Just bought a 01 expedition, what are some of the problems i should look out for?

[chasmanz28]

while i see nothing wrong with the suv it only has 31k on it, what are some of the things that are known to go bad on these babies, while i have my warrenty i just want to make sure im not missing something, BTW its has the 5.4 motor in it, and its a EB model

[RJExp]

99's and up models have had problems with spark plugs being launched from the cylinder because of either defective threads that were cast in larger diameter than the stock plug, there are not enough threads to hold the plug tightly in the cylinder head, or the plugs were not tightened enough at the factory and have worked loose. A few people have mentioned that they have to check and retighten there plugs regularly. This has been discussed to death on the FTE website (http://www.ford-trucks.com/), search for launching plugs. Don't let the dealer play dumb about this issue. There are posts all over the web about this and Ford has chosen to ignore the problem, but they don't mind letting you pay $1,500 dollars for a new cylinder head.

Other items to check are the IAC valve usually dies at about 50k mi, multifunction switch, front sway bar end links break (replace with Energy Suspension bushing kit, not Ford crap), leaking heater hose over the #4 cylinder and shorting out the coil and corroding the plug and threads causing the plug to blow out of the head. Tire pressure should be kept at 35 psi. Goodyear RTS's suck. Change the oil, oil filter, air filter, fuel filter, PCV valve, intake/fuel injector cleaning, transmission service, and trasfer case service. Stock shocks are crap and die around 50k miles. Make sure you have two keys and fobs so you can reprogram a spare key yourself. You have to have two keys to program a spare. If you only have one you're going to get screwed by the dealer. Get a spare key from a locksmith and program it ASAP. You can buy blanks and fobs off of Ebay for $10-$20 each, fobs are about $50 at dealer and the screw you for $80 to reprogram a key which you can do youself in about 30 sec. A load leveling suspension will cost you a fortune to fix if something goes wrong. Brake rotors seize to the front hubs. They need antiseize put on the hub flange, or you have to destroy them to get them off (cut or torch) when you have to get brakes fixed. Headlights suck, replace with Sylvania Silverstar.

This sounds like a lot of stuff. I love my Expy. It's been great. I used the FTE forum find out everything I told you about and to fix my problems. Good Luck.

[Samw]

RJExp, you forgot to mention the catalytic converters cracking open, only $1200 a side to fix.
We take them to the local muffler shop. They do the job for $600 a side. NOTE: make sure the replacement cats are OBD II compliant. If not, you will soon see "catalyst effiency" codes set.
Watch those "Xenarc" headlamps. Some of the Deputies complained about weak headlights. The boss decided to replace the bulbs with some kind of "super brite" lamps. After melting several headlamp assemblies (at $90 apiece), we went back to Halogen lamps.