1998 Explorer Sport questions

[boevella]

I'm new to the forum. Spent three hours diggin through this site last night and learned alot about my new truck. I have owned many Fords and always will. Currently, I drive 3 Fords. A '89 Aerostar Cargo van (for work), a '97 Areostar XLT (for the kids), and I just bought a '98 Explorer Sport 5-speed (for fun!!). I got a great deal on this truck, I think. Here is the situation:

The truck has 175,x..
Great condition, body has NO visible rust except a couple small spots on both bumpers (easy fix) and running boards, NO dings or dents, and only a few cosmetic things that will be easy to fix, like passenger mirror and driver side door lock. The previous owner documented everything he did with it. It uses no oil. Interior is near perfect. 4x4 works great (had to use it last night, damn Wisconsin winters). I checked KBB and it rated $3200 in good condition. The guy wanted $2000 for it, I gave him $1700, and all it needed was new front rotors and pads, which I did yesterday for under $100. The rear brakes are new. My question is, should I be leary? Anything special to watch for? The guy was a mechanic, so why is he selling it so cheap? Everything appears visually sound and well taken care of. The only thing I noticed is a small leak on the front differential seal. It drives very smooth. I am in love with this truck and would like to see it hit 300k. I just hope there isn't something wrong that I don't know about. Any suggestions greatly appreciated. Thanks alot!!

 

[marragtop]

Since you got the 5 speed, that will rule the automatic transmission concerns that are somewhat common. Make sure the heat and AC work properly. Hopefully, you don't have any blend door issues. Since you are in WI, I would check the metal brakes (especially the rear across the axel one) for rust.

 

[XLT]

Hello fellow wisconsinite! I too have a 98 sport. What engine do you have. If you have the SOHC engine these are known for the the timing chain rattle. If you have the OHV theres really not much to worry about since these are tried and true engines. Either way if you dont hear anything wierd coming from the engine you should be good to go. The trannies on the v6's are as strong as the v8's tranny but if it is shifting smooth you should have nothing to worry. Lasty check your ball joints. Dont let the engine and tranny thning worry you though. There are plenty of members who have higher miles then you and still have orginal parts. Enjoy the truck!

 

[kert0307]

If it has the SOHC motor, the timing chains would be the only thing I would watch for. I would say the tranny, but you have the maunal, so it should be fine.

I might check the ball joints in the front to, just because it has quite a few miles.

 

[XLT]

Whoops. I thought he had the 5sp auto. If its a manual then then should be fine. If it is a manual then you should also have the Ohv engine and not the SOHC. So no timing chain to worry about.

 

[boevella]

Wow, thanks for the quick replies. hey XLT, have you had to replace the blower motor resistor? I was just wondering where it was. I've heard behind the glove box. I'm about to go outside and start looking. My heat only works on high, so I'm guessing that is it. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.