Buying a used '97 - Questions

[cyberhh]

I am buying a used '97 this weekend:

1997 Ford Expedition XLT
5.4L V8
209,000 miles (actually 208,***)
Auto
Leather
3rd Row
Tow Package
AIR SUSPENSION
2WD

Sounds great, alternator was replaced this year, power is good, mileage is as expected (12cty/15hwy), oil is over 3000 yet clean - no gas or burned smell, good color. Did not check Trans fluid, but brake fluid looks good. Front and rear A/C work as they should. Front driver seat elec works, but seat has a 3" tear on a seam.

PO is moving to WA state next week to take care of his father and is taking nothing with him.

$2200


Issues:
Air Suspension - pass side rides a little low
Need tires in 5k miles
Drivers seat has a 3" tear in the leather
drivers window does not roll down - motor sounds fine, track issue?
PO is 3rd owner and the maint schedule is unknown


Notes:
I would like a 4" lift with 33 - 35" tyres
Live in an apartment with a garage - but garage is only for storage - no major work
My standard routine for a new vehicle is to change: OIL / Oil & Air Filters / Plugs and inspect: brakes, tyres, belt, trans fluid color/smell, power steering fluid, brake fluid, plug wires, lights/bulbs
Within 90 days I will flush the radiator, replace the trans fluid and filter, replace the battery with a red top, fix the drivers window, order seat covers and replace brake pads/rotors if necessary.
Within 120 I would like to do the suspension.

Questions:
1. What should I look for in other wear areas?
2. How do I check for the 97-98 windscreen leak?
3. Will ford complete any recalls that have not been done at no charge to me?
4. Is there a suspension replacement (like strutmasters) or recommended method for achieving the lift I want and ridding my truck of the cursed air suspension?

I was hoping to find a FAQ here on what to look for when buying a used Expy, but was unable to find one. I am going to use the information that I put together from my experience to create one.

Thanks in advance and sorry for the length of my post.

 

[cyberhh]

Forgot the most important question:

With the high mileage that the truck has what should my first / first & second oil change look like? I would like to switch to Mobil1 long term, but with the unknown maint schedule I would rather run some heavy detergents through the engine to pull out as much sludge as possible before I do that.

Thoughts are welcome. I read this article earlier today: http://www.boss302.com/oil.htm

 

[JUST4FUN]

Look at the ball joints put it on a rack use a bar to lift up the wheel to check theese
check the exaust manifolds for missing bolts

 

[cardude427]

I am buying a used '97 this weekend:

1997 Ford Expedition XLT
5.4L V8
209,000 miles (actually 208,***)
Auto
Leather
3rd Row
Tow Package
AIR SUSPENSION
2WD

Sounds great, alternator was replaced this year, power is good, mileage is as expected (12cty/15hwy), oil is over 3000 yet clean - no gas or burned smell, good color. Did not check Trans fluid, but brake fluid looks good. Front and rear A/C work as they should. Front driver seat elec works, but seat has a 3" tear on a seam.

PO is moving to WA state next week to take care of his father and is taking nothing with him.

$2200


Issues:
Air Suspension - pass side rides a little low
Need tires in 5k miles
Drivers seat has a 3" tear in the leather
drivers window does not roll down - motor sounds fine, track issue?
PO is 3rd owner and the maint schedule is unknown


Notes:
I would like a 4" lift with 33 - 35" tyres
Live in an apartment with a garage - but garage is only for storage - no major work
My standard routine for a new vehicle is to change: OIL / Oil & Air Filters / Plugs and inspect: brakes, tyres, belt, trans fluid color/smell, power steering fluid, brake fluid, plug wires, lights/bulbs
Within 90 days I will flush the radiator, replace the trans fluid and filter, replace the battery with a red top, fix the drivers window, order seat covers and replace brake pads/rotors if necessary.
Within 120 I would like to do the suspension.

Questions:
1. What should I look for in other wear areas?
2. How do I check for the 97-98 windscreen leak?
3. Will ford complete any recalls that have not been done at no charge to me?
4. Is there a suspension replacement (like strutmasters) or recommended method for achieving the lift I want and ridding my truck of the cursed air suspension?

I was hoping to find a FAQ here on what to look for when buying a used Expy, but was unable to find one. I am going to use the information that I put together from my experience to create one.

Thanks in advance and sorry for the length of my post.

Air suspension i would get rid of right away, I'd check the frame for serious rust, Ford is required by law to complete any recalls on the truck if they havent already been preformed. To see if the windshield leaks get a hose out and soak it because if a bad leak is gonna rear its ugly head it will do it then.

 

[JUST4FUN]

look at the axle codes and find out what it is if its to low the large tires will leav you with no power

 

[98EXPY 5-0]

Pull off the A pillar molding and spray water into the spot where the roof channel meets the windshield. That's where mine leaks, and it runs down the inside of the A pillar. I actually removed the visor on that side and was able to pull the headliner down a little bit.

 

[tonydiv]

Before you go out and buy seat covers see if there is a franchisee of this company in your area.

http://www.creativecolorsintl.com/

They have done repairs on some million dollar boats here at the yacht club and the results are great. This spring they are coming out to do leather seat work on 5 or 6 of the members vehicles, mine included. He's going to work out a deal. since we can probably keep him busy for an entire day.

 

[cyberhh]

Tony - thanks - there is one in Glendale. Not close, but better than seat covers.