1996 Explorer Limited - $550

*DavidEBSmith* · 06-10-2010, 09:57 PM

This truck deserves a good home. Somebody who is willing to put some sweat equity into it will get a bargain. I listed it on Craigslist but nobody there appreciated it. I’m hoping somebody from Explorer Forums will.

It’s a 1996 Explorer Limited, V6, 4WD, 238,000 miles.

All the BAD first:

The big issue is that the output shaft on the transfer case has play in it. What this means in the short term is that it tears up the speedometer gear and the speedometer stops working. The problem is, the transmission uses the speedometer signal to know when to shift. Without it, it guesses, usually badly. It will probably get you around town if you never get out of second gear but you would not want to take it on the highway as-is. Eventually the transfer case will fail. A transfer case is expensive to have somebody else put in, not too bad if you can do it yourself.

The alternator may be bad. It didn’t want to charge when I started it in cold weather after it sat, but after keeping it on a battery tender, it’s working.

It has the air ride suspension. It’s not working, so I cut the wire to the
message center to turn off the warning. I’ve replaced the shocks twice and the compressor once over the life of the truck, so there’s some good parts there. If I were you, I’d replace the shocks with the cheapest non-air shocks you can get from Pep Boys.

Last time I tried to open the hood it was stuck. (edit - its open now)

There's probably other stuff that could fail at any time. It's 14 years old and has over 238,000 miles.

THE GOOD: Other than the stuff that’s broken, this truck runs good. It’s been maintained by a really good Ford dealer mechanic. It passed the emissions test 2 years ago, and had no codes last time I checked, so it should pass again. I've replaced lots of stuff over the years so there's a lot of relatively new parts.

It had new tires last year, they only have about 3000 miles on them. It had a new radiator last summer. It had a new flywheel last spring. The transmission was rebuilt a couple of years ago and should be good for the rest of the truck’s life. It’s fairly recently had new pads and rotors.

It was a Nevada car for most of its life, so the body is in great shape. There’s some rust starting by one of the rear wheels and a few surface spots here and there, but the body is solid.

This is a Limited, so it has all the fancy features for 1996. It has leather upholstery which is worn but not torn (although the switch panel on the driver’s side power seat is dangling). It has alloy wheels. It has power and automatic everything – power sunroof, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, power memory seats, remote access with keychain remotes, keypad on the door. It has the climate control where you just set the desired temperature. I fixed the blend door so you shouldn't have to worry about that breaking. It has automatic headlights, auto-dimming rear view mirror, heated rear window, heated outside mirrors, electronic message center. It has the factory audiophile sound system with the subwoofer in the back, cassette that works, CD changer (that doesn’t work), and power antenna (that is broken). I’ll even throw in a spare head unit for the audio. Clear title.

If you can fix this yourself it would make a great work truck. If you have an old Ex and want parts this is a great source. I just don’t want to put money into it, I don’t want to have it sitting in the backyard while I sell parts on eBay, I don’t really need a charitable deduction, and I’d rather see it (or at least parts of it) running around on the road.

I’m asking $475. The wheels and tires are worth that. You have to tow it away (it’s in Chicago, Illinois). I won't deliver it, you can't test drive it beyond driving it back and forth in my driveway.

Email to explorerforum@davidebsmith.com if you’ re interested or have questions.

*DavidEBSmith* · 07-18-2010, 05:50 PM

I got the hood open, I'll throw in a Haynes manual and a service CD and 3 keychain remotes, for the $475 I'm listing it for on CL.

pugulis · 07-19-2010, 02:56 AM

Why are all the nice Explorers 1000 miles away from me. Wish I could buy it. But I'm from Long Island NY and it's a bit far. I can't believe your having trouble selling it.

*DavidEBSmith* · 08-11-2010, 03:22 PM

Down to $450, the only calls I get from Craigslist buyers ask "Is it a good car for driving to work?" or "Can I test drive it?" or "Will you take $250?" or "If you pay me $200 I'll tow it away."

damarble · 08-11-2010, 03:46 PM

I'd buy it just because, if you were local. Can't beat the price and I could have the t-case fixed for $60. It looks cush, I'd totally DD it.

pauley · 09-01-2010, 09:00 PM

for what he is asking some one could buy it ship it and fix it and have a hell of a nice truck for under 1500.

majorboot · 09-11-2010, 12:17 AM

How much for just the manual, CD and remotes?

