Ford ExpeditionTrue expeditions require additional transportation conveyances: horses, boats, cars, for example. With a towing capacity around 9,000 pounds, the Ford Expedition can tow any of these. Ford adds a new top end King Ranch model for 2008, as well as an available rear backup camera and power-retractable running boards. The Expedition is meant for utility, not posing.
I have a 2003 Epy XLT 4.6 that is geeting water in the oil. I have been advised to change the head gaskets but it still could be the block. The money/labor spent on the gasket change would then be wasted. A remanufactured long block with a warranty seems like an option if the labor to change is not out of sight. I have been told that the body needs to be lifted off to do this and I have been told it does not. I have a decent place to work and wonder if a good mechanic knowledgeable in Ford could do this in my warehouse without lifting the body.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
You are supposed to remove the engine for both proceedures so I would think labor would be pretty close either way.I have never heard of removing the body on an expedition for engine replacement.
I have a friend who did dozens of head gasket jobs on 3.8L engines in Taurus and Windstar. His estimate was that 50% of the repairs wound up with bad bearings within a year or two of the head gasket job. Depends how long and how much water has gotten into the oil.
If the rest of the vehicle is in good condition and you plan on keeping it for another 5 years, go with the long block. Shop around.
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1998 E150 Club Wagon, 4.6L Modular, E4OD
2007 Milan. 3.0L Duratec, Aisin 6 speed AW-F21 others I look out for
2007 Escape 2wd (the mini Pumpkin), 3.0L Duratec, CD4E
2008 Mazda3 5 door, 2.3L, 5 speed manual
I agree with Phantom I actually have purchased a Short Block with the intent to build it this winter and have it installed by summer, ( I know it wont be this year.... ) So i have spent Hundreds of dollars on Instruction books manuals and magazines with articles on the 4.6's never had I read that the body must be loosened much less lifted off?? I have done headers and that was very Sh!#4y head gaskets do call for removal of the Engine so costs should be close.
To Pantom_Smack, the oldwizard and DGNA5. Thank you for yor insight. It would seem to me if the engine is to be removed, it would make more sense to find the extra money for a long block that has been remanufactured. All of your comments confirm that this is the way to go. Now to go find the jobs ($). Thank you.
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2003 Expedition Long Block or Head Gaskets? 
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