Might by Explorer, would like input... - Ford Explorer Ranger Enthusiasts "Serious Explorations"®

Aaron 4.6 · 08-06-2002, 09:32 PM

Hey guys. I am the not-so-proud owner of a 1997 Chevy S-10 that has a 4L60E tranny that is about to force me to sell the truck. I looked at a 1997 Explorer XLT today and was very impressed. One of my carpool mates also drives a 2000 Eddie Bauer that I like as well.

My only concern is that the car has right at 100k miles on it. The powertrain combo is the 4.0 overhead cammer with the 5-speed slushbox. I have not test-driven the vehicle yet (didn't want to be too eager) but I did start it up and everything sounded pretty good. Air was cold and the clutch cycled properly and no weird noises from the engine bay.

What is everyones reliability experience with these trucks? The price makes it really attractive and the car is very clean with good paint and a good interior (I believe people that care for a car that much usually service it well). It looked to be in much better shape than a 99 Mountaineer that we looked at with 40k miles. Are there any specific items I should look for or have a mechanic look for? I would appreciate any input ASAP.

Thanks again

*Jason_25* · 08-06-2002, 09:36 PM

Well the autotranny isn't the strongest thing in the world, so that may cause you not to want it right there considering your current tranny issues. Also, the SOHC engine, especially the early years, is prone to problems. 1997 was the first year they were made. However, there are recalls but they don't apply to that truck because it has too many miles on it.

If I personally was going to buy an explorer to be a daily driver, it would have to be a 96+ V8 2WD model with 3.73 gearing. But that's just me

Aaron 4.6 · 08-06-2002, 09:45 PM

Is there a Ford number I can call to check which recall items have been performed? Surely a VIN number can tell me if it has gotten the required service.

The 99 is a black 35th anniv. coupe, no ragtop. If it had the soft top it might not be for sale.

Thanks for the input so far guys and keep it coming.

EDIT- I got the numbers I should need from Ford.com to verify recall service.

(800) 392-3673
(800) 232-5952

Also, since someone mentioned duty below, this vehicle we be ONLY in-town noodling around with the occasional ~4 hour drive on the Interstate. Shouldn't be too much severe duty on my watch.

**section525** · 08-06-2002, 09:47 PM

Yeah.. if you plan on doing 'little to none' offroading, get a V8. Bullet-proof trannies (at least mine is! *knock knock*)

08-06-2002, 09:32 PM	#1
Aaron 4.6 Wannabe Elite Explorer Augusta, GA 1998 Cobra Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 19 Vehicle Specs	Might buy Explorer, would like input... Hey guys. I am the not-so-proud owner of a 1997 Chevy S-10 that has a 4L60E tranny that is about to force me to sell the truck. I looked at a 1997 Explorer XLT today and was very impressed. One of my carpool mates also drives a 2000 Eddie Bauer that I like as well. My only concern is that the car has right at 100k miles on it. The powertrain combo is the 4.0 overhead cammer with the 5-speed slushbox. I have not test-driven the vehicle yet (didn't want to be too eager) but I did start it up and everything sounded pretty good. Air was cold and the clutch cycled properly and no weird noises from the engine bay. What is everyones reliability experience with these trucks? The price makes it really attractive and the car is very clean with good paint and a good interior (I believe people that care for a car that much usually service it well). It looked to be in much better shape than a 99 Mountaineer that we looked at with 40k miles. Are there any specific items I should look for or have a mechanic look for? I would appreciate any input ASAP. Thanks again __________________ 1998 Crystal White Cobra Pro 5.0, C&L 80mm MAF w/K&N, WMS upper velocity tube, Autometer Oil pressure and Water Temp in dual gauge dash bezel, Kirban rail mount fuel pressure gauge 2000 Explorer XLT Stock as a freaking rock... Last edited by Aaron 4.6; 08-06-2002 at 09:41 PM.

08-06-2002, 09:36 PM	#2
Jason_25 Elite Explorer ECX Member New Bern, NC '95 Explorer "Expedition" Join Date: Nov 2000 Posts: 5,349 Vehicle Specs	Well the autotranny isn't the strongest thing in the world, so that may cause you not to want it right there considering your current tranny issues. Also, the SOHC engine, especially the early years, is prone to problems. 1997 was the first year they were made. However, there are recalls but they don't apply to that truck because it has too many miles on it. If I personally was going to buy an explorer to be a daily driver, it would have to be a 96+ V8 2WD model with 3.73 gearing. But that's just me __________________ 1995 Explorer "Expedition" 4.0 4x4 1987 Bronco II XLT 2.9 4x4 1988 Bronco II XLT 2.9 4x2 1997 Explorer XLT 5.0 4x2 My Truck

08-06-2002, 09:45 PM	#3
Aaron 4.6 Wannabe Elite Explorer Augusta, GA 1998 Cobra Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 19 Vehicle Specs	Is there a Ford number I can call to check which recall items have been performed? Surely a VIN number can tell me if it has gotten the required service. The 99 is a black 35th anniv. coupe, no ragtop. If it had the soft top it might not be for sale. Thanks for the input so far guys and keep it coming. EDIT- I got the numbers I should need from Ford.com to verify recall service. (800) 392-3673 (800) 232-5952 Also, since someone mentioned duty below, this vehicle we be ONLY in-town noodling around with the occasional ~4 hour drive on the Interstate. Shouldn't be too much severe duty on my watch. __________________ 1998 Crystal White Cobra Pro 5.0, C&L 80mm MAF w/K&N, WMS upper velocity tube, Autometer Oil pressure and Water Temp in dual gauge dash bezel, Kirban rail mount fuel pressure gauge 2000 Explorer XLT Stock as a freaking rock...

08-06-2002, 09:47 PM	#4
section525 sextion525 Red Bluff, Ca 1996 XLT V8 4x4 Join Date: Feb 2001 Posts: 13,098 Vehicle Specs	Yeah.. if you plan on doing 'little to none' offroading, get a V8. Bullet-proof trannies (at least mine is! knock knock) __________________ 1996 Explorer 5.0L 2004 F250 6.0L 2009 Jetta TDI