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidEBSmith

I got the hood open, I'll throw in a Haynes manual and a service CD and 3 keychain remotes, for the $475 I'm listing it for on CL.

joebluefish · 09-27-2010, 05:57 PM

since the arc is not working will you sell me the lower bracket from axle to sensor? 02360

*Elessar65* · 10-03-2010, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pauley

for what he is asking some one could buy it ship it and fix it and have a hell of a nice truck for under 1500.

I am working the numbers on that right now. I would love to buy this and give it a good home.

How much would need to be done to it to get it to drive the 800 miles to Ks? Semi-reliably, if I go get it I have my 98 sohc sport with a bad tranny to scavenge parts from to get it here.

pearly · 10-03-2010, 12:26 AM

I can't believe you're having a hard time getting rid of it. Put a for sale sign on it and sit it down on the south side somewhere - somebody somewhere needs a cheap vehicle.

What kind and size tires are on it, with only 3k miles? I may be interested (i'm in Chicago).

Flippindabird · 12-17-2010, 11:29 AM

wanna sell the subwoofer enclosure w/ amp??

mrbeefy · 01-02-2011, 01:31 AM

If I had the money to go down there and buy it, I'd bring a transfer case and swap it out in a parking lot lol

*Dre* · 01-14-2011, 11:39 AM

tell me it's still available?

Wrathchild74 · 04-11-2011, 01:09 PM

Will have cash june 3rd if still available. Would have it first of may but mass bills. I am moving to Oregon 1st of june and would look at having it shipped.by the 3rd of july.

06-10-2010, 09:57 PM	#1
DavidEBSmith Elite Explorer Chicago, IL '07 Mountaineer Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 66 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	1996 Explorer Limited - reduced $475 This truck deserves a good home. Somebody who is willing to put some sweat equity into it will get a bargain. I listed it on Craigslist but nobody there appreciated it. I’m hoping somebody from Explorer Forums will. It’s a 1996 Explorer Limited, V6, 4WD, 238,000 miles. All the BAD first: The big issue is that the output shaft on the transfer case has play in it. What this means in the short term is that it tears up the speedometer gear and the speedometer stops working. The problem is, the transmission uses the speedometer signal to know when to shift. Without it, it guesses, usually badly. It will probably get you around town if you never get out of second gear but you would not want to take it on the highway as-is. Eventually the transfer case will fail. A transfer case is expensive to have somebody else put in, not too bad if you can do it yourself. The alternator may be bad. It didn’t want to charge when I started it in cold weather after it sat, but after keeping it on a battery tender, it’s working. It has the air ride suspension. It’s not working, so I cut the wire to the message center to turn off the warning. I’ve replaced the shocks twice and the compressor once over the life of the truck, so there’s some good parts there. If I were you, I’d replace the shocks with the cheapest non-air shocks you can get from Pep Boys. Last time I tried to open the hood it was stuck. (edit - its open now) There's probably other stuff that could fail at any time. It's 14 years old and has over 238,000 miles. THE GOOD: Other than the stuff that’s broken, this truck runs good. It’s been maintained by a really good Ford dealer mechanic. It passed the emissions test 2 years ago, and had no codes last time I checked, so it should pass again. I've replaced lots of stuff over the years so there's a lot of relatively new parts. It had new tires last year, they only have about 3000 miles on them. It had a new radiator last summer. It had a new flywheel last spring. The transmission was rebuilt a couple of years ago and should be good for the rest of the truck’s life. It’s fairly recently had new pads and rotors. It was a Nevada car for most of its life, so the body is in great shape. There’s some rust starting by one of the rear wheels and a few surface spots here and there, but the body is solid. This is a Limited, so it has all the fancy features for 1996. It has leather upholstery which is worn but not torn (although the switch panel on the driver’s side power seat is dangling). It has alloy wheels. It has power and automatic everything – power sunroof, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, power memory seats, remote access with keychain remotes, keypad on the door. It has the climate control where you just set the desired temperature. I fixed the blend door so you shouldn't have to worry about that breaking. It has automatic headlights, auto-dimming rear view mirror, heated rear window, heated outside mirrors, electronic message center. It has the factory audiophile sound system with the subwoofer in the back, cassette that works, CD changer (that doesn’t work), and power antenna (that is broken). I’ll even throw in a spare head unit for the audio. Clear title. If you can fix this yourself it would make a great work truck. If you have an old Ex and want parts this is a great source. I just don’t want to put money into it, I don’t want to have it sitting in the backyard while I sell parts on eBay, I don’t really need a charitable deduction, and I’d rather see it (or at least parts of it) running around on the road. I’m asking $475. The wheels and tires are worth that. You have to tow it away (it’s in Chicago, Illinois). I won't deliver it, you can't test drive it beyond driving it back and forth in my driveway. Email to explorerforum@davidebsmith.com if you’ re interested or have questions. Last edited by DavidEBSmith; 07-18-2010 at 05:55 PM.

