An early look..replacement X

[Charlie]

Well, with my 96 sport sitting with around 160k on the clock, I am having worries.
I think either the engine or transmission will kick the bucket soon. This is one of the reasons I do not want to do much to it. Hopefully I am wrong, but I can't say I have been easy on the engine or transmission (even though I do perform regular maintenance.) I think if either of these happen I will not repair, but just either keep it, or part it out. I suppose I will decide that when it happens.

Anyway, what I am looking for to replace it with is a 1997-2001 explorer. I kind of like the Sports (I wonder why..) but also like the v8 you can get with the 4 doors. For the engine I want either the 5.0, or the 4.0 OHV.

Any recommendations on what I should be looking at? What should I avoid?
I am also considering a mounty...What are thoughts on mounty vs XLT?

As I said, I do not have any plans to get rid of my current X, I just want to have plans for if something goes wrong.

 

[manaen]

get the mounty 5.0
I may be a bit partial though

 

[Charlie]

I personally like that too...
It's just the cost factor.. The mountys cost about 1-2k more around here..and I don't know any real difference that would make it worth it.

 

[bisjoe]

I had a '96, and traded it in for a new Ranger at 118k miles. I had noticed some funny stuff with the shifting and took it to a trans shop, where I knew the owner. He said that many of them didn't make it that far, and went out at 100-110k miles. He quoted $2,000-2,500 to rebuild it.

The 4.0 engines seem to do better, up to 200k miles or more with good care.

Personally I'd try for the V8, much more power, just a bit more weight and sucks about the same amount of gas.

4.0 OHV 160HP 15/20mpg - - - V8 215HP 14/20 mpg

 

[MountaineerGreen]

5.0 Explorer/Mountaineer is the way to go. Stronger transmissions, no timing chain or intake issues, more power, about the same MPG's.