After spending a considerable amount of time at the dealership speaking to a mechanic, he told me that the only problem you will ever have on you "EX" is front-end work at about 80,000 miles. My "EX" only has 54,000 on it. However, the front end feels a little loose. This is my first AWD vehicle, and I'm not sure it the looseness is a product of loose joints or just how AWD feels when turning. I'd like a trusted opinion from some Explorer brothers before I take it in empty handed to a greedy mechanic who wants a paycheck.

Lemme know fellas

mine is totally fine and tight on teh road. its sloppy in the sand but i think thats normal for all cars.

What kind of tires are you running? I've noticed a big difference in the way mine feels by just having different tires on it. BFGs seem to run great on X's!

I have a 97 AWD with 106,500 and have not had a problem with the steering.
P.S. Welome to the board:)