I think I found my problem. This is on Mozilla's site now when I went back to download an update to my 1.4 browser.
Linux (x86)
The original Linux builds were built with the wrong compiler and are incompatible with some plugins and extensions. The builds have been replaced as of 01:00 UTC on December 11. To distinguish the builds, look in about:buildconfig, in the "Build tools" section, next to the line starting with "c++". The old, incorrect build will say "gcc version 2.96 20000731 (Red Hat Linux 7.1 2.96-81)". The new, correct build will say "gcc version 3.2.3" (just as it does on the previous line).
Full Installer (12 MB) Download all of the Mozilla components and then specify install options.
Net Installer (80 KB) Download only the components you specify.
tar.gz format (12 MB).