Prospective owner questions...

[Mediamonkey11]

New owner questions... **Bought one!!!**

Howdy folks, I am in the Seattle area, and thinking about purchasing a first-generation Expedition!

There is already a thread about what to look for when purchasing a first generation, but I had more specific questions… What years of the first gens do you guys find you like the best? Are there any years better than others as far as reliability is concerned? Another question is a little bit subjective, however I do know that with certain vehicles there are years that are more desirable than others… For different reasons as well.

I am mainly looking to replace my Isuzu Trooper due to the fact that it is very underpowered and I'm 6'7" so room is appreciated This will not be my main vehicle, I am looking for something that will haul a lot of people and that will pull a variety of trailers periodically. One of the main reasons I'm drawn to the expedition, is because of the room inside, and the fact that they are a dime a dozen here with relatively cheap prices!

Is the only model that the 5.4 L is available in the Eddie Bauer? And does the Eddie Bauer automatically equate to air suspension? How well do you guys find the 4.6 L does? Does it tow well? Does it even have enough power to get out of its own way ;-)?

I am also hoping to be able to run it up and down some off-road trails every now and again, nothing too serious, maybe some pretty good forest access roads or something like that where I'm going to go backpacking… The ability to go through some mud every now and again will also be awesome ;-) Which brings me to a next question, how do you guys find the air suspension works out? Can it be slightly lifted? Is it reliable? I'd only be looking for a slight lift, may be two or 3 inches? Is that possible, Or is that only possible to do on the model without air suspension…? What tires can I put on either the 5.4 L or the 4.6 L and not feel like a dog afterward and still have power for towing...?

Thanks guys, I hope I'm not unloading too many questions… I really am hoping to do my research before purchasing another vehicle again, because I really don't think buying my Isuzu was the best idea, especially for reliability purposes ;-)

 

[alaskanexpy]

okay, so here's my opinion. i like the 97-98s the best due to the 2wd setting rather then auto4x4 on the later ones(this is for the 4x4 expys if thats what your looking for) and much better front bumper as mine has taken more then one good hit. but with them you are down on power alittle bit compared to the 99-up's.

you can get the 5.4 with any expy. no air ride did not come with every EB. if your planning to lift it i would stay away from the air ride from what i have read/heard.

i have 265/75's on my 5.4 4x4 with 3:73's and it does well, tows good..ect good combo of power and economy.

 

[toms89]

The following link details the differences fairly well for the first gen expedition.

Ford Expedition - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

As far as towing, mine had no issues towing my mustang on a car trailer through the mountains. I found that I could still accelerate up the inclines though at a much reduced pace.

As mentioned by alaskanexpy the main difference between the 97-98 and 99 up first gens is they dropped the 2wd selection in 99 and they went to a different head/intake design which increased the power.

It comes down to if you would like the convenience of select-able 2wd vs the additional power. The epa milage figures are the same. If you have the opportunity test drive models for both to help you decide. It may simply come down to what is available and overall condition of the vehicle.

 

[Mediamonkey11]

Ok cool, thanks for the links and info... Do they all come stock with 3.73 gearing? Also, other than front drivetrain wear, is there any disadvantage to having auto 4x4 rather than 2wd aside from mpg which likely sounds like it wouldn't make any difference...?

Are these easy to lift?

 

[alaskanexpy]

most came with 3:55s what from what i have seen. really depends on your area and how they would be ordered. 3:73s were optional and personally would not go with anything less.

we had a '98 4.6 4x4 w/3:55s when it was brand new till 2001. it was a great truck but it was GUTLESS! 5.4/3:73 is the only way to go in my opinion.

if your planning any kind of off roading go with 4x4. you can get a easy 2" of lift by cranking the torsion bars up and adding coil spacers in the rear. wear/mpg is going to be a wash between 2wd vs 4x4 in the end i think.

 

[Mediamonkey11]

Ok, is there any way to tell by the option plate whether it is a 3:55 or 3:73?

 

[whowey]

I have the 5.4 with 3.55s and its a slow monster to get rolling even on stock 17's. But it does keep up once its going. Starting from a stop with a loaded trailer requires some planning as its just slow.

