My first thread is another question about whether an under-equipped Ex can pull a massive amount of weight.
I just acquired a 2002 XLS 4door with 88k "very hard, inner-city" miles on it. I am using it exclusivley to tow my boat to and from the ramp. Other than that, it just sits.
My explorer, at a glance:
-2002 XLS 4door
-4x4
-4.0L v6
-5R55E transmission ( I think?)
-Most likely the taller 3.55 rear axle ratio
-VALLEY aftermarket class 4 hitch
-4 pin trailer harness
-shotty brakes
-tiny power steering cooler (I think? Is it an oil cooler?)
-Trans cooler lines run into the radiator
-broker A/C (compressor won't kick on. No OBD II codes showing)
-No 4x4 low, only 4x4 hi will function (4x4 low light on dash won't light up)
-Normal Ford maint intervals. Transmission has never been opened.
My boat, at a glance:
-1990 wellcraft eclipse 216
-5.7L Merc v8
-3300# dry weight
-300# gas
-200# misc equipment
-????# trailer (how much does a 2 axle boat trailer usually weigh?)
-Very aerodynamic
I've used the Ex as is to make short distance trips of ~5 miles to the boat ramp. I made a 50 mile trip with the boat to an ocean ramp, and it was a scary drive. I'm thinking that I can make this EX a somewhat safe tow rig, I'll take the following steps:
1. Replace rear wheel bearings. They sound fine to me, but the dealer said they are failing.
2. Install EBC green pads and new, not machined rotors on all 4 corners.
3. Replace trans fluid with amsoil synthetic, and install the biggest trans cooler I can fit in the front of the radiator.
4. Install trans temp gauge.
5. The trailer has drum brakes. I need to find out how to get them working.
Overall, I'm pretty impressed with the Ex's ability to handle my boat, especially it's acceleration ability. The braking sucks, but that will improve with repairs. I dare not go faster than 55mph. It felt unstable the one time I did. Should I press with these repairs, or should I try to sell the Ex and get an F-150?
I just acquired a 2002 XLS 4door with 88k "very hard, inner-city" miles on it. I am using it exclusivley to tow my boat to and from the ramp. Other than that, it just sits.
My explorer, at a glance:
-2002 XLS 4door
-4x4
-4.0L v6
-5R55E transmission ( I think?)
-Most likely the taller 3.55 rear axle ratio
-VALLEY aftermarket class 4 hitch
-4 pin trailer harness
-shotty brakes
-tiny power steering cooler (I think? Is it an oil cooler?)
-Trans cooler lines run into the radiator
-broker A/C (compressor won't kick on. No OBD II codes showing)
-No 4x4 low, only 4x4 hi will function (4x4 low light on dash won't light up)
-Normal Ford maint intervals. Transmission has never been opened.
My boat, at a glance:
-1990 wellcraft eclipse 216
-5.7L Merc v8
-3300# dry weight
-300# gas
-200# misc equipment
-????# trailer (how much does a 2 axle boat trailer usually weigh?)
-Very aerodynamic
I've used the Ex as is to make short distance trips of ~5 miles to the boat ramp. I made a 50 mile trip with the boat to an ocean ramp, and it was a scary drive. I'm thinking that I can make this EX a somewhat safe tow rig, I'll take the following steps:
1. Replace rear wheel bearings. They sound fine to me, but the dealer said they are failing.
2. Install EBC green pads and new, not machined rotors on all 4 corners.
3. Replace trans fluid with amsoil synthetic, and install the biggest trans cooler I can fit in the front of the radiator.
4. Install trans temp gauge.
5. The trailer has drum brakes. I need to find out how to get them working.
Overall, I'm pretty impressed with the Ex's ability to handle my boat, especially it's acceleration ability. The braking sucks, but that will improve with repairs. I dare not go faster than 55mph. It felt unstable the one time I did. Should I press with these repairs, or should I try to sell the Ex and get an F-150?