3.73 gears with a limited slip.

Any pointers on how to ID the tranny and guts in the rear end? Is there a particurlar VIN number I should look out for? Factory tow package?

 

[DetroitDarin]

You can probably source a leveling kit and fit 33" tires pretty easily. Tires might be your best friend in your situation.

 

[BIG GREEN FORD]

You can fit 35s with the torsion keys all the way up.
Here is the link he is on f150 forum for some reason.

 

[harrison]

Thanks!

I'll be keeping this rig as low-key as possible. I don't want any more attention than absolutely necessary. So, moderate tires, maybe a locker, skid plates, etc.

BTW, a Google search for 4W100 transmission doesn't provide a lot of help. Is there another name or ID for this transmissioin? Is it common?

 

[BIG GREEN FORD]

Sorry it's 4R100

 

[BIG GREEN FORD]

The f250/f350 came with them as well

 

[BIG GREEN FORD]

And some expys came with skid-plates

 

[harrison]

Great, thank you!

 

[AggieExpo]

what part of ol mexico. i know about keeping low key. when we go our ranch we always take our oldest crappiest looking truck. we do not want to draw attention to ourselves. also you didn't say what kind of offroading you would be doing. our ranch is the sierra madre and we took our stock 06 4x4 expedition up the mountains. the roads were really bad and we were stock and our truck did just fine. we were smart and drove carefully, but 2nd gen and 3rd gen are probably the least desirable trucks for offroading stock. the only thing i like about our trucks is the IRS gives a slightly higher clearance which did help on the bad roads.

 

[harrison]

I am in south central Mexico just outside of the city. People think it's bad on the borders, and it is, but down here there are +35 million people crammed into a valley. The problems are down here too. Maybe not to the same degree, but just as prevalent.

I don't plan on doing lots of extreme adventuring, I just can't afford to get stuck. I'll be going with one rig and there isn't any AAA around here. If things get bad, the best I can count on is a tractor or two and the manpower of something like 5-10 locals.

 

[Kermit]

The Vin number and the door sticker should give you all the info you need regarding which transmission and gear ratio is in that vehicle. If looking at the Vin there are plenty of sites you can find thru Google to "translate" the Vin.

 

[harrison]

Excellent, I figured there had to be something like that!

Any transmissions/transfer cases that I should avoid?

 

[GAINMOB]

welcome to the site