Tell me about the 3rd gen Ford Expedition...

[scobar]

Greetings! I am looking at purchasing an Expedition (5.4 3v) for a camping/road trip rig and would like to know if there are any major issues I should be on the lookout for?

Currently I drive a modified 2008 F150, this has been great but we really need more interior room. Can you tell me more about common issues with transmission, driveline, suspension? It looks like the Expedition uses a 6 speed trans vs. F150 4 speed.

Targeting something with 100-150k miles on it, in the F150 realm the revised heads were on 2008 MY F150 with brown COPs, same here? Presume you guys also may also see issues with cracked factory manifolds on the 5.4?

The rear suspension is new to me, appears there is an air option. Any common issues here? How about lift kits? Down the road I may need a lift kit. Did a quick google search and appears there are kits available. What do these do to the driveline/suspension geometry? Known to cause more issues?

I am mechanically inclined and not afraid to spin a wrench. Additionally, I am planning on supercharging the Expedition using a Roush kit. We are looking at both Ford and Lincoln variety, and ideally an EL with 4x4.

Thanks in advance!

 

[JExpedition07]

The tranny and driveline are pretty damn reliable in the expy. The 6 speed tranny really wakes the 5.4 up. If you ever drive a four speed then a six speed they are worlds apart in power delivery and feel. I’ve raced a few 150s with the 5.4 around and mine always pulls away. Yes cracked manifolds are seen as well as cracked manifold bolt studs occasionally on here. The 5.4 stock has lots of untapped power and with a supercharger that engine will produce gobs and gobs of torque. The 4x4 system is another strong point it uses braking bias to act like a limited slip differential, well IMO it is better than a limited slip because it will send more power to the wheel with traction where as limited slip just delivers minimal power to the wheel with grab.

 

[chuck s]

Avoid the air suspension if you intend to tow. It really complicates setting up a weigh distribution hitch as for a camper trailer.

Even if not towing now look for the HD tow package. Bumps max towing capacity from 6000 to 9000 pounds. It was about $300 retail but more expensive to retrofit. Just look for the round Bargman outlet below the back bumper as a quick clue. 4-pole "boat trailer" outlet is on the left, RV outlet (and HD tow indicator) on the right. A brake controller interface is under the dash board (my '17 has it built into the truck).

5.4 engine in my '07 ran well. Nearly 200,000 miles nearly trouble free. Fuel pump shorted out two years ago. About the only breakdown and not the engine's fault.

-- Chuck

 

[gixer2000]

Check them rocker panels if your in the salt belt. Starting to see lots of 07-08 rotting out.

 

[JExpedition07]

yea that’s important too, there was even a guy with an 09’ on here who said he has 4’ long Holes in the rocker panels. When I bought my truck I saw some bubbles on the rockers and paid accordingly to what I saw. I’m planning on having them replaced in spring. For now they are soaked in fluid film inside.

 

[rollinstone]

Upgraded to a 2014 LTD with HD tow package and never looked back. Very nice setup. We're only towing about 3,500 lbs, so gobs of towing capacity to spare

 

[scobar]

Thanks for the information.

Towing, no plans to do so, should the need arise, I could use the F150, this has helper springs, LSD, 4.56's, upgraded brakes, and a blower...
Kind of excited about the 6 speed auto trans, the 4 speed is one thing I don't like about my truck and actually would like to swap in a 6sp at some point, then gear down from 4.56 to something more reasonable. Right now the F150's focus is smiles per mile. Had an 11th gen F150 with eco that I just loved, was always in the power band it seemed...
The air ride vs. not, what does it take to convert to traditional spring? Are the perches the same, or?
Transmission, the expedition is heavy, how is the transmission cooling? Are there mods one should do if you were to do heavy towing? On the F150, some may modify the separator plate, change out or remove springs, solenoids, etc. This generally prolongs life of the transmission and the shifts are firmer, most notably the 3-4 shift.
Really would love to skip doing anything with exhaust manifolds on the 5.4, the F150 gave me a few new cuss words esp on the passenger side. Really want to rock the stock exhuast 100% and keep it QUIET.
Is there a MY cut off for new vs. old style heads on the 5.4 like F150? This was june of 2007 IIRC in f150.
The 07-08's that are rotting, that's a major reason to find something from a southern state, and a concern of mine. I don't expect to find something 100% perfect but want something I can park on the road in front of the house and doesn't decrease the property value nor rots away within 1-3 years.


I'll probably be shopping 07-10 MY as these fall within budget. What are common issues for these trucks with say 80k, 120k, 140k? I know enough to peep the common issues on the 5.4 and overall mechanical issues. Figure whichever one I buy, we will do compression test to make sure motor is healthy, new O2 sensors, new fuel filter and possibly a new pump when the blower is installed, and other common maintenance items as needed. I saw there was a supercharging thread in another part of the forum so that was encouraging, even saw someone had used the exact same kit I got on the workbench on their expedition.

