1998 Explorer 5.0 “Restoration2021” project

[SuperGordo]

So far my initial running of the Ex project is good. Had to seal up a tiny coolant leak coming from a plug in the water neck. I have no oil leaks, no power steering leaks, no tranny leaks. That's good news. Found a burn hole in the vacuum line that goes from the vacuum tank to the firewall. Repaired that, all interior HVAC controls are working properly. Need to get the interior back together asap. Then need to get some fresh tires on the wheels, then a good road test. We are much closer to the end.

 

[SuperGordo]

Only Problem I'm having currently, is the EX is stalling on cold starts. Think I have a vacuum leak. Otherwise once it warms up it runs really well.

 

[SuperGordo]

Now I need a good set of tires. I'm surprised how much new tires are starting at for a 235/75 r15. $80 for off brand stuff.

 

[EB4X]

McFlation....

 

[Lee's Automotive]

McFlation....

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Yep, its completely ridiculous so sick of this

 

[EB4X]

Is this getting too political ?

 

[Lee's Automotive]

Is this getting too political ?
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Maybe but it's the truth

 

[Lee's Automotive]

I miss the old days oh wait this was like December of 2019

 

[EB4X]

...

 

[donalds]

Is this getting too political ?
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You should see the pumps by my house
....someone just keeps putting the stickers back .....

 

[Kidd7]

I would highly recommend the TOYO OPEN COUNTRY A/T III tires, although still not cheap.

 

[SuperGordo]

I would highly recommend the TOYO OPEN COUNTRY A/T III tires, although still not cheap.

Thanks, I'll take a look!

 

[CDW6212R]

Now I need a good set of tires. I'm surprised how much new tires are starting at for a 235/75 r15. $80 for off brand stuff.

Also consider another size, I just put on a set of 255/70/15's, on my stock 15x7" wheels. The diameter is identical to the 235/75's, but they are wider with a shorter profile, more stable handling. I also have a cut on the side of one, just under four months old and I'm about to replace it, a new one just came. The cost was almost $15 more per tire for the different size, but I was trying a new brand as not all brands have that size.

 

[SuperGordo]

Also consider another size, I just put on a set of 255/70/15's, on my stock 15x7" wheels. The diameter is identical to the 235/75's, but they are wider with a shorter profile, more stable handling. I also have a cut on the side of one, just under four months old and I'm about to replace it, a new one just came. The cost was almost $15 more per tire for the different size, but I was trying a new brand as not all brands have that size.

I just looked those up, but they start at even more than the stock size.

 

[CDW6212R]

Yeah, sorry I know, it obviously isn't a popular size. I like it better for the possible better handling, I've never been thrilled with tall profile tires. The 235/75/15's I have used on my old 91 and 93 Explorer weren't as as stable as the 255/70/16's of my 99 Limited. The 70 series 16" tires have felt much better than the 15's ever did.

 

[SuperGordo]

Yeah, sorry I know, it obviously isn't a popular size. I like it better for the possible better handling, I've never been thrilled with tall profile tires. The 235/75/15's I have used on my old 91 and 93 Explorer weren't as as stable as the 255/70/16's of my 99 Limited. The 70 series 16" tires have felt much better than the 15's ever did.

I totally get it. Considering this is for my daughter and first grandson I don't want crap tires. Just a bit surprised at how much an average sized 15" tire is right now. Just crazy. I can buy them on my discount tire card but I'm waiting for a 2022 Explorer ST my wife and I ordered to show up in February. And as you all know I just bought a house a month ago, so I'm trying not to charge anything. Don't want to tank my credit score in a months time.

 

[SuperGordo]

I’m still on the warpath. Today i fitted and installed the new grill. It looks nice, the Taiwanese parts leave a bit to be desired. Had to do a fair amount of filing to get them to fit right. Yeaterday I wet sanded the headlights and clear coated them. They turned out pretty nice. Im going to install new bulbs before i put the turn signal housings back in. The day before in replaced the grey plastics on the bumper with better used pieces. Brand new fog light assemblies with new bulbs. Getting closer to the end.

 

[SuperGordo]

While i know I’m preaching to the choir, the 2nd gen Explorer is really a great looking design.

 

[donalds]

While i know I’m preaching to the choir, the 2nd gen Explorer is really a great looking design.

Hell yea

 

[410Fortune]

Looks great good progress

Does it still stall out on cold starts?

Toyo tires are awesome if you get a set built in USA or Japan, the others not so great

Tires are very interesting many times we pay a bunch of extra $$$$ just for a fancy name
Many off brand tires are built right alongside the name brands but are far cheaper
Getting tires off eBay is a good way to go if you can find a shop that won’t charge you $200 to mount and balance them, many shops charge extra now if you don’t buy the tires from them which adds fuel to the fire!