Fix or replace

[Nick of Milton]

My 98 XLT 4x4 has about 147k on it and is still running great and I fully expect it to run great for a nother 50K+ or so. That being said, I want to be prepared with a plan of action should the ening or trans go out on me. Should I replace the eng/trans or look at getting a newer expedition.

Are the newer expeditions simple to work on? I like the relatively non-high teck aspect of my 98 and am comfortable working on it. I had a friend with a newer BMW pay $600 to replace the battery because of all the computers and stuff, are the new expeditions like that?

What eng/trans rebuilding companies do you guys like? I also tow a camper and would appreciate some added power, nothing rediculous though. What type of performance mods would you guys look for in a re-built engine.

Thanks in advance for all your advice. This decision has been on my mind for some time and just want to be prepared.

 

[JDMitchell]

First off, welcome to the forum.

It all depends on what you are comfortable spending to keep your Expy on the road. A rebuilt engine or trans can cost anywhere from $1000-$3000. Depends on where you are shopping. If it were my Expy (my 97 has 173,000) and it blew a motor I would find a low mileage lightning donor to pull the motor and do the swap for the extra power. The lightning motor will cost more but the extra power will be cheaper in the long run rather than trying to make a 5.4 or 4.6 as powerful. There are a couple guys on here that have done the swap and I'm sure they could post up the costs involved.

 

[tonydiv]

I've already thought this all out.

Because my truck spent most of its life in Florida, the body is virtually perfect.
Also the previous owner had the trans completely rebuilt at 100k mi.
So (for me) it makes sense to swap out the motor if it ever goes south on me.

I've already found a remanufacturer that makes a high output 5.4l that is around 320 hp. It only runs about $3800 with shipping. But keep in mind that I have access to all the tools and equipment to do this job on my own. If I had to pay someone a grand (or more) to do it, my plans may change.


These guys have rebuilt motors for under $2400 shipped
http://www.psengines.com/FORD8.htm

 

[Canadian Expy]

If you look after it ,there shouldn't be any problems .where you from ???
Milton Ontario or USA

 

[AaronLG]

mine has 220k, only problem is a slight oil leak. fingers crossed.

 

[KWT2000]

the trans in mine went befor i got it at 175k they paid $900 for a rebuild and install...

i can do the work my self and it is easy to do..

i also don't know the previous maint on the vehicle but if it is like the rest... it wasn't good.. but now 243k on it now and running great after many hours of repairs

 

[Tigster]

swap a diesel in it.

 

[walnuts4x4]

depends on how involved you wanna get... but if you get it all replaced you will know the condition of your expy and can be a reliable vehicle... I know if anything happens on mine I am gonna build it better

 

[99 Expy]

Like everyone else has said, it depends on how much you want to keep your current expy. I've got 170k on mine, and the tranny is starting to go out. Since the truck is in pretty good shape, and I'm a little short on cash from still being in school, I'm swap in a low mileage tranny this fall. After I graduate next summer, I'm planning on rebuilding the motor, so it will hold up until I'm ready for a new vehicle. What motor do you have? Keep in mind that if you have the 4.6 and rebuild it, you can swap your non-PI heads for PI heads from the 99+ 4.6 and gain some power for cheap.

 

[Nick of Milton]

Sounds like everyone is up for keeping it going. I am in Milton, FL but we just moved here from California where it has been just about all its life, so no salt issues with the chassis. The thing is generally running great. I would love to do the work myself, but my job just won't afford me the time to do it. I'll definitely look into the Lightning swap so long as I can find a shop willing to do it for me.

A newer Expedition EL does look tempting though. More storage space, more power, 6-speed trans, a little better fuel economy. Still wondering about the relatively higher tech aspect of the newer vehicles maintenance with the computers and what-not. How do the 3rd gen Expeditions compare to the 1st gen?

Thanks for all your replies. It's nice to be on a forum where people actually respond to your post.