Expy Build - Heading to Mexico

[MX EXPY]

Hi guys

Just bough 99 XLT w/100k, need to get it ready for epic road trip! First will ride to to TX and then into Mexico its final destination.

I want to get your ideas on prep.

Once in MX the terrain wear I will be living is very mountainous (think pike's peak with constant switch backs).

Roads are rough and many are just dirt roads.

I dont want to build anything extravagant just functional and on a limited budget.

Take off is in September!

 

[Adieu]

That mileage is crazy low

Unless there's a bunch of rust or shit is dry rotted from age or neglect from being parked too long, shouldnt need much work

You might want some LT AT tires though

 

[MX EXPY]

Thanks, already started on tires and wheels. I got a crazy deal. 17x8 w/ 285/70's

 

[98eb5.4]

check the rear axle trailing arms that are known to rot out

 

[MX EXPY]

Thx, checked it out. Some rust there but nothing affecting structure.

I will be taking a wire wheel to it and seeing how deep it goes. The using rust converter where possible and undercoating it.

 

[MX EXPY]

Yesterday finished up on roof rails, coating was peeling. I did a quick sanding and 3 coats of epoxy paint.

 

[MX EXPY]

Got under the truck and found some rust, hit it with hammer to see integrity and so far so good. Looks ugly but with my 7in wire wheel, rust converter and undercoat it should be ok.

 

[98eb5.4]

if u end up replacing, there are a few way better than stock ford parts options out there,

prob cost less too,

nice score on the set of wheels btw

 

[J_82]

Hi guys

Just bough 99 XLT w/100k, need to get it ready for epic road trip! First will ride to to TX and then into Mexico its final destination.

I want to get your ideas on prep.

Once in MX the terrain wear I will be living is very mountainous (think pike's peak with constant switch backs).

Roads are rough and many are just dirt roads.

I dont want to build anything extravagant just functional and on a limited budget.

Take off is in September!
View attachment 25742

You shouldn’t have issues finding parts for it in Mexico. What part of Mexico will you be at?

 

[MX EXPY]

Heading to Oaxaca, that is one of the reasons I decided to do 1st gen expy. I have seen quite a few of these down there and the same gen F150 everywhere

 

[FoothillsJim]

My '99 XLT 5.4 with 130K miles just needed new air springs in the rear - I would check those if you have the air suspension. Also recently needed new stabilizer links in the front suspension. I mostly now use it for week longs trips on 4WD roads in S. California desert. It does see some tough roads (@ low speed). I removed the running boards for clearance, otherwise it is stock. Wheels and tires, like your new ones, would be nice.

 

[MX EXPY]

Nice! They are getting hard to find with low mileage. No air suspension and I do have the front driverside link also. That will be handled soon.

 

[MX EXPY]

Got my 2in wheel spacers yesterday. I got theses wheels new for $260 but they are 8in wide and I would have wanted 9-10in, it makes the tire look much wider. But in my home its function before fashion and budget before beauty, so I got the spacers because the wheels tucked into the body

 

[MX EXPY]

The next item was some rust I had on the roof. So I sanded it down and sprayed it with converter. Also as a layer of protection I got Herculiner and did the roof last night. It might seem like overkill but I have a large roof basket and I am sure to drop, scuff and scratch the roof otherwise.

 

[MX EXPY]

Next I will be doing the bumpers, grill, and brush guard. If you have figured it out yet, I am not a fan of chrome. Pics soon!

 

[lvcjt702]

Looking good!

Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk

 

[98eb5.4]

+1

 

[MX EXPY]

Started this weekend on grille n bumpers (painting bedliner). Found some light rust and sprayed with converter. Also properly mount cheap air horns from previous owner.

 

[MX EXPY]

While at it I decided to remove fading pin stripping and body moldings.
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[MX EXPY]

I wasnt sure whether to replace the hazy fog light with stocks, projector or leds. But amazon had a sale and made the decision for me. Mounted them on stock brackets. Will wire up to stock fog light wiring.