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Ford U222 Program
Taming the beast ...
The Ford Expedition was revamped from the ground-up, nose-to-tail and became available in the latter of 2002 as a 2003 model. The U222 received an all new front fascia and rear end, including new rear quarter panel windows, liftgate, bumper and taillamps. The U222 received a whole host of changes, but the most important and controversial change occurred under the Expedition – it now had a unusually sophisticated four wheel independent suspension (something that no other Full-Size SUV had at that time) This new unprecedented Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) endowed the U222 with outstanding road manners. XLT and Eddie Bauer trims were still mainstay trim levels. Engine choices were familiar - the U222 carried over the same two refined V8s from the UN93 program. Both Triton V8s (the 4.6 and 5.4) were refined yet again for the U222 program, however they saw no change in power output – but due to their further refining both V8s now allowed the Expedition to earn ULEV (Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle) status. XLT and Eddie Bauer return as primary trim levels for the Expedition’s 2003 model trim line. Expedition still retained it’s off-road capabilities boasting a BorgWarner 2-speed electronic transfer case, AdvanceTrac, Electro Pneumatic self leveling/load leveling suspension, and almost 10 inches of wheel travel. Expedition’s payload and towing capacities were now best in class. Maximum towing capacity was rated 8900+ lbs.
(Above) 2003 model
Shown in Eddie Bauer trim
(Above) 2003 model
Shown in XLT trim
(Above) 2003 model
Shown in Eddie Bauer trim
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2003 Model Year:
• First model year for (U222) Expedition
• A new off-road version of the Expedition is offered, called FX4, which is based off of the standard XLT. XLT-FX4 adds blacked-out headlamps, special high-performance shock absorbers, tubular step bars and chrome steel wheels. See Pictures (A) and (B)
(A) 2003 model
Shown in XLT-FX4 trim
(B) 2003 model
Shown in XLT-FX4 trim
2004 Model Year:
• Eddie Bauer versions get Pueblo Gold running boards (rather than black) See Picture (C)
• Eddie Bauer Premier trim is back - sporting blacked-out headlamps, body color trim and two-tone silver/gray alloy wheels. See Picture (D)
• XLT-Sport trim is also back – sporting Dark Stone Gray Clearcoat body cladding and tubular step bars. See Picture (E)
• XLT-FX4 is renamed NBX.
• XLS is added to the trim level range, replacing the XLT as the base trim level. Prominently distinguished by lack of fog lamps.
(C) 2004 model
Shown in Eddie Bauer trim
(D) 2004 model
Shown in Eddie Bauer Premier trim
(E) 2004 model
Shown in XLT-Sport trim
2005 Model Year:
• Aerodynamic roof racks are replaced by "Bold Style" roof rails with sliding load baring bars. See Pictures (F) and (G)
• Eddie Bauer Premier trim is dropped (for the second and final time) and replaced by the Limited Edition. The Limiteds now sported body color side view mirrors, chrome roof rails and chrome-clad wheels. See Picture (F)
• A new western themed Eddie Bauer trim level is introduced, called King Ranch. See Picture (G)
• The 4.6 liter Triton V8 is dropped from the engine line up.
• The 5.4 liter Triton V8 is updated – receiving the 3-Valve setup (3 valves per cylinder, 24-valves) and acquires Variable Valve Timing (VVT) technology. Power output is now rated at 301+hp.
• Last model year for NBX trim
(F) 2005 model
Shown in Limited Edition trim
(G) 2005 model
Shown in King Ranch trim
2006 Model Year:
• No major cosmetic changes
• A new, restyled Gentex auto-dimming electrochromatic rear view mirror is featured with a squared off bottom. See Picture (H)
• Last model year for King Ranch trim
• Last model year for (U222) Expedition
(H) Gentex rear view mirror
Taming the beast ...
The Ford Expedition was revamped from the ground-up, nose-to-tail and became available in the latter of 2002 as a 2003 model. The U222 received an all new front fascia and rear end, including new rear quarter panel windows, liftgate, bumper and taillamps. The U222 received a whole host of changes, but the most important and controversial change occurred under the Expedition – it now had a unusually sophisticated four wheel independent suspension (something that no other Full-Size SUV had at that time) This new unprecedented Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) endowed the U222 with outstanding road manners. XLT and Eddie Bauer trims were still mainstay trim levels. Engine choices were familiar - the U222 carried over the same two refined V8s from the UN93 program. Both Triton V8s (the 4.6 and 5.4) were refined yet again for the U222 program, however they saw no change in power output – but due to their further refining both V8s now allowed the Expedition to earn ULEV (Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle) status. XLT and Eddie Bauer return as primary trim levels for the Expedition’s 2003 model trim line. Expedition still retained it’s off-road capabilities boasting a BorgWarner 2-speed electronic transfer case, AdvanceTrac, Electro Pneumatic self leveling/load leveling suspension, and almost 10 inches of wheel travel. Expedition’s payload and towing capacities were now best in class. Maximum towing capacity was rated 8900+ lbs.
(Above) 2003 model Shown in Eddie Bauer trim
(Above) 2003 model Shown in XLT trim
(Above) 2003 model Shown in Eddie Bauer trim
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2003 Model Year:
• First model year for (U222) Expedition
• A new off-road version of the Expedition is offered, called FX4, which is based off of the standard XLT. XLT-FX4 adds blacked-out headlamps, special high-performance shock absorbers, tubular step bars and chrome steel wheels. See Pictures (A) and (B)
(A) 2003 model Shown in XLT-FX4 trim
(B) 2003 modelShown in XLT-FX4 trim
2004 Model Year:
• Eddie Bauer versions get Pueblo Gold running boards (rather than black) See Picture (C)
• Eddie Bauer Premier trim is back - sporting blacked-out headlamps, body color trim and two-tone silver/gray alloy wheels. See Picture (D)
• XLT-Sport trim is also back – sporting Dark Stone Gray Clearcoat body cladding and tubular step bars. See Picture (E)
• XLT-FX4 is renamed NBX.
• XLS is added to the trim level range, replacing the XLT as the base trim level. Prominently distinguished by lack of fog lamps.
(C) 2004 model Shown in Eddie Bauer trim
(D) 2004 model Shown in Eddie Bauer Premier trim
(E) 2004 model Shown in XLT-Sport trim
2005 Model Year:
• Aerodynamic roof racks are replaced by "Bold Style" roof rails with sliding load baring bars. See Pictures (F) and (G)
• Eddie Bauer Premier trim is dropped (for the second and final time) and replaced by the Limited Edition. The Limiteds now sported body color side view mirrors, chrome roof rails and chrome-clad wheels. See Picture (F)
• A new western themed Eddie Bauer trim level is introduced, called King Ranch. See Picture (G)
• The 4.6 liter Triton V8 is dropped from the engine line up.
• The 5.4 liter Triton V8 is updated – receiving the 3-Valve setup (3 valves per cylinder, 24-valves) and acquires Variable Valve Timing (VVT) technology. Power output is now rated at 301+hp.
• Last model year for NBX trim
(F) 2005 model Shown in Limited Edition trim
(G) 2005 model Shown in King Ranch trim
2006 Model Year:
• No major cosmetic changes
• A new, restyled Gentex auto-dimming electrochromatic rear view mirror is featured with a squared off bottom. See Picture (H)
• Last model year for King Ranch trim
• Last model year for (U222) Expedition
(H) Gentex rear view mirror