If you have to change the spark plugs on a Toyota front wheel drive V6 you will make similar comments regarding poor serviceability. In order to replace the three rear plugs the intake manifold (among other items) must be removed.
Any FWD V6 is pretty much the same way. Im very lucky on my SHO that all I have to remove to get to my rear plugs is the bracket for the secondary control. I mean, I've worked on these cars so much I can remove and reinstall one in about 20 minutes, but its still extra steps in glad I dont have to take.
that's my point... the 4.0 isn't typical ford fashion to barely beat out Chevy... a 4.4 based on a 351 with the back 2 lopped off would have been....
no.... the Explorer has a 4.0 that gets what, 20mpg and makes less than 200hp and barely 200ft/lb torque? in a heavier 4,000+lb chasis... further since Ford was able to cram a v8 in the same engine bay - there's clearly a bit of room to spare for smarter service-ability of the more common engine.
my IS300 makes more power out of a 3.0 I6 and gets better gas mileage.
Maybe you haven't seen Fords space saving designs on the 5.0 to "cram" it into an Explorer.. Yeah Its cool they did it, and it made great power and torque and for sure was the leader of its segment.. But what a pain in the dick to work on.
The exhaust manifolds were an abortion, the waterpump snout was almost non existant, they had to use the Cobra manifolds (not complaining there) because they were shorter than the trucks.
IMHO that chasis had no reason to put that motor in there. Its to big for a, and this next word is key now, PRODUCTION car.
ford 4.0l v6 is 210 bhp 290 ft-lbs torque.
your IS about 1000-1500 lbs lighter.
i can take a civic and do 7 seconds with it, but the car will weigh a little more then 1300 lbs. less driver.
Which 4.0 are you referring to. the OHV is an under-powered dog. Its a reliable sum-*****, but jesus christ it can bearly get out of its own way. The SOHC was a great motor and should have been utilized way more, but the poor design of the timing system, i feel, is what cursed that motor.
I had a '95 Toyota pickup before the '96 Explorer I have now, and both have been pretty reliable, but admittedly the Toy was more so.
The main difference in the two was the fenders and other parts on the Toy were so rusted they were flapping in the wind, while just mainly the wheel openings have rust on my Ex.
Toyotas are reliable. I wont disgree with that at all.
IMHO Toyota's are bland, boring, ugly, unpleasant cars and trucks. The trucks in the 80's, 90's and early 00's were WAY to weak compared to their american counterpart and they are stupidly complicated to work on. There are so many extra wires and vacuum lines that can become brittle and break the minute you look at them.
Im spoiled by my SHO because of how easy it it to work on the damn things.. Granted, getting parts now a days is beginning to become a challange, but, i still enjoy the car.
Like has stated before, every car has their corks. Either learn to live with them or get rid of the ####ing thing. Everyone has an opinion on something and only half of the people you meet will agree.
My Ford's.. They rot.. The transmisisons are weak and the interiors are made of cheap material.. BUT, they start every time i turn the key, parts are usually 1/3 or more the cost of the same part for a japanese car (55 for starter on a small block vs 200 for a starter on camry or maxima) and theyre just fun to drive.
My SHO has some rot, but everytime i get in the car, throw it around some corners, bury the speedo and rev it to 7.5k it makes me smile.. Oh, and I also get 29-30 MPG on the highway... Ill take my corky taurus over a camry ANY day.
As for the Ex.. Same thing. ####ers got more rot and decay than a hillbillys mouth. But, for the money you cant beat it with ride and size and tow capacity..
