Time to park it?

[JoeP123]

2006 Expedition, 5.4 3V, 163,000 miles.
Silver Birch Metallic paint, nice shape.

Engine runs strong, but it has the usual rocker panel rust (which was patched with "slip on" covers).

But now the transmission has the forward clutch issue where it slips and shudders in forward gears, reverse is fine.

With the cost of the transmission repair ($3800) plus probably replacement of all brake lines, I was thinking it is time to finally park it - even though it looks great from the outside.

Any thoughts?

 

[Vincent Vega]

That is alot of money, but it isn't compared to the for anything new or newish. And it is in the ballpark for a legit shop (not a shadetree). Another option is to buy an Exp of similar year, which would be $5-10k depending on its condition. But then you are dealing with unknown risk, a used one that could end up with who knows what expensive problems, too (have you seen how some people abuse their vehicles?).
All that brings me back to fixing what you have because you know what your risk is - $3800 and you are back in business for a long time. Just my opinion.
If you decide to sell and you are within 500 or so miles of S California, I would consider buying it so let me know. Good luck either way.

 

[JoeP123]

Thanks Vincent. I would like it to go to another Expy owner too, but I am in Mass...

Does anyone know how long the 5.4 3V can go with good care? I have changed the oil myself every 4k miles. Motor sounds good, no ticking, etc.

 

[Vincent Vega]

@JoeP123 The engine will probably last 250k, maybe more, because you took good care of it.

 

[Jon Hedges]

I have a 2000 XLT 5.4 4x4 with 360000 miles on original engine. Other than new intake manifold no major engine build.

 

[aesani]

I would keep it, but that's just me; I tend to grow fond of and hang on to things. It has no cancer, it has 170K, I had the top end done at 160K and has never been in an accident. I live in the Nevada desert, it's a 4x4 and and I use it off road a lot. The drive train (axles, A-arms, the works) need about 7K to make everything like new, and I'm going to bite that bullet this summer. I just can't see 70k to replace it, I love my 2003.

 

[Speed 330]

Thanks Vincent. I would like it to go to another Expy owner too, but I am in Mass...

Does anyone know how long the 5.4 3V can go with good care? I have changed the oil myself every 4k miles. Motor sounds good, no ticking, etc.

I have 235,000 on an 06 Eddie Bauer I did a timing job on it put new gears phasers or oil pump at about 176000 still going strong I wouldn't let that thing go for all the money in the world not to mention it still looks good

 

[Vincent Vega]

@JoeP123 I agree. You fixed the biggest weak point on it already, which is a big job, so no reason to part with it now.