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Just talked to a friend that owns a 99 Exp XLT. Their Exp was in the shop for a burning oil smell this weekend. Diagnosis - a cracked head gasket. Looks like it's a common problem. Anyone else experience this, and what did you get out of it. I can't believe I can only get 1yr/12,000 miles after replacing half the engine.
We finally found a local dealer (Phil Long) who orders new Expys equipped the way I wanted, so we bought a new one off the lot rather than order one.
I'm interested because Toyota replaced BOTH head gaskets in our '95 T100 truck a few years ago and ONLY replaced the gaskets; no other parts.
I agree you've been treated badly. Any other dealers nearby that you could try?
If you haven't read Edmunds.com's confessions of a car salesman, I highly recommend you do so. I found it very entertaining, and yet enlightening as to what may go on in auto dealerships.
Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards
As far as the production of the Expeditions goes, the plant was shut down for one week in February because the inventories were a little high. However, they're back to running full bore like they always have (no slow-down in production). The delivery times you guys are hearing from your dealerships seem a little long to me ... perhaps there's late availability with the side airbags.
Anybody install a bug/stone shield on their Expedition? I'm looking for one for which I won't have to drill through the sheet-metal.
So far had the Engine replaced at 20500miles for cold start knock. Now I'm going to take it back for the rear class door hinges that are making a bad noise when opening. And the recalls have been taken care of.
So far happy with my X, I think every manufacture has it's problems but good a dealer can help a great deal.
99 XLT 5.4L 4X4 3.73LS Superchip Dynomax Exhaust
Airaid Intake 285/75/16 BFG KO's
Thanks,
Kevin
The MPG will be the same or just a little better.
At first, playing with the performance of the vehicle, my MPG was down about 1-2mpg. Because I was flooring it all the time. Then I learned to mellow out to get back my mpg. Rule of thump, if you drive fast=low mpg, drive conservatively=for me 13.5 city. I can get over 400 miles on a tank on the hiway with a cargo carrier on top. I would just say no to better mpg because of the fun factor. Hope I didn't confuse you too much.
Oh, you have to run 92+ octane, keep that in mind.
It's a performance chip.
I've mostly heard that the ride is better with the air suspension, but my main concern would probably be reliability. I don't know if people have seen problems with it, but it's just one more thing that could go wrong!
I've tried Mobil, Chevron, Unocal with old and new nozzles. The problem happens every time.
It's very frustrating because the dealership has never had this problem and they have been quite difficult in wanting to help me because they think it's a "gas station problem" not a vehicle pumping problem.
So I had to be very aggressive with them to make them understand that the problem is not with the gas stations but with my vehicle. Finally, they took my vehicle and one of their vehicles to the gas station. Their vehicle pumped gas just fine. Then they put my vehicle at the same pump and it didn't work.
Anyone else have this same problem? If so, what caused it? HELP!
Lou
Thanks
Lou
I ordered the "NO BOUNDRIES" package on my Exp. 17" 5 spoke wheels and the chrome accent on a black exterior really makes a difference. Also the interior is a little different from the standard XLT.
I can't figure out how to set the push button code on the drivers door. The manual is confusing. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
As for smoothing out the ride. It seems to be smoother than the 2000 XLT we drove for a week on vacation just before buying the 2000 EB 4x4.
Unfortunately, I suspect that it may also be the reason we have to constantly "steer" the vehicle while driving on straight roads. It seems to have a non directional drift that requires constant steering (tiny increments) from one side to the next to keep traveling in a straight line. We didn't remeber the XLT doing that.
My next step it to use synthetic oil, that helped my old Explorer increase gas milage, and I am looking to put a Gibson swept side exhaust on the Expy. The Gibson swept side is supposed to be the quietest one out there I am told. Anyone else have experience with after market exhaust on Expy's?
Steve
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
My problem is passenger space. With 2 kids, carpooling, dog and grandparents toting to dinner 2 or 3 times per month, we need 3rd row seating. I have tested all the new large SUVs and was most impressed with the Expedition and Toyota Sequoia. Although these are really impressively easy to handle, I am really not comfortable driving something as big as these. I also searched the midsize SUV market, but I haven't seen any with REAL back seat room. Many 2002 midsize SUVs are coming out with 3rd rows, but I don't know if I should wait to see how roomy they are compared to the Expe. and Sequoia. I just want some feedback about this 3-part delemma.
1. Exped. vs Sequoia...which is better and why?
2. Wait for the 2002 midsize SUVs
3. Get another minivan with dependable ease for passengers.
Safety is my main concern, while the other needs above are to be factored in also.......someone help!
So far we like our Expedition a lot, but my guess is that long-term the Sequoia will have better overall reliability. Toyota is well known for their reliability.