 

[JExpedition07]

Thanks for the information.

Towing, no plans to do so, should the need arise, I could use the F150, this has helper springs, LSD, 4.56's, upgraded brakes, and a blower...
Kind of excited about the 6 speed auto trans, the 4 speed is one thing I don't like about my truck and actually would like to swap in a 6sp at some point, then gear down from 4.56 to something more reasonable. Right now the F150's focus is smiles per mile. Had an 11th gen F150 with eco that I just loved, was always in the power band it seemed...
The air ride vs. not, what does it take to convert to traditional spring? Are the perches the same, or?
Transmission, the expedition is heavy, how is the transmission cooling? Are there mods one should do if you were to do heavy towing? On the F150, some may modify the separator plate, change out or remove springs, solenoids, etc. This generally prolongs life of the transmission and the shifts are firmer, most notably the 3-4 shift.
Really would love to skip doing anything with exhaust manifolds on the 5.4, the F150 gave me a few new cuss words esp on the passenger side. Really want to rock the stock exhuast 100% and keep it QUIET.
Is there a MY cut off for new vs. old style heads on the 5.4 like F150? This was june of 2007 IIRC in f150.
The 07-08's that are rotting, that's a major reason to find something from a southern state, and a concern of mine. I don't expect to find something 100% perfect but want something I can park on the road in front of the house and doesn't decrease the property value nor rots away within 1-3 years.


I'll probably be shopping 07-10 MY as these fall within budget. What are common issues for these trucks with say 80k, 120k, 140k? I know enough to peep the common issues on the 5.4 and overall mechanical issues. Figure whichever one I buy, we will do compression test to make sure motor is healthy, new O2 sensors, new fuel filter and possibly a new pump when the blower is installed, and other common maintenance items as needed. I saw there was a supercharging thread in another part of the forum so that was encouraging, even saw someone had used the exact same kit I got on the workbench on their expedition.

Common issues include heater Blend door actutors, rear wiper transmissions, strange tranny shifts in 6R75 when it’s still cold occur sometimes as with many newer transmissions. They are great trucks my only complaint is rockers.

 

[Deesko]

Picked up a 2010 5.4L Expedition 4x4 (not EL) with the HD towing package with 95k miles on it to use as a tow vehicle for our travel trailer.

The TT UVW is 5720 lbs, around 6500 lbs loaded up, tongue weight around 650 lbs, it's 33ft long and we're loaded up with 5 people, coolers, clothes etc and the Expedition works just fine. Going up good inclines it's definitely cranking in 2nd or 3rd gear and pushing 3500-4000+ rpms but nothing abnormal.

We took a trip out to Shenandoah, Va last weekend and even with the mountains (if you can call them that) we averaged 10.6 MPG, tranny temps never broke 195 degrees and engine temps ran no different than normal.

We did have the passenger side catalytic converter go bad (maybe, maybe not) and the passenger side exhaust manifold definitely warped/cracked. Luckily the exhaust manifold was covered under the extended warranty so it only cost us the $250 deductible but the shop said it was a major pain to replace.

Replaced both cats with Magnaflow high flow cats and put on a full stainless steel Gibson cat-back exhaust. Parts were $750-ish, Labor was $450-ish and then the $250 deductible for the exhaust manifold.

Overall, I'm happy with the purchase and it does exactly what we need it to do and it's comfortable.

 

[chakakan]

I just picked up a 2010 Expedition with 65K for $14k. Was a Federal vehicle out of San Diego. I've lived in N.E. Ohio all my life and this vehicle was a SHOCK to me!!! 7 yrs old and I was able to break strut bolts free with a wrench! If you don't mind less creature comforts check out Asia motors and Chicago motors....you can come across so good buys.

 

[Adieu]

I just picked up a 2010 Expedition with 65K for $14k. Was a Federal vehicle out of San Diego. I've lived in N.E. Ohio all my life and this vehicle was a SHOCK to me!!! 7 yrs old and I was able to break strut bolts free with a wrench! If you don't mind less creature comforts check out Asia motors and Chicago motors....you can come across so good buys.

Kinda overpriced imho, despite the low mileage....and it already needed struts @ 65k mi?

Uhm and is it really a GOOD thing when the main structural component holding your wheels in place is bolted on kinda loosely??? That shit shoulda been torqued down to like 300-something ftlbs or so iirc..... definitely breaker bar or impact gun territory

 

[chakakan]

It didn't need struts....I put in 1.5" spacers to level it out more. In my area that vehicle would be $3k more and would already be starting to rust out.

 

[theoldwizard1]

First, let me recommend getting the EL version, especially if you have a family and want extra cargo room.

