2001 Navigator

[ffjosh]

How do they pull a trailer?

Im thinking of getting one and would still like to be able to pull a 6-7k

 

[Johnnie Walker]

I wouldn't do it.
Better off with a Tahoe/Burban or 3/4 ton p/u

 

[Alex E]

Yes and no. They are great trucks and it will do what you want for towing. Yeah, I'll agree that some type of pick up might tow a little nicer because the solid axle vs IRS but really, either will do fine. Yeah, I'd rather have a solid axle but what ever. As for being a Navi, less options the better to be honest. If I had my choice, I REALLY like the Expedition. Mainly they are both nice trucks BUT the Navi has a little more expensive stuff to break like auto lift gates in the back and auto hide away running boards. The Navi and Exp both have auto ride suspension (if equipped) that are prone to pump failures, leaks and torn air bags. Either way they are both good trucks, if you can get some kind of deal on a Navi or you know someone with a nice, well taken care of one and it suites your needs then I'd go for it. But if your just looking for a V-8 SUV or truck then find a 3/4 ton P/U or a base Navi or a Exp with out auto ride suspension. FYI, there is a more rare off road Exp you can get, came with skid plates and some other things but it has a little black and chrome tag on the back and it says "Expedition NBX", those are cool.

 

[ffjosh]

Im actually trying to get rid of my F250 diesel lol (don't use it like I used too, fuel is too expensive)

Reason I am is my fiance wants a SUV (need more space) and we wanted one that could pull a trailer as well. I found a great deal on a Navi and I have heard they pull pretty good but the air bag systems seems to be the weak link...I was reading that some people will actually put a different suspension system under the rear end.

That is really the only thing that scares me. If a airbag fails where does that leave me?

 

[Alex E]

Im actually trying to get rid of my F250 diesel lol (don't use it like I used too, fuel is too expensive)

Reason I am is my fiance wants a SUV (need more space) and we wanted one that could pull a trailer as well. I found a great deal on a Navi and I have heard they pull pretty good but the air bag systems seems to be the weak link...I was reading that some people will actually put a different suspension system under the rear end.

That is really the only thing that scares me. If a airbag fails where does that leave me?

If the bag fails it should still be drivable as long as you have the stock size tires (they won't rub when on the bump stops). Might suck if your towing BUT you might not be stranded atleast. The problem is when the truck gets a small leak, the pump constanly cycles and eventually it burns out. After that happens the relay might fail or start to work intermittenly too. Its really not the biggest deal but its just little crap that adds up and if you take it to a shop who fixes one problem at a time rather then fix the whole system then it seems like you have to keep bringing it into the shop. Anyway, they are pretty decent trucks, the newer the better. Some of the early 5.4s had issues
and I'd stay away from the early style Navi with the 32 valve 5.4. Thats a great engine but its a little more costly to work on because if you have to do any type of work beyond something basic then the intake manifold has to come off because the intake runners are above the valve cover. In all honesty I havent had to fix to many major issues with Navis and Exp. FYI if you own a 5.4 and need plugs done make sure you contact the Ford dealer and see if your truck falls under this certain TSB, they will know exactly what your talking about.

 

[r33pwrd]

That is really the only thing that scares me. If a airbag fails where does that leave me?

On my old suburban when they failed they aired all the way up looked like I have a 4" lift in the rear

 

[ffjosh]

Thanks guys, it will probably only get at most 5k put on it a year as it will just be a winter vehicles for my fiance and a towing vehicle for trips. The farthest we have ever went on a trip is 4 hours to the Michigan dunes.

This is a 2001 Navi so that would be a older 5.4 in the navi so it shouldn't fall under the 5.4 with spark plug issues which I think is around 05?