Nice second gen! That’s a solid year too! I used to have an '03 SSV (ex-police model) that I pushed up to 220k miles delivering pizza and driving it hard. Really dependable trucks – probably my favorite daily driver, honestly.
@Reagan
Thanks! Mine’s at 105k and still going strong.
I didn’t know they used second gens for police vehicles – thought that was just the newer models and Explorers.
Keaton said:
@Reagan
Thanks! Mine’s at 105k and still going strong.
I didn’t know they used second gens for police vehicles – thought that was just the newer models and Explorers.
Yeah, not super common, but some departments used them. Mine had a rubber floor liner, no center console, and no third row. I also had an ex-fire 2014 until it met the cam phaser issue.
If you’ve got a 4.6 or 5.4, either one’s a good engine, though the 5.4 has a bit more kick. My first car was an '04 4.6 XLT 2WD, and I really put it through the wringer. Hit a curb at 40 mph once and the alignment didn’t even go out! Took it mudding, did donuts, even jumped it a couple of times. That truck could handle anything.
If you ever want to go bigger on tires, 285/70R17s fit on factory rims with only a bit of rubbing on full lock. With your rims, they might fit without rubbing at all.
@Reagan
Sounds like you had a blast with that '04! I grew up with Fords, so I believe it could handle all that.
Mine’s the 4.6 2WD XLT. Might upgrade to bigger tires someday. Thanks for the advice!
How did you manage to jump it, though? Haha
@Keaton
Backroads where I used to live had railroad tracks that acted like ramps. Didn’t get too high, maybe 18 inches off the ground, but I definitely got all four tires off the ground for around 15 feet. Fun times!
That looks clean! I’m planning some upgrades on mine too.
What are your wheel and tire specs? Any advice?
Shan said:
That looks clean! I’m planning some upgrades on mine too.
What are your wheel and tire specs? Any advice?
Thanks!
The rims are 17x9 with a -12mm offset, and the tires are LT265/70R17s from a Pathfinder. I went with rims that would fit the tires I already had to keep costs down. Only thing I’d maybe change is a bit less offset on the front, but it’s a personal preference.
@Keaton
Nice setup! I’d probably go for bigger tires, but that’s just me. If you’re staying RWD, though, it’s not as necessary. It looks great with that offset, but if you do go wider, fender flares would really complete the look. Just throwing out ideas!
@Shan
It’s definitely a 2WD unless someone removed the factory tow hooks up front. Fun fact – that’s one of the quickest ways to tell a 4WD from a 2WD.
Reagan said:
@Shan
It’s definitely a 2WD unless someone removed the factory tow hooks up front. Fun fact – that’s one of the quickest ways to tell a 4WD from a 2WD.
Interesting! So if I add tow hooks to a 2WD, would it throw off the look for the enthusiasts? Haha
@Shan
You totally could! Only hardcore Expedition fans like me would notice or care, though.