Considering used '07: What to look for

[gijoecam]

After a decade of giving advice, now I need some. My wife and I are looking at a used '07 Ironman Ex with the 4.6 and trailer towing package. I'm intimately familiar with the second-gens, but only vaguely acquainted with the third-gens... What things would I want to be looking for on it? Specifically, are there any typical short-comings or early-failure items on them? I vaguely recall reading something about rear wheel bearings a while back... Have they resolved that issue yet?

We're hoping to be able to tow our 3500lb popup with it, and if I'm reading the manual correctly, it should be well within the vehicle's capability. Any long-term issues with them on the tow/haul front?

Also, can someone refresh my memory: Aside from the paint/plastic, and seats, was there anything else unique to the Ironman editions?

Thanks, gang!

-Joe

 

[tv4fish]

Joe- FWIW - I just bought an '07 EB with the 4.6, also has the HD towing pkg. - I (we) really like it. I also have an '02 EB with the 4.0 six - I think the V8 gets as good of mileage as the 4.0!
The '07 definitely has a smoother ride. I also plan to use the '07 to tow my 17' boat w/90 hp motor - I don't think it will be any problem at all. I don't think the '07 had the wheel bearing issue? Go for it!

 

[Bill MacLeod]

At some point in the 2007 model year, Ford redesigned the heads for a different spark plug. I think this eliminated the seized/broken spark plug problem. This may or may not be of concern to you.
Only other issue I can think of is the 6 spd bump shift. The latest recal of the trans seems to for the most part fix this. Check to see that this was done. (Oasis print out)
Not sure how the 6 spd is for towing, but with the 3 valve motor, does it ever shift sweet at WOT.
Haven't seen much complaining of noisy rears, so Ford must have fixed this by the end of the 3rd gen.
I think you will be impressed with the 4th gen after having the 2nd gen. Handling, ride comfort, etc are so much better.

 

[deuce07]

At some point in the 2007 model year, Ford redesigned the heads for a different spark plug. I think this eliminated the seized/broken spark plug problem. This may or may not be of concern to you.
Only other issue I can think of is the 6 spd bump shift. The latest recal of the trans seems to for the most part fix this. Check to see that this was done. (Oasis print out)
Not sure how the 6 spd is for towing, but with the 3 valve motor, does it ever shift sweet at WOT.
Haven't seen much complaining of noisy rears, so Ford must have fixed this by the end of the 3rd gen.
I think you will be impressed with the 4th gen after having the 2nd gen. Handling, ride comfort, etc are so much better.

hey bill, so you are still feeling a SLIGHT bump shift?

 

[Bill MacLeod]

Only as you come to a stop. The downshift to 1st is sometimes delayed alittle. Other than that, its great.

 

[gijoecam]

I ran an OASIS history on it... It was in for the bump on downshift and had the re-flash performed, as wella as a brake noise... Nothing major that would stop me from buying it.

Now, if I can just convince the wife that 'Frost Orange' is a nice color....

 

[deuce07]

Only as you come to a stop. The downshift to 1st is sometimes delayed alittle. Other than that, its great.

so you dont feel your car shifting from first gear to second gear when you accelerate?

 

[Bill MacLeod]

so you dont feel your car shifting from first gear to second gear when you accelerate?

Its not the 1/2 shift, its the 2/1 shift when you come to a stop. If you don't come to a full stop, it quite often doesn't drop into 1st. So you are taking off in second.
When it drops down into 1st ( slight pause after you stop) you can often feel the downshift. Its not abrupt or anything like that. Some might find this annoying, but fou get use to it.
All the above is after the tsb was done. (by previous owner)
I'm no trans expert, but wonder if the 4.17 2st gear ratio had something to do with this. 4.17 it a very low 1st gear.

 

[Bill MacLeod]

so you dont feel your car shifting from first gear to second gear when you accelerate?

Its not the 1/2 shift, its the 2/1 shift when you come to a stop. If you don't come to a full stop, it quite often doesn't drop into 1st. So you are taking off in second.
When it drops down into 1st ( slight pause after you stop) you can often feel the downshift. Its not abrupt or anything like that. Some might find this annoying, but you get use to it.
All the above is after the tsb was done. (by previous owner)
I'm no trans expert, but wonder if the 4.17 2st gear ratio had something to do with this. 4.17 it a very low 1st gear.

 

[gijoecam]

Thanks for all the info guys... Unfortunately I think we're taking a pass on this one... It had three strikes against it from the wife (and it's gonna be her car, so I guess I have to be OK with that)... No SYNC, no moon roof, and no heated seats. I think any one of those and she would have given the green flag, but all three makes it a no-go.

Oh, and her review of the 'Frost Orange' color was, well, 'frosty'...

Still searchin'. Thanks again!

-Joe