My 99 Expy 4x4

[AZShawn]

Hi all, hope i'm not double-posting - don't think my first post ever showed up...

Anyway, I own a '99 Expy, 5.4l 4x4 here in Phx. I've used these forums countless times over the years, as I've made countless repairs in the ~9-10 years I've owned it. Recently made the decision to start putting some time/money into the truck to curb my desire to buy a new vehicle, so I decided it's time to join the site! The first big investment was new tires (pic below), love the look of the BFG's (but I cried when I saw the invoice lol). Just replaced the shift motor, fuel filter, fuel injectors, I did the plugs about a year ago along with front suspension (upper control arms, tierods, ball joints, swaybar links, front wheel hub/bearings). Just added a 6.0 cooler and changed the trans fluid/filter over the weekend.

There's dozens of other things within the last year or two I can't even keep track of: some vacuum lines, PCV, evap hoses, IAC valve, removed and cleaned throttle body, fixed ejected spark plugs (the CalVan 38900 is a good kit), etc.

The end goal is to have a rig i'm confident in taking on some AZ mountain trails or possibly out of state trips! Any tips, tricks, advice are welcome!

 

[TheFlyingFord]

Perhaps consider getting some internally/externally mounted (or even just homemade) water jugs for offroading. The only time you have too much water is if you're drowning!

I always encourage folks to take along a small tool box with some general use tools. Stuff like duct tape, a wrench set, a can of WD-40, some pliers, etc. You might not ever need them, but if you do, you'll be glad you have 'em!

If you're going on very remote offroad trails, you might consider bringing some 7018 SMAW rods, a high lift jack, a radio, and some jumper cables. I wouldn't recommend going completely alone on remote trails, either. I've made that mistake before...

Oh, and a fire extinguisher! Make sure you've got one of those.


Not exactly mechanical upgrades, but just stuff to consider bringing

 

[AZShawn]

I'm a big believer in bringing tools along also, never know what might happen! I do need to look into a high lift jack though, and fire extinguisher.
Supplies are just as important as mechanical upgrades for sure.

 

[Jim Brown]

That's a good looking Expedition. Those tires are awesome. There are a few good deals for hi lifts on craigslist right now.

 

[juan214]

Inspect your four rear trailing arms for rot your rig is at the age now.

 

[Jim Brown]

Hey Shawn if you want to go off road around PHX let me know. I'm up for it just about any time. Next drive I want to do is Montana Mtn and Queen Creek Valley Rd out by Superior. Stopping by the miner's cabin mid way.

 

[craig sargood]

Hey Shawn if you want to go off road around PHX let me know. I'm up for it just about any time. Next drive I want to do is Montana Mtn and Queen Creek Valley Rd out by Superior. Stopping by the miner's cabin mid way.

Hate to invite myself,lol, but where do I show up for this?? Seriously though.... anyone up for an off-road meet of some sort in the cooler months??

 

[Trainmaster]

Get the Hi-lift and sling for the wheels. forget the fake knock-offs, they'll knock your teeth out.

 

[AZShawn]

Inspect your four rear trailing arms for rot your rig is at the age now.

Fortunately they're still in good shape

Hey Shawn if you want to go off road around PHX let me know. I'm up for it just about any time. Next drive I want to do is Montana Mtn and Queen Creek Valley Rd out by Superior. Stopping by the miner's cabin mid way.

Jim, i'll definitely reach out to you at some point to make that happen! It might be later than sooner as I don't get too many days to myself, but I'll make it happen. I've lived in AZ all my life but never really done the offroad thing with the exception of driving around on some forest roads up on the Rim, so it would be nice to go along with someone who knows what they're doing lol!

Hate to invite myself,lol, but where do I show up for this?? Seriously though.... anyone up for an off-road meet of some sort in the cooler months??

Depending on time and place, I might be interested. Otherwise, I'll keep you in mind if Jim and I end up making a trip

 

[Jim Brown]

I had to get mine out at Florence Box Canyon a couple weeks ago. I know, you're gonna ask where's the rock, like, how did you get stuck on that? It's kinda embarrassing, not even close to the biggest obstacle on the route, but I wasn't paying attention and ran aground exiting this rock slab. High centered the fuel tank skid plate while front and rear was in sand, losing traction... Yeah it was a noob way to get stuck but hilift saved the day

 

[Jim Brown]

Hate to invite myself,lol, but where do I show up for this?? Seriously though.... anyone up for an off-road meet of some sort in the cooler months??

Craig, that sounds awesome we should do it. It would be interesting to see that fabtech lift in action.

 

[Jim Brown]

7018 SMAW rods

Are you holding those with a jumper cable or do you have a rod holder?

 

[TheFlyingFord]

Are you holding those with a jumper cable or do you have a rod holder?

You clamp the jumper cables onto a pair of pliers or vice grips and use that as a rod holder. Gonna need two batteries to do this, too. Wouldn't hurt to bring some PPE also, so you don't get arc flashed and/or burnt while working.

 

[craig sargood]

Craig, that sounds awesome we should do it. It would be interesting to see that fabtech lift in action.

I’m down to go, need to be later in the year, I need to re gear,new difs and new tires. I’ve never gone to anywhere in AZ, so that would be great. What is a good time of year to go out there(not too cold or hot)???

 

[BOB4254]

Nice looking truck.....I have a 98 Expedition with 125k....have a misfire issue on acceleration....no check engine light however when I increase and prolong the acceleration check engine light starts to flash.....when I back off check engine light stops flashing.......any ideas to fix this? appreciated.....thanks and good luck with your offroading.

 

[AZShawn]

Nice looking truck.....I have a 98 Expedition with 125k....have a misfire issue on acceleration....no check engine light however when I increase and prolong the acceleration check engine light starts to flash.....when I back off check engine light stops flashing.......any ideas to fix this? appreciated.....thanks and good luck with your offroading.

Bob - If you get the flashing CEL, a code reader should pull a code even if the CEL isn't staying on the dash. If it tells you a specific cylinder misfire, there's a good chance it's the coil pack on that plug (COP). I'd start with swapping the COP and maybe the plug while you're in there.
If it's not a specific cylinder giving you trouble, the next place to check are vacuum lines which are a very common issue after they get old and crumble apart.

I've fixed several vacuum leaks in mine and feel like i'm still chasing one down. I still can't seem to find the one that causes my AC to start blowing out of my defrost vents every now and then. I've looked through the lines/box by the battery and passenger firewall and all look good. I've cracked open my electronic climate control unit and replaced the little O-rings in there, which made it better, but didn't completely stop it.

 

[Jim Brown]

What is a good time of year to go out there(not too cold or hot)???

Craig, any time Oct thru May is pretty good weather. There can be a few weeks of rain Jan Feb during which the desert gets pretty wet and muddy, ruts in washes get worse, narrow rocky switchbacks get a little hairy if the road gets slippery. Otherwise it's great weather and lots of awesome views and camping if you're into that.

 

[craig sargood]

Craig, any time Oct thru May is pretty good weather. There can be a few weeks of rain Jan Feb during which the desert gets pretty wet and muddy, ruts in washes get worse, narrow rocky switchbacks get a little hairy if the road gets slippery. Otherwise it's great weather and lots of awesome views and camping if you're into that.

Definitely into that, we should definitely get that going, I’d probably do a roof tent for that.

 

[juan214]

Fortunately they're still in good shape

I got a set of tube style and got rid of the factory U style.