Expedition questions

[36rascal]

Hi,
I've never owned an Expedition but am thinking of getting one, 1997 to 2000. I've only had experience with Aerostars and a Panther. I'd like a little more steel around me and would want to do occasional trailer towing , no more than 5000 pounds. I do not need 4WD.
When not towing I'd want the engine/ axle combo for best fuel economy at 60 mph, level terrain. With a 4.6 what axle would be the best, if I can find one? Yeah, I know what to expect, but I want the best I can get.
Is there a little more space for changing the rear plugs with a 4.6 than with a 5.4?
Are the plastic intake manifolds as much of a problem with these as with the same year Panthers? From what I've read here it doesn't seem so.
Finally, I see that sellers on Craigslist are asking about 50% more for F-150s than for Expeditions the same model year. I assume the price difference when new was not that much. Anyone know why that is? Seems like for me the Expedition would meet my needs as well if not better.
Thanks in advance,
Ray Mac.

 

[bedrck46]

if you plan on towing no more than 5000 lbs I would suggest the 5.4 rather than the 4.6 but then I prefer the 5.4 over the 4.6 no matter what weight I would be towing

 

[oregonn8v]

36rascal,

I agree with bedrck46 in that you will likely be happier with the 5.4 but if you are looking for economy, certainly the 4.6 will use less fuel than the larger engine. A rule of thumb is that the higher the axle ratio the greater the towing capacity and the lower the fuel economy. A 3.31:1 rear axle will have less torque than a 3.73:1 rear axle and will get better mileage.

In 2000 the Ford Expedition came in nine different configurations. I have listed them below with their associated towing capacity. All listings below require an automatic transmission and the factory towing package

2WD 4.6 V-8 - 5,900# (with 3.31:1 axle)
4WD 4.6 V-8 - 5,500# (with 3.55:1 axle ratio and 17" wheels)
4WD 4.6 V-8 - 6,000# (with 3.55:1 axle ratio and 16" wheels)
2WD 5.4 V-8 - 6,800# (with 3.31:1 axle)
4WD 5.4 V-8 - 6,400# (with 3.31:1 axle)
2WD 5.4 V-8 - 7,800# (with 3.55:1 axle ratio and 17" wheels)
4WD 5.4 V-8 - 7,400# (with 3.55:1 axle ratio and 16" wheels)
4WD 5.4 V-8 - 6,900# (with 3.55:1 axle ratio and 17" wheels)
2WD 5.4 V-8 - 8,300# (with 3.73:1 axle ratio and 16" wheels)

As you can see the 4.6 2WD is about the lowest towing capacity you can get in this truck and you will want to be careful towing too much with this.

 

[36rascal]

Thanks, gentlemen, great information to have.
If I found a 5.4 2WD with the tall 3.31 gears I wouldn't turn it down. The problem (in my case) would be trying to find one with 2WD, apparently there are very few of them around.
Ray Mac.

 

[oregonn8v]

Thanks, gentlemen, great information to have.
If I found a 5.4 2WD with the tall 3.31 gears I wouldn't turn it down. The problem (in my case) would be trying to find one with 2WD, apparently there are very few of them around.
Ray Mac.

In all my searching I have NEVER seen a 2WD. That does not mean they do not exist (obviously they do) but I am in the market now as well and I have not seen one. You will likely have better luck finding a 2WD in the XLT trim that in the Eddie Bauer trim. That may help your search a bit.

 

[oregonn8v]

One in your area...sort of...

Here's one....price seems a little high but mileage is very low.

2001 FORD EXPEDITION EDDIE BAUER 2WD SUPER CLEAN SUV SPORT UTILITY

 

[z168]

I see that sellers on Craigslist are asking about 50% more for F-150s than for Expeditions the same model year. I assume the price difference when new was not that much. Anyone know why that is?

It probably has to do with it being more useful commercially. And its not just for the F150s but also for the Ranger vs Explorer. It appears the pickups demand more value than their SUV counterparts