New member

Kimono_skunk · 09-25-2004, 03:30 PM

New member here....

Currently comtemplating on buying an Explorer. I was previously
looking at a Durango, but I seen on the web all the motor failures
they had due to sludge, and how Dahlmer / Chrystler was avoidig
replacing the motors and treating the owners like absolute crap. That
turned my feelings for Mopar down the tubes.

Looking on web and in clubs like this to get a good overall opinion of
the truck/suv's. I'm currently favoring the 88-93 4-door models,
because I always liked the boxier style and the flat front ends.

I'd like to find the above years with the 4.0 or th4 5.0 liter with a
stick preferrably. But if not, I'll settle for the automatic, no problem.

I do have a few q's tho if I may ask?

1.) WHen did the 302 become available for the Explorer? I was hoping
to find one that had the 302 with a manual tranny, but I have seen the
ones with the 4.0 six in them with the stick. Swap available? I'm an
old hot rodder by heart, and my wife likes the Mustangs with the 5.0s
and the Flowmasters.

2.) Lowering a 4x4 Explorer? Is it feasable? I've just wanted to drop
them down to make them look NICE. Airbags?

3.) Any reliability problems with the 4.0 or the 5.0 Explorers that I
need to watch before I get one? Just wanna cover my butt on this.

Thank you much, and message me in Yahoo messenger as Kimono_skunk if
ya wanna say hello...

KS

(will repost this in the tech forum as well.... )

Laddy · 09-25-2004, 06:42 PM

Why are you lowering a 4x4?

**section525** · 09-25-2004, 07:13 PM

Welcome! Explorers were born in 1991. They had the squarer looking body style from 91-94. During those years they only had the 4.0L OHV. In 1995 they changed to the newer style. The V8 options was availble from 1996 on. And it was in 2002 when they changed them to the complete new platform.

I'd say you should get a 1996-01 V8 AWD. You'll have no problems lowering it a couple inches and it is the most reliable Explorer made.

**DeRocha** · 09-25-2004, 09:26 PM

Welcome to the site..
The 4.0L engines have few problems but lack power (about 160hp), but the auto trany generates the most problems. Lowering the X a few inches is doable and will stabilize the ride... I'm not sure when airbags arrived but I haven't seen one on a 1st gen 91-94 explorer..

*IAmTodd* · 09-25-2004, 09:50 PM

Just to add a little. The interior was completely redesigned in '95 as was the front suspension. The '95-'01 is more lowering friendly and can be done relativly cheap. Air bags became available in '95 also. No 5.0 was never matched up with a 5 speed. They were more of a luxory item. The 5.0 was also available in either 2WD or AWD while the 4.0 form '91-'94 had a traditional transfer case. In '95 an electronic system that automatically routed power was added but still had some features of a traditional transfercase.

Crankcase · 09-26-2004, 03:32 PM

If you want a street rod, go for a 1996+ 2WD 5.0

09-25-2004, 03:30 PM	#1
Kimono_skunk Wannabe Elite Explorer Ridley Park 91 xlt Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 7 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	New member New member here.... Currently comtemplating on buying an Explorer. I was previously looking at a Durango, but I seen on the web all the motor failures they had due to sludge, and how Dahlmer / Chrystler was avoidig replacing the motors and treating the owners like absolute crap. That turned my feelings for Mopar down the tubes. Looking on web and in clubs like this to get a good overall opinion of the truck/suv's. I'm currently favoring the 88-93 4-door models, because I always liked the boxier style and the flat front ends. I'd like to find the above years with the 4.0 or th4 5.0 liter with a stick preferrably. But if not, I'll settle for the automatic, no problem. I do have a few q's tho if I may ask? 1.) WHen did the 302 become available for the Explorer? I was hoping to find one that had the 302 with a manual tranny, but I have seen the ones with the 4.0 six in them with the stick. Swap available? I'm an old hot rodder by heart, and my wife likes the Mustangs with the 5.0s and the Flowmasters. 2.) Lowering a 4x4 Explorer? Is it feasable? I've just wanted to drop them down to make them look NICE. Airbags? 3.) Any reliability problems with the 4.0 or the 5.0 Explorers that I need to watch before I get one? Just wanna cover my butt on this. Thank you much, and message me in Yahoo messenger as Kimono_skunk if ya wanna say hello... KS (will repost this in the tech forum as well.... )

09-25-2004, 06:42 PM	#2
Laddy Wannabe Elite Explorer Texas '98 Explorer Sport Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 381 Vehicle Specs	Why are you lowering a 4x4? __________________ Red '01 GMC Yukon: -12" Kicker Solo Baric L7, Directed Audio 1500D amp, Ported Box, 2 Sets Of Eclipse SC8264 Components, Kicker KX650.4 Amp, Clarion Deck. -16" MB Design Wheels, Dual Flowmaster Exhaust, Billet Grill, Limo Tint

09-25-2004, 07:13 PM	#3
section525 sextion525 Red Bluff, Ca 1975 Ford Bronco 4x4 Join Date: Feb 2001 Posts: 14,909 Vehicle Specs	Welcome! Explorers were born in 1991. They had the squarer looking body style from 91-94. During those years they only had the 4.0L OHV. In 1995 they changed to the newer style. The V8 options was availble from 1996 on. And it was in 2002 when they changed them to the complete new platform. I'd say you should get a 1996-01 V8 AWD. You'll have no problems lowering it a couple inches and it is the most reliable Explorer made. __________________ Support the Forum '13 3.5 Explorer '08 2.0 Focus '75 5.0 Bronco '04 6.0 Super Duty

09-25-2004, 09:26 PM	#4
DeRocha NEX Vice President Brockton, MA '93 XLT 4x4 Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 6,641 Vehicle Specs	Welcome to the site.. The 4.0L engines have few problems but lack power (about 160hp), but the auto trany generates the most problems. Lowering the X a few inches is doable and will stabilize the ride... I'm not sure when airbags arrived but I haven't seen one on a 1st gen 91-94 explorer.. __________________ John D-"Search first, Ask questions later" & "You can have my Explorer when you pry the keys from my cold dead hands." <<<Forum Rules >>>My Truck 4x4 Trouble Shooting Guide See how cars work Axle and tire calculators U-joint replacement info/pics Repair info NEX-New England Explorers NEX: Club Events

09-25-2004, 09:50 PM	#5
IAmTodd Explorer Addict Johnstown, PA 1994 Explorer XLT Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 8,769 Vehicle Specs	Just to add a little. The interior was completely redesigned in '95 as was the front suspension. The '95-'01 is more lowering friendly and can be done relativly cheap. Air bags became available in '95 also. No 5.0 was never matched up with a 5 speed. They were more of a luxory item. The 5.0 was also available in either 2WD or AWD while the 4.0 form '91-'94 had a traditional transfer case. In '95 an electronic system that automatically routed power was added but still had some features of a traditional transfercase. __________________ 1994 Explorer XLT \| M5R1 swap \| 2" Lift \| 32" ProComp Mud Terrains 2006 Saab 9-3 Aero \| 2.8 Full pressure turbo \| 6MT \| 280whp/325wtq

09-26-2004, 03:32 PM	#6
Crankcase Moderator Emeritus Vancouver B.C, Canada 1992 XL Ex-Police Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 9,543 Vehicle Specs	If you want a street rod, go for a 1996+ 2WD 5.0 __________________ Explorer Family 1992 XL Mine 1992 XL Sisters 1992 XL Dads 1994 XL Moms Ex-Moderator: Modified Explorations Drivelines New Member Forum ***Guest star poster....