1997 with a 5.0 please help

[93explorereb]

Greetings:

I just picked up a 1997 explorer XLT with a 5.0 in it. It really moves!! What are some of the pros and cons of this particular model? I am familiar with the 5.0, however, any elaboration would be greatly appreciated. I also would just like to improve the gas mileage too. I plan on going full synthetic on all of the fluids. How tough are these trucks on gas. Right now my 1993 eddie Bauer 4.0, gets about 20-24 mpg (all hwy daily). I want to put some 31's on it like I have on my 93. Overall mileage is 123,000 original. My 93 has 165,000 original miles. I have several questions all of which I will post over time. Thanks in advance!!


Best Regards

 

[techieman33]

They're really solid, no real problems to speak of. I got around 19-20mpg all highway when it was stock. Headers, cat back exhaust, CAI, and a computer tune got me to around 22mpg.

 

[93explorereb]

They're really solid, no real problems to speak of. I got around 19-20mpg all highway when it was stock. Headers, cat back exhaust, CAI, and a computer tune got me to around 22mpg.

Cool! Could I really get it to run like the mustang 5.0, to some extent? That mellow growl that the 5.0 mustang yields. Flowmasters, maybe? Would 10w-30 be overall good, although I might just opt for the 0w-30 from Amsoil. Does the front diff take 75w-140 and the rear 75w-90? I REALLY LIKE MY 93, IT IS ONE TOUGH 6 CYLINDER!! tHANKS!

 

[parad1mg]

these truck are pretty tough.. considering it is an older vehicle, expect to do repairs here and there to keep it and or bring it back to shape.. the engines are really good too but dont expect it to move like a mustang.. explorers are trucks and should be treated and driven like one..

mufflers only change the exhaust note/sound when you add them on without doing any real power adders..

putting down 31's are common for numerous members here and they have a lot of really good results with what they were expecting out of it.. it all depends on what you want and what you are going to do with it..

the only thing i really hate about our trucks is the interior rattles and squeaks.. i've got some sound deadening here and there and i dont really hear much road noise besides the engine when i get on it and that makes the interior noises more audible.. ride is a little bit harsh too but i cant complain right now since it was not tuned/set-up for use on california roads..

there is a ton of information in the forum and to tell you honestly, this place is one of the easiest forum to browse thru..

have fun researching!

 

[celly]

On my 5.0, putting on an air intake setup and custom exhaust woke it up, but custom tuning really did the job. These things are tuned for soccer moms when they're bone stock. Torque Monster Headers are a VERY desirable mod and made only for the 5.0. Consider that upgrade down the road. Stock exhaust manifolds are a weak spot on our rides.

The best mileage mod you can make is with your right foot. Driving style! The other mods will help bring mileage up a bit, but how you drive makes the biggest difference. Synth oil never hurts. I'm running Amsoil synthetic just about everywhere I can.

 

[93explorereb]

Cool!!! Thanks guys! i have a little exhaust leak coming from my driver's side manifold. However, I will research a little bit further, in the event it may just be a pipe or something. My 93 explorer EB 4.0 V6 edition is currently all stock, except for the 31's, is running really nice, and has been well cared for. I am ready for the winter! My 93 did very well with the snow last winter, especially the few times that I didn't feel like shoveling! Thanks again guys!

 

[410Fortune]

shovel? who shovels? just drive right over it

5.0L Gen II is a heck of a truck! enjoy!

 

[The Captain]

Used to own a 92 XLT 4x4 loved it but needed something a little safer for daily driving

I bought a 96 5.0 because I prefer 2wd over AWD. Better on gas not a heavy and less problems to worry about.

The Explorer with the V8 is a great combo. Way more torque and feels smooth on High Ways. The 4.0 is great also, saves on gas but it defiantly isn't as peppy.

Bad:When I bought my X the guy didn't service the car much and needed all new plugs and wires oil ect. It got about 12-17 MPG before, now gets about 15-20 which is pretty good for V8. Like somone here said I do get allot of interior rattles but California roads suck. One thing that I would like to comment is for some reason our explorers lose momentum up steep freeways I know a few here know about H 17.

Otherwis I'm happy.

 

[chance942]

Oh heck yeah 17 can be nightmare for momentum especially on a Sunday afternoon.