I have been chasing a vacuum leak for months with no resolution so I am begining to suspect it is an intake manifold leak. My mom's 2000 EXP had to have her cracked lower intake manifold changed a few months ago (coolant leak). We used the black plastic Dorman replacement.

Apparently a design change between 1999 and 2000 models because the replacement for mine appears to be aluminum (at least in color). Has anyone used the Dorman 615-285? If the '99 intake is metal vice plastic, then maybe I can get away with just new gaskets. Anyone have this experience and care to share your lessons learned? Thank you.