I've done some research for FF Dynamics, and while there are some less than flattering reviews, they seem to be a legit operation. A sticking point I read time and again was their lack of communication, particularly no phone number to call. Reaching out to them via the "contact us" form on their website, I did hear back from FF Dynamics. In the interest of after the sale support, I did request a phone number. This was their response:
"We do everything via the web, this way we can get to questions on our own time, to the appropriate department and handle customers as quickly as possible. The reason we are able to offer hand built systems of this quality, with a warranty that is first class, and have been in business for 20 years and counting, is because we run a small crew and we don't over extend on anything. We are not some large corporation that sells generic low dollar Chinese built systems that has 400 employees, with people answering phones. What we lack in employee numbers, we make up for in top quality product. Almost all questions asked will be replied to within 24 hours, if not the same day (weekends the exception)."
There are forum conversations all over the web dating back almost 20 years involving FF Dynamics. With that, I'll give them my business. They do make a custom kit for the 2003 Expedition with the downflow radiator, and it's actually significantly less expensive than the Flex-a-Lite kit, that turns out is for the crossflow radiator.
Component ID: The crux of the issue between the crossflow and downflow radiators is that the Expedition in model year 2003 was offered with two different radiators for the 5.4, based upon build date. From 12/04/2003 is the crossflow radiator:
Preceding 12/04/2003 is the downflow radiator:
My EB was hatched 02/19/2003, so the downflow radiator applies; thus, the Flex-a-Lite model 270 kit will not work. FF Dynamics is the only game in town for a kit applicable to the 2003 Expedition 5.4 with the downflow radiator. I'll get it ordered up and installed, and see how it goes. I'll be out of town for a couple weeks, so it will be some time next month.