1999 Ford Explorer XLT questions

[99FEXLT]

Hello all,

Recently my wife and I purchased a 1999 Ford Explorer XLT, 5.0, AWD with 91200 miles on it. It has all the bells and whistles. This is our first Explorer. This vehicle has been purchased in Hawaii and will be used in Pennsylvania. (Military Family)

Although I did some research before purchasing, I was curious about other people experiences with this year, make and model vehicle.

Is this a generally reliable vehicle?
Can I expect to actually get the 14 city and 19 highway MPG listed?
What should I specifically be on the lookout for in regards to repair, recall or maintenance issues?
Assuming no maintenance has been performed up to this point, what type of repair and replacement would you recommend for this vehicle with 91250 miles on it? I know it needs new front rotors and pads. I assume I should change the wheel bearings and seals as well? I am considering changing the following, just so I know that they are new:
Front and rear shocks, spark plugs and wires, fuel filter, air filter, all lubricants ( oil, tranny, transfer case, rear diff., coolant )

Anything else to consider?

Thanks for your time.

 

[00XLS]

First off welcome to the site and soon enough the state of PA and thanks for serving, whoever it is... Anyways, your on the right track with changing all the fluids, I'd go with sythetic fluids if you can afford them. (doing everything at once can get pricey) The engine/tranny combo you have is reguarded as probably one of the best/longest lasting. I would also do the plugs wires, coil, drop a K&N air filter, shocks wouldn't hurt. Go with some good brake pads and rotors. You'll be good to go, any other questions, just ask or use the search feature first

 

[99FEXLT]

Thanks

Thanks for the information.

 

[exploded99]

The 302 and 4r70w tranny are the most reliable engine / tranny in the exploders. They go a long way if maintained. On the weaker side is the front driveshaft. The CV joint fails - the climate in Hawaii is pretty good, yours will probably last awhile, but the Pennsylvania climate is a little tougher.

Mileage - 14 city if you take it easy. Better than 19 on the freeway probably. Drinks like a pig when you jump the gas pedal.

Front hubs - you have to do them as an assembly, you can't just do bearings. $$$$. They require synthetic wheel grease - may not hurt to clean em up and regrease if you have time.

I have found that keeping the fuel injection system clean is required for good performance. Clean your maf ( instructions can be found on this site) and use a couple of bottles of techron. After that, use a can of BG44k. It's expensive, but it works.

Also clean your idle air control valve, and if you have time, pull the throttle body off and clean it out, especially the back of the throttle plate.

You will have noticable improvement in performance!

 

[99FEXLT]

Great information, Thanks!

 

[celly]

What he (Exploded99) said. I just scored a '99 Eddie Bauer with same engine/tranny. I've already done the IAC and MAF. Consider Seafoam as well. I am going to replace all the fluids with Amsoil eventually.

Enjoy and welcome to the site. Stick around. This is the best Explorer resource anywhere.

 

[99FEXLT]

Thanks

Ok Thank you all.

 

[Xzibit A]

as fa as the milage goes yes i got those numbers when my mounty was stock, it was mor 16/19 though, ad i id alot of suburban dirving(stop and go highway speed traffic) even after the lift and 33s im still getting 15. aldo there is not really any need to change the plugs and wires unless you have a porblem, and you will probibly never have to replace the coil, but if and whn the do go use motorcraft ignition parts, ive seen alot of issues using aftermarket ignition parts.

 

[sparky2263]

If you have automatic A/C and select "auto", the compressor will be energized. Provided the outside temp is above 32 degs (F) it will be cycling on and off (depending on heat load).

By manually selecting "Vent" or "Heat" the compressor is de-energized.

My Explorer avgs. 16.5 with a mix of City and Hgwy. Get's a little under 20 on highway trips.