Hello all

[Silver_Expy]

First post - just acquired my mother in laws 2003 Expedition 5.4L XLT. I had always wanted an '04-08 F150, so this is close enough. It's got 195,000 miles but you honestly couldn't tell it. I've got a 2004 Explorer, so I'm no stranger to most of this stuff. It's got its own set of gremlins as well.

It's got a K&N cone filter and the rest is stock. It does however, need some TLC. I'm letting the filter soak right now and I'm changing the oil tomorrow. I've got some 9011 bulbs on the way, if I'm satisfied with those, I'll upgrade the lows and fogs as well. I'll get the stuff for the Gotts mod and the rear wiper mod this week.

It needs -

- Front right hub
- drivers window switch
- mirror switch
- rear blend actuator clicking
- no 4x4 lights and it won't engage
- transmission shudders slightly when downshifting
- and a plug change

Front passenger hub is howling, I'll change it soon. The drivers window switch is shot, which I took it apart and got 3 of the windows to finally work. I'll order a new one from Rock Auto. The mirror adjustment switch doesn't work at all, I'll pull the fuses tomorrow and check that first. I have no sound coming from the T-case and no lights on the dash for the 4x4. I'll check fuses tomorrow and work from there. My mother in law said the tranny has done that as long as she can remember, she just babies it. I'll could either have it rebuilt when it dies, or I could try a 4R100 or a ZF5. I just put some NGK's in the 4.6L Explorer, 2 plugs were stripped from the previous owner and it needed 2 Heli Coils. Hopefully the Expy isn't as bad.

Sorry for the long post. I hope to lift it soon, put some 285-305's on it, get some tow mirrors and throw an exhaust on it in the near future.

 

[DUNE RCR]

Welcome to the forum and good luck with the repairs. Sounds like you have a decent vehicle and some fairly easy projects for the future.

 

[Silver_Expy]

Thanks. It doesn't leak or burn oil, doesn't shake or anything, just a reliable family hauler as much as I can gather. I've also got an '04 Explorer with 3rd row and a 2010 Grand Caravan, so I'm turning this one into my vehicle

 

[Gruz7]

Welcome! Post some pics of the beast


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[GAINMOB]

welcome to the site

 

[1955moose]

I love the fact your mother in law has got a k&n and 4 wheel drive. Saved you 1 upgrade at least with filter. Welcome to site. Caution though this site is like chocolate, it gets addicting!


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[Gruz7]

I love the fact your mother in law has got a k&n and 4 wheel drive. Saved you 1 upgrade at least with filter. Welcome to site. Caution though this site is like chocolate, it gets addicting!


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Haha didn't pick up on that ...nice!


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[1955moose]

Like the little old lady from Pasadena, driving a brand new shiny red super stock dodge!


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[Silver_Expy]

Thanks for the well wishes fellas. I've got another problem now....

Floored it to beat traffic pulling out on the highway and the belt squealed. Checked under the hood when I got home and there's coolant all over the motor. Now I've got a coolant smell from the vents and the drivers side window and windshield have condensation that smells like coolant.

I just sold my '01 Honda Civic because of a head gasket, I hope this Expedition doesn't experience the same fate

 

[dschallmo98expo]

coolant in the vents and bad smell looks to be heater core. OUCH!!

 

[dschallmo98expo]

on my 98 expo, I have to completely remove the dash to get to heater core. Fixing to do mine next month, as I purchased it second hand with 165K miles on it and I just got done refurbishing the interior and do not want to damage the trim, carpet, or headliner or seats. Proactive.

 

[Silver_Expy]

I can handle a heater core. At least that's the cheaper route

 

[1955moose]

See what happens when u step on it !Just kiddin with ya. Pressurize it to be sure. Probably is the core, but check other spots to be sure. Under hood and all fittings and hoses.


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[Silver_Expy]

Just from driving it today to work (10 miles) the sweet smell was almost unbearable. I'll have to do it this weekend

 

[1955moose]

You can bypass the heater core if you still need to drive


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[1955moose]

Sorry, wasn't done, run a hose from water pump to block bypassing heater core , right fellas. Remember I'm old school. Don't want to give him any bad info!


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[Silver_Expy]

I installed the 9011 HIR's I bought the other day. They're noticeably brighter. Put the old 9005's in the fogs for now until I order another set.

I work night shift so I'll hopefully get to look at the hoses before work today if I don't sleep too long. Looks like heater core (and/or hoses) and the hub will be next on the agenda. Still have to fix the electrical gremlins before the snow comes

 

[JamesRG]

Just recently bought a 1998 Expedition 4WD. Heater kicked on when I went to run the AC and smelled coolant. Rear AC works great. From my researching it sounds like it's the heater core. Yea. Well since I'm in Austin (Buda) I don't need the heater much so I'm looking at bypassing the heater core at least until next winter, those 2 weeks in December.

I've watched a few youtube videos on bypassing the heater core. Looks easy enough for a non-mechanic!

By the way, this is my first post and I'm looking forward to learning more about my 98 Expy here. I also came across this forum while searching "matte black paint Expedition" and saw a really nice $250 DIY in a member's driveway. Looks great!