1997 Explorer AWD

[telnet]

I am buying a 1997 Explorer AWD, I believe its the xlt not sure though. What do you think does it look like something I should buy ? how does the engine look ? or whats bad with it

thanks!

 

[IZwack]

Engine should be good - its the v8 with the 4R70 transmission so as long as it works fine on the test drive, you probably shouldnt have any problem with it. The body though has some rust, but I'm sure you're well aware of that

 

[sport97]

idk what kinda deal your getting or the miles on it but i see the rust has started. the rust is worse than it looks, its probably all rotted under the plastic, but if you dont mind having to do body work soon then it should be fine. the v8 motor and trans are rock solid. other and the normal things to look at when buying a car you should be ok.

 

[telnet]

im going for the test drive this Sunday, and he told me the rust is only really bad on one door, it has one rust hole. so i think ill be able to fix that. Thanks for the quick responses

 

[telnet]

What should I look for on the test drive, I have never driven a SUV or a ford before.

 

[Joey P]

Typical, new wheels, or fix the rust? New wheels all the way! Anyhow, I say test driving an suv is not much different than test driving a car. But if I were me, I would be paying close attention to anything drive train....vibrations, hesitations, roughnessesss, and so forth. Check for oil leaks, popping coming from the awd transfer case, etc. Good luck!

 

[JoeMahma]

im going for the test drive this Sunday, and he told me the rust is only really bad on one door, it has one rust hole. so i think ill be able to fix that. Thanks for the quick responses

Just a warning on the rust...it looks like one hole but wait until you dig into it. I had the same problem and it ended up being the size of my foot when I was done and that was nothing compared to some I've seen. Nice lookin truck though.

 

[ericautopart]

The only things I see wrong w/ the is the rust, rims, painted calipers, and fake stick on pep boys vents. Other than that.. looks good. :

 

[Mbrooks420]

Under the running boards will be entirely rotten. Only good way to fix, is to pull the boards and replace the entire rocker panels. The motors and trannies run, and are tough for a lot of miles.

 

[RockyMtnHigh]

How much towing has it done? I see it has a tow kit. You did not say what mileage it has. I would have the drivetrain checked before buying any vehicle that has done serious towing. There have already been some good comments on the rust. My experience with rust has been that once it starts and gets a foothold it will be an ongoing battle. The 5.0 is Fords long and strong power plant. As long as it has been well maintained I don't think you could go wrong with that motor...and the aftermarket parts combinations for it are endless.

Happy shopping

 

[telnet]

It has just over 198 x.. kms

 

[Mbrooks420]

The mileage is good, if it was taken care of it should have plenty of life left.

 

[telnet]

For the engine, what are the best spark plugs for it ? and what oil should I put in it when i change it given its mileage ? and what should I use for the trans ?

 

[patrick112390]

For the engine, what are the best spark plugs for it ? and what oil should I put in it when i change it given its mileage ? and what should I use for the trans ?

what ive always learned is, stick with the original fluid type (-oil),..tranny should be FORD MERCON VI, and idk about oil, if it has too many miles full synthetic may cause a leak..maybe motorcraft synthetic blend if so, although i switched when i bought mine to mobil 1 full synthetic at 124,x.....as far as sparks plugs go, run far away from bosch platinum ++++4...... either motorcraft double platinum, or autolite double platinum (autolite and motorcraft are about the same)

 

[explorerfriend]

I'd also look at the underbody of the car for more rust. Dont know if they salt the roads where you are but I have seen rust holes in the floorpanels of some vehicles i've wanted to buy and others with a lot of frame rust. Other than that, yeah i agree with everyone else on the calipers, and the fake sticker side vents.

Good luck!

 

[telnet]

Ya lol if I do get the truck, I plan to take off all the ugly crap. I plan on changing the plugs and all the fluids. Then take it to a auto body shop