New to me 2003 XLT and thanks guys

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rice_classic

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Just joined the forum to post my gratitude:

So I was in the market to be pulling a 20' enclosed for the racecar and I needed to upgrade from my E150 Conversion van.

I was looking at Excursions but they held their value pretty well until I went to lunch with my co-worker in her... 2003 XLT 5.4L w/Tow Package. We drive a lot and she wanted desperately to get out of it. I had it inspected and it was in good shape but had all the Expedition issues and non-maintained issues. Had 150k miles on it.

1: Shudder under power from rear diff
2: all the brakes were almost to backing plates
3: The only fluid that was ever changed was the engine oil
4: Popping from rear AC
5: Rear windows won't roll down.
6: Ticking noise from engine.

She let it go for $3800. About $1700 later I have...

1: I had every fluid changed and added FM to rear diff: Shudder eliminated!
2: All new rotors and pads thanks to Amazon, rear parking brake adjusted along with Brake fluid flush.
3: Goes with #1.. every fluid!
4: Rear AC: Both trap door motors bad, pulled both, just waiting on new ones to arrive. I was able to remove both without removing rear interior (skinny arms).
5: Previous owner removed the damn motors from both doors! WTF. Also the cables from the regulators are dangling and everything is zip-tied and taped so the windows stayed up. Ugh.. New regulators and Motors ordered.
6: I changed the PCV, Air filter, fuel filter and put in new motorcraft spark plugs. The #8 cylinder plug (Or the passenger side closest to firewall) was the culprit of the ticking, not only was it loose but in the threads but the top part that connects to the coil was separated from the plug (broken). It was amazing that cylinder even fired!


Everything is a big help from this site. I'm probably going to end up driving it from WA to CA to attend the 25 hours of Thunderhill in Dec and I'm looking forward to a smooth comfortable ride.

Just wanted to share my gratitude to the forum.
 

Bedrck47

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the #8 is on the drivers side
passenger side is #1,2,3,4 from front to rear also known as Bank 1
Drivers side is #5,6,7,8 from front to rear also known as Bank 2
 

GAINMOB

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100K mile maintenance...you've taken care of a few things on the list...upper/lower ball joints
 
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R

rice_classic

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I inspected them for squeaking, play or any rough feeling in movement and they check out. I also checked the wheel bearing for play and freeway humming and none of that either. But I expect these things will get replaced after one season of 20' enclosed trailer towing.
 
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