Considering purchase of a Navigator

[fossten]

Hey guys, I've been a member here for years, Mark VIII driver.

We're looking to sell my wife's Lexus coupe and buy an SUV, and a Nav is high on my list of choices, probably a 1997-1999. Need it for transpo and for cargo, since I plan to be building a house in the next couple of years.

I was wondering if I could get a broad idea of what kinds of repairs I'm looking at needing to be ready to do if/when I get one. Or - if you'd recommend against it completely that's good to know too.

I currently work on my own Mark, and I recently replaced the entire front control arms/bushings/ball joints/spindle/bearings, added some aftermarket braces, and did a complete coil conversion by myself a few years ago, so I have the willingness and ability to work on the car.

Appreciate any replies - I'll probably do a lot of searching in this forum based on what you guys tell me.

 

[Lownslowlsc]

i think some navs have a blend door act problem..Not sure what years though

 

[1bad4.6l]

3 valve 5.4 sucks. Google TSB's for the year you plan on and that will tell you alot. And a 4.6 Isn't big enough to pull all that truck and a load around.

Looking for family hauler combo look at the diesel excursion's.

 

[Calabrio]

I have a '98 Navigator, that's with the 2V 5.4 V8.
As with any Ford of the era, you have that damn blend door issue.
Other than that, the air ride is less sophisticated and trouble prone than the Mark VIII.

They're a pretty solid representation of Ford build quality of the era.
Are they good value for dollar right now. I think so.

Another plus, you can put a third row of seats in the back of them.
And you can fit 4x8 plywood in the back with the back gate closed.

 

[fossten]

I was looking at 4Runners but since I'm familiar with Lincoln I thought I'd look at the Nav.

I think the Excursion would be too big for my wife to drive, but then the Nav might be also.

Thanks for the tip on the TSBs.

 

[Lownslowlsc]

excur's are ginomous....Navs arent that bad but nething bigger then a cavalier is troublesome for most women

 

[fossten]

Yeah we rented a Buick Enclave for a week trip to the coast and she didn't like it - too big. I was like WTF! It was awesome.