Buying a new Explorer...

[eclipse5302]

Hey all

I'm new here, I'm thinking of buying an Explorer to pull my boat. Just a cheap second vehicle for towing.

I found one locally here. It's got like 250k miles, new clutch / rebuilt 5 speed 60k ago, PS gearbox leak, lots of rust (typical explorer rust), and NO options. This thing is bare. It's a 91 4 door XL. I'm thinking of offering the guy $600-$700 for it. Is that a good price?

Jason

 

[eclipse5302]

ttt

 

[bippy93]

I think you should spend a little more and buy
mine.

 

[Rubberhead]

Check the local paper, and auto trader magazine. Also search the internet.

I don't know how big your boat is, but I would get an automatic transmission and make sure that you've got a oil and transmission cooler if you boat weighs more that 3,000 pounds.

I pull several boats, the heaviest is around 4,500-5,000 pounds. I opted for the V8 with the 5-speed automatic transmission in my most recent Explorer.

 

[Majisto]

Ford has a 5-speed automatic for its V-8s now in the Explorer?

 

[Rubberhead]

The 5-speed automatic is in both the V6 and V8.

In normal driving it spends about 0.3 seconds in 3rd gear.

However, when pulling a heavy load, the 5-speed shifts very smoothly without the abruptness of the old 4-speed.

 

[Fhantazm]

Jason,
That seems like a fair price. However, the V6-OHV engine, tho a sturdy engine, is going to be showing wear with that kind of mileage. And towing a boat with a truck clocking 250K miles MIGHT be more of a "problem child" than anticipated. Not trying to steer you away, just throwing out a little usefulness.

 

[Majisto]

Ford doesn't use the same transmission from the V-6 in a V-8. I do NOT want any A4LD based tranny running through my V-8. The V-8 uses a 4R70W transmission that is only used for the V-8. It's a rock solid transmission that I have very rarely seen failures on.

Obviously Ford either has a NEW 5-speed automatic for the V-8 (Maybe the Torqshift?), or it just feels like it has 5 speeds since I bet the 4.6 Modular still uses the 4R70W (It does in the Mustang GT Automatics).

 

[eclipse5302]

Well, I decided to buy it. I got it for $850. I started cleaning it up (I swear they never cleaned it), and it looks pretty nice. I'm going to fix the "explorer rust" it has, and give it a good tune up. The engine seems really strong, even though it probably hasn't had a tune up in like 50k miles. I took the crappy vinyl seats out, and replaced them with some nice cloth seats. I think it'll be a good truck.

My boat is a 15ft tri-hull. Not too heavy, so it shouldn't be to big of a problem for this truck to tow it.

I think I need to put a clutch disc in though...when at a stop, at idle, if I push the clutch in I have to wait 3-5 seconds before I can shift into gear. Once I'm moving it shifts great. If I am at a stop, at idle, and I push the clutch in and try to shift to rev right away, it grinds a little. The clutch feels firm though, so I doubt it's a problem with the clutch line/pedal/throwout bearing, etc.

Also, when I shift it to first, the truck will move once the pedal gets almost to the top of travel (alsmot all the way out). Is it supposed to be like that? It doesn't slip at all once I get moving.

I'm pretty sure that it needs just the disc but...any other ideas, am I missing something? Thanks for the help!

Jason