any pointers when purchasing a 94 X

[whdahel]

Going to look at a 94 X tonight or tomarrow, it's 4x4 and a 5 speed, 4 door, has about 120K. I am not to familiar with the gen 1's. anything I shouold look for rust/rot? mechanical issues. Also how reliable are the Gen 1's? I used to have a 96 sploder sport and now I have a 98 Mountianeer. They have been great except for the auto trans in the 96. I look forward to hearings some opinions and pointers, thanks guys!

 

[Premier]

Make sure the tranny goes into first and second easily, thats usually an issue, and be sure to check the rocker panels for rust, thats the most common problem area on the first gen if I remember right.

 

[Lt.Jim]

The 5speed is a definite plus as opposed to the auto. Gen 1s are notorious for rusting at the rocker/dog leg area. Look underneath not just the outside. Check the condition of the radius arm bushings the passenger side in particular. Under the hood check all the common things like fluid condition and color and hoses. Look for fluid leaks.

 

[CodePoet]

Exactly what they said. I would also take it to dirt lot and engage the 4x4, if it doesn't work it's probably an easy fix but you can use it to get price down. Also take it through a few suspension cycles, the ra's tend to wallow out the mounts if they bushings are shot, you will hear/feel a clunk around your feet as the suspension travels if they are. They are great rigs, extremely reliable when taken care of.

 

[marragtop]

Check for bad head gasket(s). One way to check is... with the engine cold, start it up, take the radiator cap off, and rev the motor. If it starts puking out the top of the radiator, it could be a blown head gasket.

 

[whdahel]

thanks guys, I am going tomorrow night how many miles can I expect to get out of a gen 1 x before any major work needs to be done, if routine maintenance is done?200k? I have always been a Crown Vic guy had 4 of them and I have gotten 230k + with little maintenance. i would hope to get the same with an x.
once again thanks for all the info.

 

[Rustang©]

these guys hit the money with their inspection ideas.

Like someone already said, be sure there are not head gasket leaks, they are fairly common when a 4.0 is overheated. You can check a few different ways one being do as the other person suggested or check the oil, if it appears milky white, then its no good.

Good luck man, and mine has quite a few miles on it, not the original engine, but they are fairly reliable.

 

[DeRocha]

Other areas to look at:
Driver's door sag (requires you to really slam it to engage the lock mechanism).
Broken Arm rest
Leaks/stains around the windshield headliner. Mainly do to rusted windshield channel..

 

[Mud Bug 94]

from the second row door hinge back under the truck...look for rot...Radius arm bushings....arm rest, vslve cover gaskets and fire it up, and take the oil cap off....check for blow by...

 

[ma96782]

Might be a little late here:

There are some KNOWN problems w/ first Gen Explorers.....among them: V6 4.0L ohv head crack, over heating, rear hatch closing on your head, radius arm bushings, shift motors, auto hubs, broken interior door handles and the weak trans. And, remember you're using older computer technology (EEC IV aka: OBD I). The 4.0L ohv has only 160 HP.........IMHO, from climbing mountains (paved road, 5-6% grade)........it's a DOG.

______________________________________________________________________

Consider these points for any 2nd Gen Explorer (4.0L ohv, 4.0sohc, or V8 equipped vehicles):

The 2nd Gen has the OBD II and a better trans (compared to the 1st Gen). But, they also come w/ KNOWN issues. Among them: V6 4.0 sohc (205 HP) timing chain cassette, the usual 4.0L ohv engine problems (ohv head crack, over heating), the V8 (and trans) is better for reliability though it gets about 1-2 MPG less (per Govt.), the 4.0 sohc and V8 are good for towing (due to hp), the V8 is better for torque (so, even better for towing). Then, there is the HVAC blend doors, torsion bar pads, and broken interior door handles.

You put your money down....you take your chances......you hardly never KNOW how well the previous owner treated it (since it's USED).

Aloha, Mark

And...

New USED Car Owners….advice:

IMHO.....for those that have just purchased a USED vehicle from someone/some car lot (questionable history) and have noticed some issues...............

IMHO, may I suggest a complete tune up. Include the: air filter, motor flush and re-fill w/oil and new filter, fuel filter, pcv, cooling system flush and re-fill w/ new coolant, plugs and wires, run some sea foam, and don't forget the fuel system cleaner added to the fuel.

Clean the MAF and IAC……it’s a little more involved:

Explorer Maintenance

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=144066&page=1&pp=20

Explorer MAF cleaning

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=154711&highlight=cleaning+mafs

IAC Cleaning:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84220&highlight=iac

And, another IAC Cleaning thread:

http://www.moddedmustangs.com/cleaning-your-iac.html

IF you feel energetic........do the transfer case, frt diff. and rear diff. Expand that to a check of the breaks, bearings, trans mounts, motor mounts, shocks and RAB (for the 1 Gen Explorer). Anything else....feel free to, "just do it."

Check for codes. Get a “base” to work off of.

Aloha, Mark

On the plus side:

I get a little over 20 MPGs pure Hi-way and about 15-16 MPGs everyday driving (city/Hi-way).

There are a lot of 1st Gens still on the roads around here (Pac. Northwest).....lots of parts in the junk yards. Lots of room to sleep in the back w/ the rear seat folded down. And, Great advice on the web.

Aloha, Mark