The Ford Expedition III (U324) 5.4 V8 Automatic, produced from August 2006 to July 2008, represented a significant iteration of Ford’s full-size SUV. Falling within the third generation of the Expedition line, the U324 chassis aimed to balance the demands of a large family vehicle with improved refinement and capability. This particular variant, equipped with the 5.4-liter Triton V8 engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, occupied a mid-to-upper position in the Expedition lineup, offering a step up in performance and towing capacity compared to the base models while remaining more accessible than the luxury-focused EL extended-length versions. It was primarily marketed towards American families needing substantial space, towing ability, and a comfortable ride for long journeys.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Ford |
| Model | Expedition |
| Generation | Expedition III (U324) |
| Type (Engine) | 5.4 V8 (300 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | August, 2006 |
| End of production | July, 2008 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5-9 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (EPA) | 16.8 l/100 km (14 US mpg, 16.8 UK mpg, 6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (EPA) | 11.8 l/100 km (19.9 US mpg, 23.9 UK mpg, 8.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (EPA) | 14.7 l/100 km (16 US mpg, 19.2 UK mpg, 6.8 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Power | 300 Hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 55.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 495 Nm @ 3750 rpm (365.09 lb.-ft. @ 3750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | Triton |
| Engine displacement | 5408 cm3 (330.02 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 90.2 mm (3.55 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 105.8 mm (4.17 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.85:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 3 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | SOHC, VCT |
| Engine oil capacity | 6.6 l (6.97 US qt | 5.81 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 19.5 l (20.61 US qt | 17.16 UK qt) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 527 l (18.61 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 3067 l (108.31 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 106 l (28 US gal | 23.32 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 4172 kg (9197.69 lbs.) |
| Length | 5245 mm (206.5 in.) |
| Width | 2002 mm (78.82 in.) |
| Width with mirrors folded | 2024 mm (79.69 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2332 mm (91.81 in.) |
| Height | 1961 mm (77.2 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3023 mm (119.02 in.) |
| Front overhang | 996 mm (39.21 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1227 mm (48.31 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 221 mm (8.7 in.) |
| Approach angle | 22.8° |
| Departure angle | 21.4° |
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle | 18.4° |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring, Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer, Air Suspension – Optional |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 265/70 R17; 255/70 R18; 275/55 R20 |
| Wheel rims size | 17; 18; 20 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Expedition variant is the 5.4-liter Triton V8 engine. This engine, part of Ford’s modular engine family, utilizes a cast-iron block with aluminum cylinder heads. The “Triton” name refers to Ford’s attempt to create a powerful yet efficient engine family. The 5.4L version featured a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) design per cylinder bank, incorporating variable valve timing (VCT) to optimize performance and fuel economy across the rev range. Fuel delivery is managed by a multi-port fuel injection system, providing precise fuel metering. The engine produces 300 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 495 Nm (365 lb-ft) of torque at 3750 rpm. Paired with this engine is a six-speed automatic transmission, offering smoother shifts and improved fuel efficiency compared to earlier four-speed automatics. This transmission was designed to handle the engine’s substantial torque output and provide a comfortable driving experience, especially when towing.
Driving Characteristics
The 5.4L V8 and six-speed automatic combination in the Expedition III delivered a noticeable step up in performance compared to the base 4.6L engine. While not a sports car, the Expedition offered ample power for everyday driving, highway cruising, and towing. The automatic transmission’s gear ratios were tuned for a balance of acceleration and fuel economy. The lower gears provided good initial acceleration, while the higher gears allowed for relaxed cruising at highway speeds. Compared to manual transmission equipped Expeditions (which were rare), the automatic prioritized convenience and ease of use. The 5.4L engine, while powerful, wasn’t known for exceptional fuel economy, and the automatic transmission, while improved, didn’t fully mitigate this. The vehicle felt substantial and planted on the road, but its large size and weight were always apparent.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 5.4L V8 Automatic typically came standard with features like air conditioning, power windows and locks, a CD player, and cloth upholstery. Higher trim levels, such as the XLT and Limited, added features like leather upholstery, heated seats, a premium sound system, and a power liftgate. Optional extras included a navigation system, rear-seat entertainment system, and the aforementioned air suspension for the rear axle, which provided a smoother ride and self-leveling capabilities when towing. The interior design was functional and spacious, prioritizing comfort and practicality over outright luxury.
Chassis & Braking
The Expedition III utilized a body-on-frame construction, providing a robust and durable platform. The front suspension featured an independent double wishbone setup with coil springs and a transverse stabilizer bar. The rear suspension was initially a solid axle with coil springs and a stabilizer bar, but optional air suspension was available on higher trims. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs on all four wheels, providing adequate stopping power for a vehicle of this size and weight. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) were standard equipment. The chassis was designed to handle heavy loads and provide a comfortable ride, even on rough terrain.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 5.4L V8 Expedition was generally well-received by critics and consumers alike. It was praised for its spacious interior, powerful engine, and impressive towing capacity. However, fuel economy was a common criticism, as was the vehicle’s large size and cumbersome handling. Compared to the base 4.6L engine, the 5.4L offered a significant performance boost, but at the cost of slightly lower fuel efficiency. The 5.4L also proved to be more reliable than some of the earlier Triton engine iterations, but still required regular maintenance to prevent issues like spark plug breakage and oil consumption.
Legacy
The Ford Expedition III 5.4L V8 Automatic remains a popular choice in the used car market, particularly for those needing a large, capable SUV for family transportation or towing. While newer Expeditions offer more advanced technology and improved fuel economy, the U324 generation represents a sweet spot for affordability and reliability. The 5.4L Triton engine, while not without its quirks, is generally considered a durable powertrain when properly maintained. Common issues to watch for include spark plug breakage, oil consumption, and potential timing chain wear. Despite its age, the Expedition III 5.4L continues to provide a comfortable and capable driving experience for many owners.
