2000 XLS 4WD with 71,000 miles

[Don Jackson]

Hi all, I've been lurking for a long time and have learned so much. Thanks to all.

History - In 2005, my FIL sold me his black 2000 Sport, 4.0 OHV 2WD, 2 door, manual with 40,000. It was a great truck and really had great luck with it. During my divorce, money got really tight and I could only do the very basic of maintenance items on it. I still have it, but rust is starting to take hold and with the limited maintenance I did, I don't foresee many more miles being added to the 210,000 on it now.

In the meantime, I asked about several of the cars at work and how they get rid of them. That's when I learned about municipal auctions. It's my new past time.

Looking into replacing the Sport, I found several explorers through auctions. A red 1997 Eddie Bauer, 2WD, 5.0 with 150,000 that it got for $300. It came from inland SC, so no rust. Problem was it was a drug seized vehicle. Interior was trashed and the back end had been wrecked and poorly rebuilt (didn't notice that in the pictures). Someone just bought 4 brand new Goodyear Wrangler tires, so I decided to strip the car for all the parts I needed then junk the rest for $250.

Next was a white 2000 XLS, 4 door, 4WD, 4.0 OHV with 140,000 for $1400. Again, it came from inland NC, so no rust. It was the Fire Chief's truck. It needed tires (I happen to have 4 brand new Goodyear Wrangler tires), alignment, a few light bulbs and rear axle bearings. With thanks to the forum and YouTube, I tackled the bearings myself. No leaks, runs great. But now it has 175,000 and I'm starting to get nervous as it is my only vehicle I can take on long trips. The iidle is jumping around once warm and in park or neutral. It goes to 1500 rpm to about 300 rpm, then back to 1500. If it's in gear or cold, it's fine. I'm thinking the iac??? Any other ideas? No codes have been thrown.

I then bought a white 2000 XLS, 4 door, 4.0 SOHC with 32,000 for $500. I was told it didn't start. What I didn't know was how eateñ up the frame was from salt. Again, I striped it of all the good parts (interior was like new). Junked it for $400.

Now, I just bought another 2000 XLS, 4 door, 4WD, 4.0 OHV with 71,000 for $2,800. I have all the maintenance records for this truck since new. It's from inland NC and has no rust. I need to replace the tires, front end alignment and the brake line between the master cylinder and the abs box is leaking. I'm trying to find that piece with little success. I'll want to add a tow hitch too.
Does anyone have the brake line diagram for this truck? I haven't been able to find it.

Question 1 - it has power locks, but no key fobs for remote lock/unlock. I doubt it had that since new? But I've heard it's not horrible to add remote lock/unlock if the car already has power locks. Is that true and how much should I expect to pay? I called two dealers and both were not interested in answering me. One said "go to Best Buy."

Question 2 - My black sport and the 175,000 XLS have extremely dark windows in all windows behind the driver and passenger doors. The 71,000 XLS has no tint on those windows. Is it worth the hassle to go to the junk yard and pull dark windows out of junkers and reinstall in the 71,000 XLS or would it make more sense to bring it into a tint shop?

Thanks for all the help & ideas!

 

[Mbrooks420]

There’s a way to tell if it has remote locks. I believe there’s a module you can find. Someone here will chime in about that.

The door glass is a pretty easy job, as is the rear glass. The quarter windows are more difficult, but at this age many of them are starting to leak due to dried out sealant. Might be worth checking out.