2003 Ford Expedition

Making the new Expedition both quieter and stronger is the extensive use of structural foam in the SUV's body. Ford says that new body provides 42 percent better torsional stiffness.


In addition to the body's rigidity, the new frame is 70 percent stiffer, in part because of state-of-the-art hydroformed rails. The new frame also is lower, helping to lower the center of gravity. The front "roll center" is 2.3 inches lower than on the 2002 model, and the rear roll center is a remarkable 8.3 inches lower.

The independent rear suspension reduces body lean in turns and trims 110 pounds of unsprung weight. Yet Ford says the IRS is five times stiffer laterally for quicker response in turns.

The independent rear suspension reduces body lean in turns and trims 110 pounds of unsprung weight. Yet Ford says the IRS is five times stiffer laterally for quicker response in turns. Under hard braking, forward weight transfer is reduced by 400 percent because of changes to the suspension and the braking system, which has 13-inch front rotors and 13.5-inch rear rotors, much stiffer calipers, standard anti-lock, brake assist and electronic brake force distribution technologies. Ford says brake assist can reduce "real world" braking distance by as much as 20 percent. Steering feel is enhanced by switching from a recirculating ball setup to a variable-assist rack-and-pinion system that reduces friction by 19 percent and weight by 22 pounds.


The Expedition is available in 4x2 and 4x4 versions. The standard 4x4 system is ControlTrac, which splits torque between front and rear axles. The optional (and new to Expedition) AdvanceTrac electronic stability-enhancement system adds left/right torque distribution and comes with anti-spin technology that can apply braking forces to a single wheel to help the Expedition follow driver steering input on slick roads.


The special FX4 off-road option package is also available for the basic XLT Expedition. This setup includes factory-installed skidplates to protect the vehicle's engine, radiator, transfer case and fuel tank, shock absorbers tuned for off-road conditions, chromed steel wheels, all-terrain tires, a limited-slip axle, tubular steel step bars and fog lamps.