The air ride vs. not, what does it take to convert to traditional spring? Are the perches the same, or?

There are kits available to do it and I do NOT believe you have to change the perches.

Transmission, the expedition is heavy, how is the transmission cooling?

I know you said you would not be towing with it, but I still recommend a transmission cooler. The (OEM) cooler itself can be found on eBay at a very reasonable price. It does require some additional houses and brackets to install. If you ever have to replace the radiator, there is a heavy duty version that bolts in. If you get AWD/4WD, the CYA step is to change the fluid between 75k-100k.

Is there a MY cut off for new vs. old style heads on the 5.4 like F150? This was june of 2007 IIRC in f150.

According to Wikipedia the date was 10/9/07. Build dates after that should be god.

I'll probably be shopping 07-10 MY as these fall within budget. What are common issues for these trucks with say 80k, 120k, 140k? I know enough to peep the common issues on the 5.4 and overall mechanical issues. Figure whichever one I buy, we will do compression test to make sure motor is healthy, new O2 sensors, new fuel filter and possibly a new pump when the blower is installed, ....

Struts don't last forever. You will have to replace them sometime. (I have always wondered if the Nivomat mechanical self leveling rear struts for the 2015-16 could be swapped in to the older 3rd gen Expeditions.) If you are planning on doing the job yourself, I highly recommend taking the rear struts to a shop that has a heavy duty spring compressor. Those rear springs are HUGE !

IMHO, it is a waste of money to swap O2 sensors. Somewhere along the line, they stopped installing the replaceable inline fuel filter. New pump ? Fuel ? Oil ?

 

[Allen Miller]

Trying to keep this topic in one thread, but what seems to be the high end of the longevity on the 3rd gens? I've found an 07 Limited EL for under $5000, but it's got 260,000 miles on it.

The pictures on CL look somewhat promising (the running boards aren't dangling off or rust-stained from the rocker panels like some that I've seen). Overall it looks in really good shape, but that odometer scares me... but then again, it's about half the price of ELs with lower mileage that are in way worse condition.

I'm just wondering if it's worth the hour drive to take a test drive in it.

 

[JExpedition07]

Trying to keep this topic in one thread, but what seems to be the high end of the longevity on the 3rd gens? I've found an 07 Limited EL for under $5000, but it's got 260,000 miles on it.

The pictures on CL look somewhat promising (the running boards aren't dangling off or rust-stained from the rocker panels like some that I've seen). Overall it looks in really good shape, but that odometer scares me... but then again, it's about half the price of ELs with lower mileage that are in way worse condition.

I'm just wondering if it's worth the hour drive to take a test drive in it.

That’s a lot of miles. They can last 300,000 plus but you have to ask yourself if your fine with starting at 260k

 

[chuck s]

180K-ish miles on mine when I sold it back in July. Shocks and fuel pump are all I can recall for repairs. Serviced per the book.

-- Chuck

 

[theoldwizard1]

I've found an 07 Limited EL for under $5000, but it's got 260,000 miles on it.

You really need to inspect it for rust. That is a big problem with almost any vehicle in the midwest. If it has air suspension, you will be chasing leaks forever.

Then expect the obvious repairs. Brakes front and rear (don't skimp, rebuilt calipers and mounting brackets, hoses, everything !). Struts, front and rear. If the engine has any issues with any valve train component, replace everything (oil pump, chain, guides, tensioners, VCT solenoid and phasers). Those items alone can run you up to more than $2000, depending on how much you do yourself.

 

[Allen Miller]

That’s a lot of miles. They can last 300,000 plus but you have to ask yourself if your fine with starting at 260k

I guess the big question would be the cam phaser issue - how prevalent was this as late as 2007? I thought that was more of an 03/04/05 issue, but it's not uncommon on 06+... I'm interested to see more about this particular truck, especially getting into an EL for so cheap... we've got a couple small children, and for some stupid reason, I'm still growing taller and broader at age 26, so our explorer is starting to get super cramped.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I guess the big question would be the cam phaser issue - how prevalent was this as late as 2007? I thought that was more of an 03/04/05 issue, ...

Any high mileage 5.4L that has not had the repair, will likely need it. Like I said, replace ALL valve timing components and the oil pump ! Once the front cover is off, there should be no additional labor charges.

 

[JExpedition07]

I guess the big question would be the cam phaser issue - how prevalent was this as late as 2007? I thought that was more of an 03/04/05 issue, but it's not uncommon on 06+... I'm interested to see more about this particular truck, especially getting into an EL for so cheap... we've got a couple small children, and for some stupid reason, I'm still growing taller and broader at age 26, so our explorer is starting to get super cramped.

Some of the post 06 engines never see a camphaser issue listen to it when you see it. Listen for a very heavy clicking and ticking.