Advice on purchase 96-2001 V6 2WD 4-door

[torinoscj429]

Hello all

I'm a Ford guy...I bleed Ford blue. I have a 1990 Bronco II on its last legs, a 72 F250, a 1970 Torino Cobra Drag Pack in work, and have had many Fords in the past.

I'm looking for a 1996-2001 V6 Automatic 2WD 4-door Explorer to take the place of my Bronco II.

Is there a good year to look for? (96 at least to get OBD-II)

A bad year to stay away from?

Is there a "good" V6 or a "bad" V6?

Any equipment to stay away from?

I'm a blank book right now...I don't have an Explorer, but want one and want to make an informed purchase.

I'm in San Diego, and there are tons to choose from around here.

Thanks!

Gerard

 

[XLT]

There is the sohc v6 and the ohv. The ohv is tried and true. Great engine. The sohc has a good amount more torque and hp but they have some timing chain issues. They also usually get better milage then the ohv. I got the sohc now in my sport and its alot more peppy then my old 93 ex with the ohv. Dont let the timing chain issue scare you off. There are some guys pushing 200,000 miles with orignal sohc motors and tranny. I think anything in that year range should be fine. No equipment comes to mind. THe biggest thing would just be the engine choice.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! Look for a 98, 99 or 2000 with the V8. The gas mileage isn't that much different.

 

[1Aauto]

Welcome to the site.

 

[Glen4X4]

Welcome To The Site. The 4.0 OHV engines are descent engines they are 160hp factory with good low end torque some have a valve tap but nothing to really be concerned about since you are looking at 96 and newer the 96 OHV would have a 4R55E 4speed auto trans or manual 5spd to keep the auto in good shape keep up with fluid and filter changes every 30k and don't overheat it. In 97 they came out with the 4.0 SOHC which is a good powered engine which is 190-205HP I think it depended on your vin but not 100% on that. the 97 and later came with a 5r55e 5spd auto in both the OHV and SOHC the 97 SOHC had several issues with the timing chain tensioner but even up to 02 there were a some SOHC's that had the problem so if you were to look at one I would ask if its every been repaired. The 5.0's are good solid motors 210HP factory with room for upgrades to improve horsepower and came with a 4spd auto and were not optioned with a manual trans. So there's a little information for you. You may want to go to howthingswork.com for and type in history of explorers for more in depth information.