- Joined
- June 17, 2004
- Messages
- 24,273
- Reaction score
- 4,745
- City, State
- Knoxville, TN
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 98 Limited AWD 302
The 95-97 Explorers had several growing pains, issues which were fixed/upgraded/revised during the 97 model year. From 1998 to 2001 the Explorers are all virtually identical, they have a wonderful reliability record, with few exceptions.
In 1999 all Fords now come with returnless fuel systems, swapping some fuel system parts is not possible across the 98/99 year mark.
The early SOHC V6's have valvetrain issues, basically the fixes are in all 2002 and up SOHC engines. The correction for the 97-01 trucks is to install the changed 2002 model parts. The V6 Explorer transmissions have never been more than barely acceptable in the 4500 pound trucks, and towing can kill them if they are not in top shape.
Unless you plan ahead to spend some extra money on the SOHC engine and V6 trans, the V8 models should be an easy choice. Unless they have been abused they can easily last 200,000+ miles with proper care. That's what makes that cheap deal I mentioned above so good. Good luck,
In 1999 all Fords now come with returnless fuel systems, swapping some fuel system parts is not possible across the 98/99 year mark.
The early SOHC V6's have valvetrain issues, basically the fixes are in all 2002 and up SOHC engines. The correction for the 97-01 trucks is to install the changed 2002 model parts. The V6 Explorer transmissions have never been more than barely acceptable in the 4500 pound trucks, and towing can kill them if they are not in top shape.
Unless you plan ahead to spend some extra money on the SOHC engine and V6 trans, the V8 models should be an easy choice. Unless they have been abused they can easily last 200,000+ miles with proper care. That's what makes that cheap deal I mentioned above so good. Good luck,
