93 XLT Problems Please help

[jizzeff]

Newbie here to the Explorer Forums.
Having a couple Issues with my 93 Explorer Figured I would pass them through you guys to see what you think my problems are.

Just turned 177K on the OD

First problem is I'm having some front end noise, Almost sounds like im running mudd tires on the front end. The tone of the noise changes depending on how fast i go. Its not the tires. I thought maybe the front axle maybe wheel bearings ???? I got the truck from my father and he just had the dope changed in the front Axle. I thought too maybe about adding a Friction modifier ???? Any thoughts

Second I'm having a heat problem. The heat is moving from normal hot to not so hot, the thermostate is bounching up and down as well. I thought maybe a thermostate but it has been changed in the last 6 months. Maybe heater core ??????? The truck does warm up enough to drive but there is forsure a problem.

Let me know what you guys think

Thank you

 

[jizzeff]

sorry i will move this post to under the hood

 

[JDraper]

Welcome to the forum.

Front end does not need friction modifier because it's an open differential. Friction modifier is only for limited slip differentials. If you're hearing a noise in 2wd, it's probably not the differential. However, if it's a ratcheting noise, the hubs (if they're auto hubs) could be going bad. Very common issue. It could also be the wheel bearings going out. Jack the front off the ground (and support with jackstands) and spin the wheels by hand. See if you can feel any grinding. Grab the wheel and try to wobble it top to bottom and side to side. If you get wobble only top to bottom and not side to side, it's probably ball joints. If it's in both directions, it may be bearings.

Second problem could be a bad t-stat. They have been known to be bad when new. It could also be the fan clutch going bad. A bad heater core would not likely cause the temp to bounce.

 

[scrivyscriv]

Bienvidios!

I can't help you with the first question, but your second question has come up quite a lot recently on the forums.
Check this thread out, hopefully it will give you some answers!
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=231662

Robert

 

[tigercat]

i have a easy test to see if its the thermostat all you have to do is remove the thermostat and run it without one for a while and if the temp guage stops bouncing around then you know its a thermostat if not good luck!!!!

 

[jizzeff]

Thanks for all your Comments guys I will do some tests

 

[Mickelsons]

I had a noise that sounded like something rubbing up front, and a shake also, found out the rear drivelive U-joint was seized up, you could not feel that it was bad until I removed the driveline from the truck, I would suggest jacking it up and making sure the noise is coming from the front.

 

[Nedwreck]

First problem is I'm having some front end noise, Almost sounds like im running mudd tires on the front end. The tone of the noise changes depending on how fast i go. Its not the tires.

<snip>

Does it change when going thru a curve?

My woman's X does this, and it likes to feather the tires on the inside.

I'm thinking the front end springs have sagged, which would change the front end alignment (Camber).