Best model/year of the 98-01's?

[LiverSpots]

If you had to pick a model/year to go with for a 98-01 Explorer, which would you go for? Which year has the least amount of crippling problems?

I'm currently shopping for a Explorer, 4 door. V8 would be a plus, as I pull a boat, and am also shopping for a 5th wheel. 4x4 isn't necessary but would be a plus.

Many thanks!

 

[410Fortune]

96-01 is the V8 explorer. 2wd or AWD are the only options, no 4x4.

You cant really go wrong with a 98-01 model, just get the options you want at a price you want and you will be fine

No exporer can pull a 5th wheel, as I am sure you are aware! For towin you DEFINATLEY want the v8 because it has a far superior transmission

 

[LiverSpots]

Oh jeebus. Little brain fart there, I meant a trailer, not a 5th wheel. Sorry about that.

 

[410Fortune]

how heavy is the trailer? boat?

 

[96limitedX]

personaly..prolly a 99-00 limited V8 AWD

 

[MONMIX]

I dunno, break out the sawz-all and weld in a coupla' braces here and there, you can pull a 5th wheel with an Explorer

 

[smiley1]

I have a 98 I bought new which has been towed out of my driveway due to a bad fuel pump at 36,x.. miles and a front drive shaft at 70K miles. Thank goodness for an extended warranty! LOL. It has 90K on it now and it runs like the day I got it. Nothing major since. I think the newer/lower miles the better off you will be. Just my opinion.

But I love the AWD and the 5.0. Wouldnt have it any other way. It will be more than worth it. Trust me.

 

[Turdle]

Don't rule out the awd mountaineers ( had to say that)
Try to get an AWD v-8
better mpg's believe it or not

 

[C5 Pewter Coupe]

I had an 01 Explorer XLT 4x4 with trailer tow package and 4.10 gears.. it was plenty of truck to pull a uhaul trailer 5x8 fully loaded and the back fully loaded for Seattle to North Carolina at 80+ mph (including up the Rockies) now I have an 01 Explorer Sport with 3.73 gears and limited Slip.. (didn't need 4 doors not with getting a divorce)