OK, I need your help. I am considering purchasing another X, as my baby is aging. I would be looking at a used one in the 96 to 98 years. Most likely I would want to get one with a V6, but you all might be able to sway my opinion. Can anyone give me pro/cons of the different model years (other than the obvious....because its newer.....) as to engines, transmissions (I think they all have the same one in those years) and other specifics. Also, if there is anyhting that I should look for in each of these years. Thanks in advance.

Mike

i think in 97, ford introduced the SOHC V-6 for the explorer. if you want more stock hp, the SOHC is the way to go. but i have heard that the OHV V-6 is more reliable (my 92 OHV is still running strong with no problems so far). and if you plan on modifying your X for performance, the OHV has more available mods.

well, as far as engines go, you said you want a v6 which i think is a good move, im not a fan of the v8s really. theyre slower, have the same power, cost more money, get worse gas mileage, probably a little better at towing, but thats about it. now, keep in mind that the sohc didnt come out till 97, and then it was slightly modified in 98 (i think they bumped the power up a touch.) so heres your engine options:

1996: OHV engine
1997: SOHC or OHV engine
1998: SOHC or OHV engine

other things, im not sure about. i can tell you one thing though, no matter what year you buy, your rear windshied wiper is gonna break, but you already have an X, right?...so you should already know that :)

good luck!

Hi Mike,
97 on up have the SOHC 4.0 liter option. I think it's 60 more HP than the OHV.
The differance between the 95-96 and the 97-98 is
the 95-96 has 2wd, 4auto , and 4lo.
The 97-98 is 4auto 4hi and 4lo.
I have had both and like 97-98 better.(JMHO)
The frame is the same on the 96-97, they changed it in 98, and you can put a lift in the 98+models without modifying it.
If you go wheeling then you want to stay with a 6, since the V8's DON'T HAVE 4Lo.

well, yeah the OHV has more available aftermarket parts, but youd have to sink in a lot of money to get the same power out the OHV that is factory out of the SOHC. i just have a chip, a KKM, and some custom bent pipes, and id say my horsepower is around 215-220 or so. youd have to do a hell of a lot to an OHV for that (thats engine HP not rear wheels.) but then again, leenjen is right, i think the OHV is supossed to be more reliable, and you might get better gas mileage out of it.

Yeah - the V8 can't be had in a true 4x4. But If I were buying another Explorer, I'd look for like a '98 Eddie Bauer V8 AWD with everything. If you wheel and are willing to screw with your truck a little, you can add either a Klune-V gear reducer in front of the AWD t-case, or swap in a normal t-case with hi- and lo-range. But if you want a 4x4 and won't mess with swaps, a V6 is the only choice available.

if i was going to buy a 96-98 explorer i would get a 98 SOHC XLT. my friend has a 98 sport SOHC, and i really like it. but with a wife and 2 kids, i need the 4 doors.

WOW, Thanks for all of the timely posts so far. This is really helping me out a bunch. I guess that the main use for this X would be the standard "family" vehicle, leave 93 my to the modifications and off roading. Is the OHV the in the later models the same that was used in the 91-94's? I have 126,000 on mine and knock on wood...it is running like a champ. Does anyone have comments on the 4wd systems on the 95/96 vs. the later AUTO 4wd? Also, I rememeber seeing on the site mention of the cam tensioner recall, if that is true, what models/years did that affect? Once again, I look forward to the comments. THANKS!!!!!

yes, i think the 4.0 OHV is the same.

well, i used to have a 91 with push button 4x4, now i have the 98 with auto 4wd, and i can honestly say that i have never had a problem with the auto 4wd, but my 91 had all kinds of problems with the 4x4 not engaging when i hit the button, etc.

also, i know the cam tensioner recall affects 98's, but im not sure what other years.

Cam tensioner recall affects the SOHC engines (what year i'm not sure). Both the V8 and the OHV use pushrods.
I like the 2WD setting on my shift on the fly switch because it saves me gas when i'm not using 4x4. AWD models means that the electronic locker in front is on 24/7.

Thanks everyone for all of the great information about the 96+ Explorers. I guess it is off to the lots this weekend to start looking for a 97 or 98 with the OHV 6. If anyone else has any thoughts or suggestions I would appreciate them. But once again. Thanks!!!