As far as the size goes ... I have always driven smaller vehicles (compact cars), and it didn't take me long to adjust to the Expedition. The steering at low speeds, especially, helps a lot when moving around in parking lots, gas stations, etc.
I was very impressed with the new Explorer and Mountaineer (2002). The '02 Explorers have just started arriving at dealerships so should be available and inventories should be increasing quickly. The third rows in these vehicles are actually quite impressive, especially for mid-sized SUV's. I'm 6'3" and sat in the third row without much difficulty. Also, the new Explorer and Mountaineer have 4-wheel independent suspension which greatly improve ride quality and handling.
Please let me know if you need any more info (klkrause@speakeasy.net if you'd like to e-mail me).
But about the Expedition, I also have some questions. The salesman I dealt with for my test drive turned out to be a novice (his 5th day on the job!) and later I discovered he mildly misinformed me about some features. Maybe you could help. In the Eddie Bauer, does 4 corner load leveling suspension really help with rollover prevention? And is it that feature that actually gives the vehicle air suspension or are those 2 different things? Also, why are some models so much higher off the ground than others? Is it the difference between 2WD and 4WD, or air suspension/load leveling? And didn't I read somewhere that ground clearance is actually adjustable (for easy entry and exit) or am I thinking of another SUV?
Any input would be appreciated. Thank you.
As far as helping to prevent roll-overs ... I can't imagine that would be the case. If anything, the higher the vehicle is off the ground, the easier it would be to roll-over. After driving a few hundred miles in our Expedition this weekend, I noticed that you definitely have to take it a little easier when cornering, but it's not so bad that you feel like you're going to roll-over all the time. Once you are adjusted to the taller, larger vehicle I'm sure it will be second nature to drive like you really should!
The 4X4's are indeed higher off the ground that the 4X2's. We ended up getting a 4X4 without the load-leveling suspension and I personally like the higher ride, but again I'm quite tall and have no problems getting in or out.
Where do you live? How many dealerships do you have in your area? We have literally 10 Ford dealerships within 20 minutes of where we live, so I found one I liked and purchased from there. If you are seriously considering a Ford vehicle, please let me know and I can probably help get you a lower price, as well.
I compared the Expy to the Seq extensively before I bought. Our Eddie Bauer saved us about $9000 over a comparably equipped Seq Limited. This was two months ago, when Toyota dealers absolutely would NOT discount their vehicles. MSRP or see ya later! We now have about 2000 miles on the new Expy with no problems. Its primarily my wife's vehicle and she is quite happy with it. She says the size doesn't bother her. Make no mistake though, the Expy is a HUGE truck. So is the Seq.
One thing: DO NOT SIGN THE FINAL PAPERS UNTIL YOUR DEALER CHANGES OUT THE FIRESTONE TIRES. Don't budge an inch on this! Your family's safety is what we're talking about here. Those Firestones are "DEATH TIRES". I now have Michelin LTX M/S tires, and both the steering and ride were dramatically improved.
KLK is also right about 4x2 vs. 4x4. If your climate/hobbies don't require a 4x4, you might consider the 4x2. The ride height should be a little lower on the 4x2. Also, the EB and the XLTs with the Sport Package have 17" wheels, also adding to the ride height.
Once you get used to how a tall 4x4 handles, there's no problem. you just don't take corners as fast.
BTW- Any vehicle can be made to handle like a sports car these days. HOWEVER, most of the changes to suspension and tires that improve handling also adversely affect the ride quality. Your choice....
http://home.earthlink.net/~louladot/
Thanks for any info.
Thanks
OTOH- If one were to opt for the 4.6 engine, combined with the highest gearing offered, and compared that to the 5.4 with the lowest gearing offered, there would be a noticable difference of as much as 2-5 MPG, on a level highway. Of course, the 4.6 with high gearing would be unsuitable for towing, high-altitude use and climbing mountains.
If so, they could have been the source of most of your steering and sloppy handling problems.
I had to drive on the 17" Firestones for two weeks until the Michelin LTX M/S tires that I ordered came in. What an amazing difference! Both steering and handling improved noticeably.
Sway bars don't increase the stiffness of your ride. That's strictly due to your new shocks. Sway bars will reduce the body roll in turns, and are a great addition if a vehicle doesn't come with a rear one as original equipment. The front sway bar should always be slightly larger (in diameter) than the rear one for the best results. If the rear is larger, the handling can get squirrelly.
I put the Eledbrock shocks on our last SUV, an Isuzu Trooper and was pleased with the results at first, but after three years with that stiff ride, the Trooper sure had lots of squeeks and rattles. I wasn't pleased with those.
Thanks,