96 Explorer, fix it or junk it?

[tjnap]

Should I repair or junk a 96 Explorer with 125,000 miles. Needs new transmission, odometer broken, door electric locks do not work, needs complete new brakes, needs new tires all around, radio will not turn off, exterior and interior are great. If I repair all of the things I have listed, about how much will it cost. Thanks in advance. tjnap

 

[Flash]

If you intend to keep the truck forever it's probably worth doing all that stuff.

The trans can be rebuilt using better component in known weak points.
If you have a SOHC do the timing chains while the trans is out.

Cost? Can't help you there. More than you could probably buy a reasonable used one for but yours would have a new tranny, timing gear and tyres. Probably outlast you.

 

[96ex5.0]

Fix it

 

[rigbyrigz]

Broken door electric locks proved to be a ***** here. They estimated an hour and cost $100; new actuators, both doors. Ended up being 4 hours and almost $500 at a repair shop. Of course DIY is less, but could be a *****.

 

[drdoom]

Tj that will cost quite a bit, but that varies depending on how much you can do yourself. Plus there will be more to fix soon, like ball joints, sway bar, springs, transfer case etc. If it is SUPER clean, 4x4, and you really really like explorers AND turning wrenches, it could be a keeper. Or parts.

 

[toypaseo]

Here is a write-up on replacing the actuator:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=185707

My door lock actuator went out on my rear passenger door, so I talked to my ex-Ford mechanic neighbor about how hard it is to replace them. He said get one from the junkyard, and find a heavy duty riveter, which I got from Harbor Freight:
http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-t...and-riveter-with-collection-bottle-66422.html

I did hit the junkyard for a replacement. I do remember it that unhooking the actuator rod was kinda a pain.

My neighbor replaced mine pry in under 15 minutes. He's done so many that he made it look like it was as easy as changing an air filter. He actually had a filed down punch that he made to pound out the center of the rivet holding the bracket to the door.

 

[BackBone]

Should I repair or junk a 96 Explorer with 125,000 miles. Needs new transmission, odometer broken, door electric locks do not work, needs complete new brakes, needs new tires all around, radio will not turn off, exterior and interior are great. If I repair all of the things I have listed, about how much will it cost. Thanks in advance. tjnap

I kinda felt like you when I first ran into a trans problem. Just snapped (the sound I heard) on me backing out of my garage. At 166K on the odo I had to make a decision. I realized that for what it would cost to fix the Mounty I could not replace it with anything that would not need a bunch of repairs itself. Since I can turn wrench (ex ASE certified mechanic) I decided to fix the trans (found a low mileage donor in the junk yard!) and all was well...so it seemed. Next the fuel pump went out. Was quoted $1000.00 to fix. I found this site and saw how to fix it without dropping the tank. Cost me about $150.00 to fix. It has had to be fixed here and there but any car will need repairs. This site is AWESOME for finding info on keeping your rig on the road in top notch condition. I have over 260K now on the same rig and do not regret fixing and keeping her. And now I have the mod bug... This is too much fun! With all the repairs, (not including modding or maintenance - which would be necessary in any vehicle) I probably have a little over $1400 in this truck. But this is after almost 7 years!!!