Count Me In

[twinkielk15]

Hey everyone. My name is Steve and I'm joining up preemptively. I just sold my 97 4Runner (pictured) and I'm in the market for an Expedition. I need the third row and can't afford the Excursion and I'm not exactly a fan of the Burb. So here I am. Any tips before I head out? Preferred years or trims? I've done a lot of research and I have my thoughts but there's nothing like cold hard experience. Great to be here and thanks in advance!

 

[alaskanexpy]

i'm fond of my excursion...but $$ can become a factor with then either buying or keeping fuel in them.

personally since i'm taking a stab in the dark at your price range, i'd try a 99-02 low mile as you can find with records for a good price. if you want to step up to a 03-06 they are great trucks also. each generation has his own little quarks but all in all they are great trucks i know i LOVE mine which i've had 10 months and 11k miles all she asks for is gas and oil changes cant ask for much more then that right?

 

[twinkielk15]

Good point. Should have given more details. My price range is flexible but I'd like to keep it under the amount I got for my 4Runner. That's $5000. In that range I'm looking at first generation with the occasion second gen thrown in. I've done a few test drives and the one thing I've noticed across the board is that steering feels loose in all of them. Is that common in the Expedition? I'll be throwing $1000 or so at it right off the bat to stiffen up the suspension and what have you so I'm not worried about that. Thanks for the input.

 

[walnuts4x4]

well IMO... I would go with the 99-02... have the PI heads, and speedo can be fixed with a programmer for bigger tires, and front bumper doesnt have the "fangs"..lol... plus a lot of lift options for the 1st gen expy... 97-02..... also I would keep a look out for a non "air ride" expy... seems like the air ride just causes many problems... you can get the coil conversion for the air but why when you can find a non air ride one...

but if you dont wanna lift it big and want a nicer ride I would go with a 2nd gen... I'd love a stock 2nd or 3rd gen....


o and welcome to the forum

 

[toms89]

"I've noticed across the board is that steering feels loose in all of them."

Unfortunately the 1st generation expys are recirculating ball and nut steering. Not the rack and pinion you are used too. Rack and pinion has better "feel" and is much more precise.

Not sure about the later expys.