As of today, I have had the entire rear end in my '02 XLT replaced or repaired

[Fausto]

...and not even 100k on the dial yet. Ford, I love you and your cars, but this might be the last straw. Every time this car develops an issue, it's suspension or drivetrain related and it's thousands of dollars. Currently in the shop having the rear diff replaced. I figure the transmision is probably next since it's more or less the only original drivetrain part left on the car.

Is there any point in contacting Ford on this? I feel like the amount of money I've spent on a car that has been well-maintained and not abused is unreasonable.

[SPR-GRN]

I have an 02 Explorer 4.6L 4x4, it used to be my parents, they gave it to my when I graduate college at that time it had 80k on the clock or so, I'll run you through the list of replaced items, luckily they purchased an extended warranty that covered everything up to this past October...

65k - transmission
70k - rear diff and gears
85K - rear wheel bears, rear strutts and coils, rear axles, rear discs and pads (wheel bearing failed unexpectedly while driving leading to a massive amount of havoc back there, essentially every component except the sway bar was replaced)
90k - front wheel bearings (failed unexpectedly while driving, luckily could stop in time without doing further damage)
95k - alternator crapped out

I'm at just about 98k, I'm pretty sure the transmission is on it's way out again. The only item in this truck that is solid is the 4.6L.

My 6-disc is jammed, so I can't get my CD's out and it won't play them.
MY fuel cap and CEL light are on; I've replaced fuel cap and reset the light, but it just comes back on after a fill up or so; I'm under the impression there is a leak in the EVAP system somewhere and I don't have the time to trace it out in the middle of winter, nor do I want to put the funds into a 10 year old SUV for someone else to trace it out.

I should note: this truck spent it's entire life on pavement, driven by a middle-aged woman hauling her grand kids around; not some crazy teenager out mudding or rock crawling; the quantity of mechanical failure is astonishing to me.

I've "always" driven Fords, but I think it's time for a change of pace for me; not sure where I'm going for my next vehicle, but it most likely won't be a ford. I've decided that the phrase "rated highest in initial quality" is tantamount to saying "it will be great for a week, then shit will start breaking down" which was the case with my SVT Focus; every week it was something new - heatshields falling off, seat heaters failing, wiper switch failing, sway bar links failing, O2 sensors (which were expensive). Luckily I got rid of that car before the transaxle crapped out (common problem with the SVT-F).

hmm looking at my mileage log there I'm potentially due for a massive failure at 100k... **crosses fingers**

[Kerminator]

Found out that if you get xmission fluid changed every 35K it will last longer...

[kp02-150]

Originally Posted by SPR-GRN

I have an 02 Explorer 4.6L 4x4, it used to be

My 6-disc is jammed, so I can't get my CD's out and it won't play them.

I'm with you on those things. I've already had two break and lost multiple cds in the process.

I hope my rear end holds up better then yours ... I wish there was some kind of maximum motorsports kit like for the mustangs for these things.

[apanello]

Originally Posted by kp02-150

I'm with you on those things. I've already had two break and lost multiple cds in the process.

I hope my rear end holds up better then yours ... I wish there was some kind of maximum motorsports kit like for the mustangs for these things.

To get the cd's out without breaking them, you have to remove the stereo from the dash and take off the front cover. carefully move the internals around and remove your cd