New to me, what should I be checking

[jholden47]

My trusty Expedition just failed it’s inspection. I just put a deposit down on a 2007 Explorer 4.0 v6. 112k miles with a HD tow package.

I came home and logged onto this forum, and read through 28 pages of stuff to see what I was getting myself into. Some of the posts have got me worried about the transmission. On the test drive the truck drove smoothly. The dealer has done a flush and filter change, and a complete engine tune up including belts plugs filters oil etc.

What are the warning signs for the transmission failing? Other than limiting towing is there anything else is should or shouldn’t do?

 

[Explorer_PL]

The most common issues on the 4.0 with 5R55S is the shift issue between 2-3 related to servo bores, and weak reverse that fails at some pint.

The engine itself is all other story. Don't get me wrong, you may get 100k more successful miles out of it. I think it's a great overall vehicle for all reasons, just requires lots of attention. I have 2 of them and we like them a lot. One of the better family vehicles we have ever had,
The 06 has been with us for 11 years.

 

[tripplec]

The engine chain tensioners are a big problem at some point. (a big job) Frequent quality oil changer are certainly key. If you have a service history thats one thing if not. Well its guess work. Overall the V8 4.6L is a much better solution. You should have a professional check it out I would say. Its over 10 years old and buying into a money pit is not a happy situation.

If you've read a lot on this forum you'll be enlightened a lot.

 

[Drewmcg]

My trusty Expedition just failed it’s inspection. I just put a deposit down on a 2007 Explorer 4.0 v6. 112k miles with a HD tow package.

I came home and logged onto this forum, and read through 28 pages of stuff to see what I was getting myself into. Some of the posts have got me worried about the transmission. On the test drive the truck drove smoothly. The dealer has done a flush and filter change, and a complete engine tune up including belts plugs filters oil etc.

What are the warning signs for the transmission failing? Other than limiting towing is there anything else is should or shouldn’t do?

Per your profile, you already have a '02 4.0L XLT, so you know almost everything there is to know about this topic!

Fourth gens (nb: I don't own one) do have differences, of course, but the timing chain issue, the servo bore issue, the wheel bearing issues, persisted.

From what I've researched/gleaned over the months, there were some significant '06-'07 radiator issues unique to this model that Ford eventually fixed (not sure how). And the engine is drive by wire, I think, and has a different fuel pump setup, too.

And what good is a truck if you're afraid to tow with it? My buddy and I did the servo bore kit fix on my '02 and it was not a huge deal; truck runs great!