 

[Mediamonkey11]

I just took a look at an '00 EB with 145k, was solid as a rock. I actually really liked it! They want $4500, only drawback I can find is that it has air suspension. How reliable are they, the air suspensions? Interestingly, the compressor looked pretty new...ish... Can I lift an air suspension equipped expy? If not, what does a conversion cost?

I was extremely surprised at the cosmetic and mechanical condition of this one, I looked at another earlier today for the same price and it was really bad, kinda got my spirits down but this one seems really nice!

 

[Mediamonkey11]

I just checked and its going to be less than $300 to convert? I'm willing to take the risk on the air suspension if that's how cheap it'd be to fix should anything go wrong unless you guys say its a bad idea... Can the air suspension be lifted though?

 

[Lightnig]

Personally, I would avoid air ride like the plague.

Never had to deal with it myself, but a bit of reading here will give you scoop as to why I feel that way - no shortage of stories of repeatedly failing components and pricey repairs.

My advice it to take the time to find the vehicle that already has exactly the equipment you want in the first place. Anytime one needs to retrofit and modify right from the start it always costs more (in time, effort, and dollars) than if you had just bought what you wanted in the first place.



As to your question regarding the avaible gearing ratios, check the vin plate on the D.S. door jam. You are looking for the axle code, and:

17 = 3.31 non-limited slip
19 = 3.55 non-limited slip
H6 = 3.73 limited slip
H7 = 3.31 limited slip
H9 = 3.55 limited slip


But verify the specific year, easy to find if you just google 1997 (or whatever year) Expedition Axle Code...

 

[alaskanexpy]

the issue with the air ride trucks is yes you can convert it. but you are still left with the weaker torsion bars and coil springs...thus it will still sit lower then a non-air ride truck.

 

[71Rcode]

Interesting observation on weaker torson bars... A thought about ride height. My '01 4x4 (3.31 gears with an OPEN rear) sits higher than most expeditions I've seen, and the suspension is stock (changed to Bilstien HD shocks last year all around) with 265/65/16 tires. Its AWD -- and looks good. Love the ground clearance. Hate the open rear but am too cheap to do a swap.

 

[TexasAngel34]

i have a 99 EB 4X4 5.4.. Got mine a year ago for $3400 ... it has 176K ... She runs like new... I personally dont need the 2wd option cause with enough power and dirt i can make her burn out just fine... Mine did come with the air ride and YES CHANGE IT... Cost me $300 at the local parts store to do the complete air ride to coil springs change out... I recommend Monroe...

Also i have taken mine in the mud, tons of it , and she does great just remember to rinse off any mud from underneath otherwise you will have some issues with electrical stuff... Other then that she has alot of power , can go mudding, burns out in dirt and sand... has not gotten stuck even in the winter snow we get here in Colorado... So i would def stick with 1st Gen 98-00 nothing lower , JMO... Best of luck on your search

 

[FordandPolaris]

Maybe I missed it but if you want to know the rear gears, H6 is the code on the door placard for 3.73:1 gears. Anything else is probably 3.55's. I agree with what has been said, I prefer the 97-98's purely for the bumper and 2WD setting. I would also go a step further and look for one with the HD towing package. Even if you don't do heavy towing, or towing at all for that matter, I am a firm believer in the external tranny cooler that came with it being a big reason my transmission is still good. My truck has been put through its paces. Easiest way to tell if it has the package is if it has two small radiators directly behind the bumper.

Not a deal breaker, but it is something to consider when looking.

 

[Mediamonkey11]

Well guys! I just picked up a 2000 EB 4x4 with 147k for 3800. Perfect inside and out, just needs 2 tires (I'm going to get all 4), and I'm going to convert to coils.

Where do I get coil spacers? If I do, how much lift should I stick with, and how large of tires can I go with how much lift I.e. 2" gives me 315/70/17 etc... I also don't mind doing minor trimming...

Do I need spacers for the front and rear? Or do I just get ones for the rear (after conversion of course), and turn the torsion bars in thd front? Are the spacers the same between the Monroe kit and all other expy's that came without air ride?