08-11-2010, 03:46 PM	#5
damarble Wannabe Elite Explorer CdA, ID 01 Sport, minor mods Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 642 Vehicle Specs	I'd buy it just because, if you were local. Can't beat the price and I could have the t-case fixed for $60. It looks cush, I'd totally DD it. __________________ 01 Sport SAS'd (35s, FW D44/8.8, 3.9L Turbo Diesel, Tilt Front Clip in progress) 91 Sport SAS'd (34s, D30/8.8 super low budget, done and wheeling but a 5.8L swap is in the works)

12-17-2010, 11:29 AM	#11
Flippindabird Wannabe Elite Explorer The Pocono Mountains 1999 AWD V8 Mountaineer Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 160 Vehicle Specs	wanna sell the subwoofer enclosure w/ amp?? __________________ 1999 Mountaineer Monterey V8 130K. It's the wife's, forged 5.0L 10:1 cr with a H.O. Cam, ported gt40p heads and ported lower intake, needs headers ...slowly but surely

01-02-2011, 01:31 AM	#12
mrbeefy Wannabe Elite Explorer neopit , wisconsin 91 explorer Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 61 Vehicle Specs	If I had the money to go down there and buy it, I'd bring a transfer case and swap it out in a parking lot lol __________________ 91 EB all stock...

01-14-2011, 11:39 AM	#13
Dre Elite Explorer Chicago 94 Limited Join Date: May 1999 Posts: 4,822 Vehicle Specs	tell me it's still available? __________________ 4x4 Werks by Dre My Gallery

07-18-2010, 05:50 PM	#2
DavidEBSmith Elite Explorer Chicago, IL '07 Mountaineer Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 66 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	I got the hood open, I'll throw in a Haynes manual and a service CD and 3 keychain remotes, for the $475 I'm listing it for on CL.

07-19-2010, 02:56 AM	#3
pugulis Wannabe Elite Explorer Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 5 Vehicle Specs	Why are all the nice Explorers 1000 miles away from me. Wish I could buy it. But I'm from Long Island NY and it's a bit far. I can't believe your having trouble selling it.

08-11-2010, 03:22 PM	#4
DavidEBSmith Elite Explorer Chicago, IL '07 Mountaineer Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 66 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Down to $450, the only calls I get from Craigslist buyers ask "Is it a good car for driving to work?" or "Can I test drive it?" or "Will you take $250?" or "If you pay me $200 I'll tow it away."

09-01-2010, 09:00 PM	#6
pauley Wannabe Elite Explorer Madison, Wisconsin 93 xlt Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 261 Vehicle Specs	for what he is asking some one could buy it ship it and fix it and have a hell of a nice truck for under 1500.

09-27-2010, 05:57 PM	#8
joebluefish Wannabe Elite Explorer Plymouth mass 2000 ltd Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 11 Vehicle Specs	since the arc is not working will you sell me the lower bracket from axle to sensor? 02360

10-03-2010, 12:26 AM	#10
pearly Wannabe Elite Explorer 07 xlt Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 46 Vehicle Specs	I can't believe you're having a hard time getting rid of it. Put a for sale sign on it and sit it down on the south side somewhere - somebody somewhere needs a cheap vehicle. What kind and size tires are on it, with only 3k miles? I may be interested (i'm in Chicago).

04-11-2011, 01:09 PM	#14
Wrathchild74 Wannabe Elite Explorer Twin Falls,Id. '96 Limited 4.0 Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 6 Vehicle Specs	Is explorer still available Will have cash june 3rd if still available. Would have it first of may but mass bills. I am moving to Oregon 1st of june and would look at having it shipped.by the 3rd of july.