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2nd generation off road
- Thread starter blacklab
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Hards01FX4spt
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- January 22, 2014
- Messages
- 100
- Reaction score
- 3
- City, State
- Tacoma Wa.
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2001 Explorer Sport FX4
I`m running a 2001 Sport 
, I am impressed by it ,I had a 91 Cherokee .The EX handles ,rides, does good climbing steep roads at 3000 ft elevation ,no over heating . I need lower gears ,I`m running 33 in tires and 3:73 gears and loaded with tools and gear , No back seat Just a 2 seater .
, I am impressed by it ,I had a 91 Cherokee .The EX handles ,rides, does good climbing steep roads at 3000 ft elevation ,no over heating . I need lower gears ,I`m running 33 in tires and 3:73 gears and loaded with tools and gear , No back seat Just a 2 seater .Mankorn427
Active Member
- Joined
- October 5, 2009
- Messages
- 65
- Reaction score
- 0
- City, State
- Burnsville, NC
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 1999 Ford Explorer V8 AWD
I feel the 2nd Gen Explorers do well off road in general. I have a 99 5.0 limited and it goes everywhere my neighbors 99 Wrangler with 6" lift and 33" BFG goes. I did put Mickey Thompson Baja STZ 31x10.5 on. The Sport Ex should do a little better I assume because its a little lighter and you would have the option for 4H/4L. I've been though alot of tough spots around the eastern Appalachians here in WNC.
Sogsnakebite
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- July 6, 2010
- Messages
- 582
- Reaction score
- 10
- City, State
- St Agatha Ontario
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 03 sport 4x4
ive had 3 sports 94 98 and now an 03 and do use them off road and as daily drivers 520km on my 98 before i retired her. very capable vehicles
- Joined
- November 29, 2000
- Messages
- 10,564
- Reaction score
- 4,956
- Location
- USA
- City, State
- San Diego, PRofK
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 1994 XLT
I think the 2nd gen's do well, but you have to remember to be careful with the front drivetrain. It is the weak link and can't stand a lot of articulation or tight turns under throttle. I have seen a bunch of them break under strain. Remember to go easy on the throttle and you should do okay with light to medium trail use.
2TimingTom
Elite Explorer
- Joined
- October 12, 2010
- Messages
- 2,488
- Reaction score
- 112
- Location
- Littleton, CO
- City, State
- Littleton, Colorado
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- '97 XLT
Keep the front sway bar connected- you limit flex but it'll protect the CVs. The rear sway bar can be tossed (permanently).
Go easy on the throttle in loose stuff but I never had any problems. Smart lines and smart technique will get you up most stuff.
Go easy on the throttle in loose stuff but I never had any problems. Smart lines and smart technique will get you up most stuff.
- Joined
- December 21, 2007
- Messages
- 1,586
- Reaction score
- 11
- City, State
- South Jersey
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 99 Mountaineer V6 4x4
I have a 99 Mounty that has never let me down off road. It has out performed many a better equipped jeep on the trail. A few well thought out minor mods and the 2nd gens do very well off road.
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