92 Ford Explorer,180k miles what work should I do?

[Rfoley22]

I have a 92 Explorer that is now about 180k miles. It was owned by a neighbor who maintained it well and it runs great. I have used the forum for brake walkthroughs and other walkthroughs for the past two years, and this site is a lifesaver.

I am looking for recommendations on a few problems. Many here have done mods, and rebuilds to theirs and I'm willing to do work, but don't want to do wrong or over-do work.

#1. It has a stock suspension. The rear sags by about 3 inches. the local off road shop says that air bags are the only good fix. I was under the impression that new leaf springs would do better for both wheeling and highway.
I occasionally tow and it sags so bad that a 200lb total weight trailer will make the hitch hit the ground over a curb at 5mph. Can air bags do that much? should air bags be used to gain 3 inches of lift?

one option that I have seen is to use the bottom leaves of a F150 suspension with the main explorer leaf. I just want to be back at stock height with a better ride and less sway.

what do ya'll think? also what can/should I do the the front again to stay at stock height but get a better ride. it has new shocks, they help but the ride is still poor, lots of bounce and sway.

#2. It has two very small leaks. On the bottom side of the engine there are two different leaks, one is oil, and the other is the color of anti-freeze but the consistency of caliper slide grease. The oil and coolant never get low so I know it is a very slow leak, I do not notice any drips on the ground. but it is on the metal of the car and when I wipe it off it re-appears after a few days.
The oil appears in the rear near where the tranny meets the driveshaft. The green gel is up front near the driveshaft belt wheel. both come from places above that I have not been able to pin point.
The engine runs great. oil has no particles and seems to last well, is changed frequently. Coolant is changed regularly too. Idle is where it should be. Temp is good.

What other tests should I do to the engine? should I rebuild just to check inside and replace all gaskets, or leave it alone until needed.


#3. it has a starting problem. It starts great cold. Starts great Hot. Starts fine at 105 degrees, starts fine at -10 which we had a couple weeks ago.

the problem comes after I have gotten the engine hot, and then turn it off for 20-60 minutes. It won't start then. when the key is turned the fender solenoid clicks but the starter never cranks. I have tried to bypass the solenoid with a screw driver... it does not do it always, but after holding screwdriver there for 5 seconds or so it will often crank.

I believe it is the solenoid on the starter that has problems. napa wants 60$ for one. what should I do, get one from the junk yard? new? or just live with it. I have always been able to get it started in 5-10 minutes usually less with a screwdriver.




Where should I start? what problems and solutions are best fixes?
can I do a re-build? I'd like it to be cheap just replace gaskets and clean everything? or should it wait. other than fluids what else should I do to keep it on the road?
does starting it with a screwdriver hurt anything?

I like this car and hope to keep it long past when it has earned classic car plates.
Any suggestions are appreciated.

 

[Rfoley22]

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[Tbars4]

...This link should prove useful to you..
http://www.explorerforum.com/Singleton/exp.html

...Take the starter out and have it bench tested for free...Then you will have a better idea of what you might need...

...I would say fix the things you need done right away and the rest do as you go..

..The moderators will move it for you...If you were "Elite" you could move it yourself...

 

[Rfoley22]

...I would say fix the things you need done right away and the rest do as you go..

My main question is what are opinions on all three questions and what needs to be dealt with now, and what can be done as I go.

My main worry is the fluids leaking. The fluids are not disappearing, no loss in reservoirs, no burnt oil or coolant that I can see. they are just slowly leaking, not even dripping off the car. is this something that needs to be dealt with soon, how do I check.

thanks for any feedback.

 

[Cobraguy]

Do NOT use air shocks to repair your sagging suspension. It puts all the vehicle weight on the shock mounts. Not what they were designed for. Air bags? Well, maybe. But my God why spend that kind of money? Shackles would work, but they are a horrible cure for bad springs. I would order new springs. And I would consider adding an "overload" leaf for when you tow. It can usually be adjusted to have no effect during normal operation and won't affect the ride quality.