1997 explorer xlt

[Cool66]

Dear friends I have just bought a 97 explorer 4.0 sohc .But haven driven to any where yet ..right after I got I read few lines in the Internet about the problems at this mode.I know nothing about the fords ..is there a any guide line that what I should check before I drive the car ?car has 100.000 miles on the clock.do I have to change the timing belt or the shocks?
spark plugs and wires?
Thank you very much for your help

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! The SOHC has issues with the timing chain & guide. Check the blend door for the A/C & heat.

 

[sport97]

Welcome aboard.

I have a 97 with the SOHC with 96k. Mine runs good. Just give a visual check over on the ball joints, suspension, and if the brakes work then you should be good. The timing chain will rattle at start up and 3k if it is starting to go bad. Mine was making noise but a switch to synthetic oil has stopped the noise. Any issues you find do a search and see if you find the solution, if not feel free to ask.

I'd check all the fluids as well, mainly the trans fluid, make sure its full and fresh.

As far as plugs and wires, you are around the time to replace them if they are original, but it should run just fine with them, mine still does.

Shocks...mine are pretty whooped, so depending on how it rides, it may be time for replacement ones to improve the comfort.

 

[Cool66]

Thank you very much for your reply,since I am living in Asia there. Isn't a big dealer or a service center for this model but I still loving it.Only the problem making me worry timing chain ,if it gives me a trouble is it Abigail job to replace or to fix?about the suspension I can't see any springs in the front not like the my land rover..so if it Suggs I don't know how to do.
Thanks.

 

[sport97]

Thank you very much for your reply,since I am living in Asia there. Isn't a big dealer or a service center for this model but I still loving it.Only the problem making me worry timing chain ,if it gives me a trouble is it Abigail job to replace or to fix?about the suspension I can't see any springs in the front not like the my land rover..so if it Suggs I don't know how to do.
Thanks.

Its probably hard to find parts in Asia. I wouldn't worry so much about the timing chain. Its a fairly difficult job to replace, and many go 200k miles without problems.

The front is not leaf springs, it is independent suspension. If nothing seems broken, drive it. If you notice a problem then search or ask a question about it.