Getting either a Explorer V8 or Expediation 5.4

[SparkSVT]

Im considering either buying a 2006-2007 Explorer V8 or an Expedition with a 5.4.

I need an SUV with 3 row seating for the kids and the ability to tow my California Highway Patrol Mustang ( www.fotki.com/sparksvt ) on an open car trailer to car shows. Is the Explorer up to this towing task and is there any room behind the 3rd row seat when im using it for a baby stroller? I cant seem to find a pic of the hatch open on an explorer with the 3rd row seat up...

 

[manaen]

go with the expedition, it is way better suited for the towing. The explorer would be at it's limit with a carload of kids and a car trailer. The expedition would laugh at it. and when it comes to towing large stuff like that nothing beats a full size frame under you.

what does the trailer and mustang weigh together?

 

[SparkSVT]

im guessing 5000 lbs for the car and trailer together.

 

[manaen]

yeah you would be at the limit of that explorer once you get all the gear loaded in the truck too. It's not out of the question for the explorer. However if your going to be towing a lot then I would say go for the expedition. If your worried about mpg then maybe you could get the expy with a 4.6l which if driven nicely will net almost the same fuel mileage as the explorer.

 

[manaen]

Oh and if your buying used, pay close attention to the gears in the rear end, for either truck you will want to get the 3.73 or 4.10 gears.

and I always recommend adding a heavy duty transmission cooler and temp gauge, it's the only way I roll

 

[SparkSVT]

how do i tell what rear gear is in a used explorer or expedition?

 

[ramblinwreck]

Im considering either buying a 2006-2007 Explorer V8 or an Expedition with a 5.4.

I need an SUV with 3 row seating for the kids and the ability to tow my California Highway Patrol Mustang ( www.fotki.com/sparksvt ) on an open car trailer to car shows. Is the Explorer up to this towing task and is there any room behind the 3rd row seat when im using it for a baby stroller? I cant seem to find a pic of the hatch open on an explorer with the 3rd row seat up...

If you do decide on the Explorer make certain you get one with the factory class III hitch. As I have learned, it is a real pain to convert the class II to the class III without making it look bad.

 

[bojans]

The Explorer has almost no room behind the 3rd row, highly doubt you would get a full size stroller in there. Also there is a difference between a tow rating and what you are happy towing. I have a 2006 Explorer with the V8 and don't care to tow any distance with more than 2 tons on the back, not so much due to the power but I just feel more comfortable having a longer wheel base (for control) when towing a weight that is approaching that of the tow vehicle.

 

[SparkSVT]

looks like im leaning more in the direction of the Expedition after reading this. The room behind the 3rd row seat is important to me, as is the towing capability....

 

[Joe Dirt]

If towing and storage are a big issue, I wouldn't even think of the V8 Explorer- sure you can do it, but you'll be much more comfortable in the long run with the bigger vehicle, and the bigger V8.

 

[manaen]

Yeah, if you don't need the xtra power, but do need the extra space, look for an expy with the 4.6L

 

[MustangP51]

I would recommend the Expedition for towing anything on the highway. The 4.6 will have no problem pulling that Mustang and trailer(5.4 power would be nice though). I have trailered my 65 Mustang with my 99 Expedition with the 4.6. I would recommend getting some kind of air suspension in the rear because of the independent suspension setup to keep the wheels at the correct camber and reduce the drop in the rear when loaded.

I think you can find the gearing of the rear on a metal tag attached to one of the bolts on the differential.

 

[manaen]

Also the gearing is marked on the door sticker if you cannot read the axle tag.

Once you get the axle code from the door sticker do a search on the internet for ford axle codes and you should be able to find out what the gears are. Or come here and we can probably help you translate the codes.

 

[V8Pete]

It might be heresy to suggest this on this forum, but I'd suggest c - none of the above. I'd go for a Tahoe. The LS engines are superior in power and economy to the mod motors, and the '06 and newer Tahoes are way nicer than an Expedition, as well.

 

[manaen]

That's it, your banned JK

 

[V8Pete]

That's it, your banned JK

Story of my life

On another note, that CHP 'stang is pretty cool. I bought an '86 5.0 notch new. Couldn't stop it, with those miniscule 10" rotors, but it was a hoot otherwise.

 

[Joe Dirt]

So what about an '06 and up Expedition then? I'd for sure put that up against a Tahoe, and it would be a close call... But if you're looking late 90's early 00's, I'd vote Expedition over Tahoe. I had a 4.6L in my 2004 F-150 and the differene between that motor and my Dad's 5.4L 2004 just in normal hilly driving and towing is rather noticeable, and the mileage is virtually the same.

 

[MustangP51]

So what about an '06 and up Expedition then? I'd for sure put that up against a Tahoe, and it would be a close call... But if you're looking late 90's early 00's, I'd vote Expedition over Tahoe. I had a 4.6L in my 2004 F-150 and the differene between that motor and my Dad's 5.4L 2004 just in normal hilly driving and towing is rather noticeable, and the mileage is virtually the same.

x2 for the Expedition over the Tahoe, mine has been to hell and back several times and I haven't heard her complain once.

 

[manaen]

:

x2 for the Expedition over the Tahoe, mine has been to hell and back several times and I haven't heard her complain once.

Wow what type of tires take that punishment :fire: :

 

[gluvsave35]

just be carefull when lookin for and expedition them 5.4 motors are known to blow spark plugs straight out of there holes!! ive done like 4 motor jobs in 2000+ expeditions and all with the same problem! just somethin to keep in mind