5.0 AWD vs. 4.0 4x4.

[llamaking122]

So as some of you may remember i was thinking about financing an explorer. I have since decided to just save and i have about $3000 to work with. I drive maybe 300 miles a month. Im leaning toward the 5.0 for the enngine, I own an 89 LX vert mustang and that would make it easy to work on. I had a 94 limited so i know the 4.0 ohv not the ohc. How common is the timing chain issue?

 

[sportblack99]

Timing chain is quite common. If i ever buy another one it will be a 5.0 or a 4.0 ohv. I am really unhappy with my sohc. Decent power but horribly designed.

 

[delexploder]

I have two sohc motors with over 250000 miles they both rattled like crazy but had plenty of power and got better MPG than the other two motors but the ohv 4.0 and 5.0 are more reliable the 5.0 more so as the 4.0 ohv has issues with the pushrods and rockers. The down fall of the 5.0 is the transfer case that sucks the power and fuel up.

 

[llamaking122]

Thanks guys how about for winter how is the AWD?

 

[shadowless127]

Thanks guys how about for winter how is the AWD?

I've gone through 2 of the worst we've seen on Long Island in almost 20 years with 2 AWD 5.0's, an AWD 3rd gen, and an AWD Aviator and have never come close to getting stuck. Just make sure your tires have meat on them. I've used Destination LE's and General Grabber HTS's on the 2nd Gens with much success in Winter, although the Destination LE's wore like **** and I'll never buy another set.

 

[llamaking122]

Did they also make a 5.0 that was true 4x4?

 

[sportblack99]

Did they also make a 5.0 that was true 4x4?

Negative

 

[koda2000]

do yourself a huge favor and stay away from the 4.0L SOHC engine. plus the auto transmission on the 4.0L isn't the most reliable either. despite some people managing to get high miles out of the 4.0L SOHC, it's the least reliable engine Ford ever put in an Explorer because of the timing chain issues. the 4.0L SOHC makes more power than the 4.0L OHV engine, but is far less reliable. the fuel mileage between the V6 and V8 is pretty much the same (avr 15+city 19+hwy). so, get a 5.0L AWD and don't let anyone talk you into anything different.

 

[llamaking122]

Is there any difference then the mountaineer 5.0 and the explorer 5.0?

 

[Cranmaro99]

Is there any difference then the mountaineer 5.0 and the explorer 5.0?

No.

 

[explorer-aus]

Yeah the 4.0 SOHC is a retarded as **** design, though they put out good power! I've just rebuilt my timing chains with all the upgraded parts AND rebuilt my transmission, hopefully they'll last. (guess what, my sohc is deadly silent and idles quiet and smooth).

 

[shadowless127]

Is there any difference then the mountaineer 5.0 and the explorer 5.0?

The mountaineers have a different front clip and say "Mountaineer" on the seats...

It's the same truck

 

[koda2000]

they're exactly the same truck except that the Mountaineer has different emblems and more plastic/crap trim to justify a slightly higher original selling price. much like a Camero vs a Pontiac Trans Am or a Dodge Caravan vs a Plymouth Voyager.

 

[FIND]

5.0 > 4.0

Equal mileage in the real world, a bunch more torque from the V8. 302 is one of fords most reliable engines with a huge aftermarket (aside from headers, which you only get one REALLY amazing option when you go with the V8, but that is compared to the crappy ones that are available for cheap for the 4.0). Parts are cheaper for the 302. Streets, even with snow etc, AWD > 4WD. Offroad 4WD > AWD. If you want true 4wd, do a transfer case swap from an F-150 and get better mileage than a 4wd 4.0. It is more fun to say Five Point Oh than Four Point Oh.

As to the rest of it, Mountaineers and Explorers are only different by some trim, and the grills/headlights. No significant differences aside from appearance.

/thread

 

[llamaking122]

alright guys just wanted to keep you updated i bought a 2000 needs a windsheild and pass. mirroir paid 1500 and it only has 132k

 

[ponkotsu]

I'll bet once you start driving it you will realize it needs more than a mirror and windshield! But looks like you got a great deal. I'm glad I got the 5.0. Yes I spend more for gas, but the higher reliability and longer life more than offsets the fuel cost. That and having a 5.0 in the mountains isn't such a bad idea.

 

[llamaking122]

I drove it (only half the windsheild is busted so drove around the block) it was tight he had just done the whole front end the year before. cel and abs light was on but not too worried bout that for the price and how well it ran. probably will do a tune up as i do when i get a car and they dont know when it was done last.

 

[ponkotsu]

Glad to hear its solid. When you do the tuneup, check the PCV. It's really hard to get at (behind the intake) so it generally doesn't get serviced. Mine had 140k and had original plugs, wires and PCV. PCV seemed good, plugs were worn to the nubs. PCV bushing was sloppy loose. Surprisingly, it made no difference in fuel mileage after changing everything. Did seem to run a little smoother though, and had better acceleration. (Maybe my imagination). The replacement Chinese PCV bushing was really loose. So I put some black RTV on it before installing. When I get ambitious I'll get the correct one from the dealer.

 

[koda2000]

congrats! sounds like you got a great deal. i just bought a 2000 Mountaineer V8 a couple of weeks ago and thought i got a good deal, but you beat me by a few hundred bucks and with 50k fewer miles. abs light is usually just a sensor. it could even just be dirt on the front sensors. the one on the rear axle also tends to go bad. not a biggy.

 

[obie]

Congrats! Run good oil, and take care of the trans, and it'll run forever. Those 4R70Ws are some of the most durable transmissions ever built, I love 'em to death. Especially after they beefed them up in '98. I would run either full synthetic Amsoil, or the Valvoline Max Life series of oil for both of them. I've had great results with either brand.

How's the rust underneath the truck?