This was a gift from my brother in 1996, then....
Replaced .water pump; Replaced hydraulic tensioners for timing chains; Replaced thermostat housing (leaking again); Replaced crankshaft position sensor; Replaced engine starter (x2); Replaced both tail light lenses; Replaced both steering linkages; Replaced front brake pads, calipers, rotors, and hose lines; Power steering flush; Brake fluid flush; Transmission rebuild; Replace radiator (x2); Replace coolant/wiper washer reservoir; Replaced wiper washer lines; Replaced horns (rust); Repair passenger side Rocker panel (rust); Replace fuel tank filler hose (leak); Replace fuel tank filler tube (rust); Replace front door hinge bushings; Replace front grille and headlights and brush guard (deer strike); Replace front bumper ( rust); Replace headliner; Replace heater valve (leak); Replaced battery and cables; Replaced starter (x2); Replaced vacuum lines and PCV valve; Replace upper oil pan gasket; Replaced PCM (****paid mechanic); Replaced master brake cylinder; Replaced brake booster; Repaired console lid and hinge; Replaced exhaust and muffler components (****paid mechanic); Replaced broken wheel lugs; Replaced both upper control arm and ball joints; Replaced both front sway bar bushings and linkages; Replaced rack and pinion steering unit; Replaced transmission cooler lines to radiator; Replaced fuel pump and filter (x3.... access panel added); Replaced front and rear shocks; Replaced rear shock perches (rust); Replaced rear bumper (rust); Replaced charcoal canister box with plastic version (rust); Replaced u-joints; Replaced rear output shaft seal; Replaced serpentine built; Replaced serpentine belt tensioner units (x2); Replaced engine fan; Replaced rear console fan; Replaced odometer (2x); Replaced various cluster gauges; Replaced fuel pressure sender unit ; Replaced interior bulbs with LED bulbs; Repaired 4x4 switch/bulb; Repair head light switch/bulb; Replaced rear cargo window seals; Replaced rear view mirror (x2... delete auto slider); Replaced windshield (x3); Replaced all power window motor bushings; Replaced all door latch strikers (pex material); Replaced rear hatch door striker posts; Replaced multiple electric relays and fuses; Repair cigarette lighter socket attachment in console and dash; Replace transmission shifter bushings; Replace transfer case unit (****paid mechanic); Rebuild 4.0 SOHC (****paid mechanic); Replaced transmission selector unit (**** paid mechanic); Replaced hood latch cable; Repaired side mirror control mechanism; Replaced all radiator hoses; Replaced fog light brackets (rust); Replaced fog lights with LED system; Add spot lights; Front differential fluid changes; Rear differential fluid changes; Spark plugs and wires ; Replaced stock radio (x2); Replaced broken springs on door locks; Replaced remote entry keypad; Replaced rear leaf spring shackles (rust); Replaced fuel canister purge valve; Replace transmission filters and flush transmission; Replace cargo door hinges (rust); Replace cargo door gasket; Replace bumper jack (rust); Minor rust repair on drivers side rear fender; Replace ignition lock; Replace cruise control switches; Add coolant to AC unit; Replace both front wheel bearings; Replace emergency brake pads; Replace fuel cap; Replace alternator (x2); Replace front wiper motor cowling; Replace wiper sprayer motor; Replace wiper fluid reservoir ; Replace and improve all vehicle ground connections; Replace hood supports; Replace cargo door supports; Replace front and rear shock absorbers; Replace cargo area carpet; Replace upper console; Replace IAC unit; Clean throttle body; Replace mass air flow sensor; Replace upper and lower intake manifold gaskets; Adjust PRNDL indicator; Repair headlight switch/ bulbs; Repair drivers seat tilt lever and seat trim; Sew patch on front seat; Paint all exterior trim; Replace radio antennae; Lubricate all window tracks; Replaced floppy exterior door handles; Replaced rear wiper motor (x3... finally used salvage motor); Replace neon third brake light with LED strip; Replaced license plate light sockets; Upgrade from OEM 15 to 16 inch rims; Repair rear axle and bearings (****paid mechanic); Repair blend door (****paid mechanic); Removed and pressure cleaned interior carpet); Replaced seat belt straps; Modified rear wiper arm to get full coverage; New fuel pump and filter (x3); Replaced snapped 5th shock absorber; Fusible link added to cruise control wiring (recall); Replaced drivers and passenger seats with leather seats; Repair driver's seat padding; Repaired drivers seat tilt lever; Sewed patch on drivers seat; Replaced upper CA's and lower ball joints; Replaced spark plugs; Replaced mass air flow sensor; Replaced broken jack handle; Painted roof; Deleted roof rack; and Deleted factory pin stripes.
So this is still a daily driver, snowboard hauler, cross country cruiser, boat tow rig, and obviously a hobby. At nearly 500,000 miles, most anything that has NOT been repaired or replaced was over-engineered.
ALMOST ALL OF THE ABOVE PROJECTS ARE BASED ENTIRELY OR IN PART ON HELP FROM THIS SPECTACULAR FORUM. THANKS AGAIN TO THE MODERATORS, AND THANKS AGAIN TO THE CONTRIBUTORS.
Thank you again, Ford Explorer Forum and Members!!!