I own an Expy and fully satisfied with it. I have a question tho. My son is looking at a '99 w/5.4, 3.73 4wd. Are there any particuler problems with this year? It has 43 K miles.

 

Many '99 w/ 5.4 have a problem with an oil leak on the passanger side between the block and head. Other then that, I don't know of any issues. That is except for the imfamous piston slap. From what I've seen, not to many have the piston slap issue that year, but some do. I can't say whether it will cause an engine failure, since I don't know of any, but it could hurt resale.

- Dae

 

I have a late build 99 (8-99) with no troubles at all. I also looked at very many Expy's prior to this purchase and didn't come across any that had the "Piston Slap" or "Passanger Side Cylinder Head Oil Leak". Now that doesn't mean that they aren't out there, I am sure they are. They are just a small percentage of overall production, you have to remember that the Expy has been the best selling full size SUV since it's intro in 97 and there are many hundreds of thousands of examples on the road. (same applies for the F150 truck)

There for a quality problem that effects just 1 percent of the fleet can translate to thousands of unhappy owners sharing tales of dealer / manufacture incompetance.

These are fine vehicals for the most part. You just MUST "learn" what to look for. For example, crawl under the truck and check for any signs of oil leaks and listen at "cold" start up for any "knocking". You will have to look at many examples to be able to "know" what is normal.

I think you son will love his new truck

Petrol

 

I have a 99 build date of 1-99. So far the only problems have been an AC leak and compass/temperature display problem. No slap, no leak. I can't get a percentage of the 99's that have the slap/leak problem, I'm sure there are some out there, but my perception is that, its a low percentage, no comfort if yours is one of the 'low percentage'.

 

I have a 99 also, and also heard some 4.6 and 5.4 engines in 99 have head or intake to head gasket leaks. I did have the piston slap, but it was only noticeable in cold weather like 35 degrees or below. I have done every oil change at the dealer so it wasn't the filter draining back and not letting the lifters get oil right away. Some people did not have the right filter and it would make noise for a few seconds. So if you don't live in a cold region, you'll never hear it. By the way chevy is having the same problem with their 4.8 5.3 6.0 engines. I was reading SUV mag and they said that chevy told them that it was do to carbon on the piston giving it an unbalance nature. Yeah right. Ok, I had my engine replaced at 19K for that only because I have a friend that works at a Ford dealer and he said he'll change it out for a 2000 motor. So far so good, have 38k now. Under warrantee I had the side molding replaced because the chrome center was bubbling. Oh the recall on the wheel lugs, and the control stalk. And the bolts on the trailer hitch. Run a VIN # check to see what recalls were done. Other than not handling as good as I would like, It's a good vehicle.

 

My 99 EB has a 6/99 production date. Big headache has been rebuild tranny, #4 coil pack replacement (quite a few owners with this problem), multi-stalk replaced, new CD player (6 CD), both front seat covers (bottoms) replaced, roof rack replaced, and new radio antennae.

All in all if I was to do it again I'd probably pass on the Expedition. The fit and finish inside didn't measure up to a $40K vehicle. It rides great and does take a licking (T Boned mini van at 45, required frame replacement, put the right door of Caravan next to driver, Expy didn't look too bad from outside).

Decent power and torque curve throughout (when you're accelerating at various speeds). Tahoes are nice also and the Vortechs have plenty of power.

Keith
99EB 38K

 

how much are they asking for it???


i have never had any problem with mine...
the only thing wrong right now are the brakes..

i need new ones so i am trying to find some cross drilled rotors..

i am thinking of buying a 99 Cobra or Saleen after next semester is over so i can use mine to tow..
the Navigator/Expys tow very well.... so i have a great excuse...

if they are not asking too much for it, id go for it.

my moms 99 EB has never had any problems.. it only has 20,000 miles on it cause she never drives it but still, it runs like it did when she got it.....

good luck.....

 

Son bowed out on the 99 but, ran across a cherry 2000 E.B with 14 K miles. Pricetag of $ 27200. Of course he jumped on it. Really a nice, nice truck. I should be so lucky!! Thanks for responses. Love this site.

 

 

I have a 99 2wd XLT with the 5.4 and absolutely love it! My wife says it's the best vehicle she's ever driven. We liked it so much I went and bought a SuperCrew for myself!

 

I have a 99 xlt 4.6 So far so good , I have been very happy with it.

 

DEE.....

my license plate is almost the same as your name...



DEEZ.....

 

I have to say that Expeditions are great vehicles. If you find a 4.6 go ahead and buy it. It might not be as powerful as a 5.4 but it is very dependable. I put 75K miles on the mustang which has a 4.6 and I put 99K miles on the 97 Expedition which also has the 4.6. None had any problems. My dad has 145K miles on his 4.6 Grand Marquis. All great vehicles. Iam very impressed with ford quality.


Steven, you are very lucky to be getting a saleen or cobra. One day i will save up the $ and buy one. Very fun to drive.

 

i wish i was lucky to get that....
i am about to have to make a huge decision that will affect me for the next 10-20 years....

my grandparents are retireing and want me to take over for them and i have wanted to since i was probably 13...
the money is great, i could almost anything i wanted,, however, i will be working 60-70 hours a week, and have to give up everything i have now to run it,,
@19 (ill be 20 in august and they want me to take it in september,) leaving behind everyone and everything is a hard decision to make..

i have 5 months to think about it....

its not as easy as a decision that i thought it would be...