Buying an Explorer tonight!!

[ALEXplorer24]

Hi everyone my name is Alex and I'm very excited to become a part of this forum!

A little background about my self, I'm a car guy (mustang guy) originally from NJ now living in Los Angeles and I'm about to buy my first explorer tonight! (Hopefully)

1995-2001 explorers are hands down my favorite and IMO the best explorers built. When I was in 6th grade I fell in love with my dads friends white 1996 explorer xlt 5.0 2wd and ever since then I've wanted one, and that was 17 years ago!!

I finally decided to pick one up and My first choice is a 99-01 Eddie Bauer V8 (I would take a really nice 99-01 xlt v8 too.

Before I go and buy a truck I want to know if there is anything I should look out for or any model years and makes I should stay away from. I know the V8 is the better engine and trans and I don't want the V6 anyway.

I've narrowed down to two trucks ill check out today:

A 1998 Eddie Bauer V8 (doesn't have the front bumper I love)
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/cto/3935823848.html

And
A 2000 Xlt v8 (little bit of paint fade on the roof, not a deal breaker)
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/cto/3923388661.html

Thoughts? I'm really leaning towards the Eddie Bauer and I could always do a front bumper swap. However I'm a littler concerned about the rear bumper sag, but I think that can be fixed by adjusting the bolts.

Lemme know what you guys think.

Alex

 

[Joe Dirt]

Might depend on how hard it was hit. That's most likely where the tailgate dent came from, as well as the issue with the rear bumper, and the non-matching taillight.

I'd actually take a closer look at the XLT, but that's just me.

 

[ALEXplorer24]

Might depend on how hard it was hit. That's most likely where the tailgate dent came from, as well as the issue with the rear bumper, and the non-matching taillight.

I'd actually take a closer look at the XLT, but that's just me.

Good call. I didn't catch that taillight I thought the sun was just hitting it weird.

 

[Joe Dirt]

That's what happens when you stare at these stupid things, year after year...

 

[Spartan]

^^

Ain't that the truth. These things are adictive....

 

[pbnj22]

I have an 00 xlt 5.0 but mine has leather.. i dont like the eddie bauers.. dumb stripe, and the weird looking fender flares that are a different color... mechanical wise they should be pretty much the same..

 

[Joe Dirt]

I would actually think about the flares- if you ever think that you may remove them, you'll have holes. On the XLT you won't. You can add running boards to the XLT with no problems if you wish. You may have an air suspension on the back of the Eddie, which can be as much of a pain as it's worth. All things to consider...

Check the gearing, and what type of rear diff they each have- get the code from the tag on the pumpkin...

 

[ALEXplorer24]

I would actually think about the flares- if you ever think that you may remove them, you'll have holes. On the XLT you won't. You can add running boards to the XLT with no problems if you wish. You may have an air suspension on the back of the Eddie, which can be as much of a pain as it's worth. All things to consider...

Check the gearing, and what type of rear diff they each have- get the code from the tag on the pumpkin...

I actually like the Eddie Bauer flares so I prob wouldn't be removing them.

I was worried that with all the extras on the Eddie there may be more stuff that could go wrong.

What would be a disadvantage or advantage or different gearing?

 

[koda2000]

the rear bumpers on these things are really tough. my wife took a hell-of-a smack in the rear a few months ago. only thing it did was to bend one bumper bracket, which i replaced with a used one. there's really no adjustment for a bumper when the brackets are bent (other than shimming) and not much if they're still straight. for some reason, they give you plenty of side-to-side adjustment though. depending on how the xlt is optioned, it may be the better choice. other than that the v8 xlt and EB are the same. definitely go with a v8. i had one v6 and would never have bought it to begin with if i knew what i now know.

 

[Joe Dirt]

Not really the gearing, XLT's had std 3.55's with 3.73's optional. All EB's, LTD's, and Mounty's had 3.73's stock.

More about being an open diff vs. a limited slip... If you're ever thinking that you may do some real off roading, you really don't want an open diff.

 

[ALEXplorer24]

Not really the gearing, XLT's had std 3.55's with 3.73's optional. All EB's, LTD's, and Mounty's had 3.73's stock.

More about being an open diff vs. a limited slip... If you're ever thinking that you may do some real off roading, you really don't want an open diff.

Thanks for the input. The truck will be a daily driver weekend bonfire, camping truck. No serious off roading

 

[koda2000]

also look at Mountaineers. 2000/2001 were all v8's and the Montery's are equipped the same as the EB's. the Premier's are like the Explorer Limited. for some reason (perhaps because Mercury is no more, or perhaps because people don't think of them when they're looking for an Explorer) they seem to go for less money.

 

[ALEXplorer24]

also look at Mountaineers. 2000/2001 were all v8's and the Montery's are equipped the same as the EB's. the Premier's are like the Explorer Limited. for some reason (perhaps because Mercury is no more, or perhaps because people don't think of them when they're looking for an Explorer) they seem to go for less money.

Thanks!

I'd be interested in Mounties too. Found this one but not crazy about the color

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/cto/3941851674.html

 

[koda2000]

Thanks!

I'd be interested in Mounties too. Found this one but not crazy about the color

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/cto/3941851674.html

personally i like blue, but that appears to be a v6 (lack of v8 badges on front fenders). otherwise it looks pretty clean, but a little high for a '99 (at least where i live).

 

[RickOTR]

The paint is fading and peeling on the top really bad on the XLT, but the bumper and taillight on the Eddie Bauer would lead me to wonder about frame damage. Don't be in a hurry, look around as there are a lot of Explorers for sale in LA.

 

[ALEXplorer24]

personally i like blue, but that appears to be a v6 (lack of v8 badges on front fenders). otherwise it looks pretty clean, but a little high for a '99 (at least where i live).

I thought all Mounties were v8s?

 

[ALEXplorer24]

The paint is fading and peeling on the top really bad on the XLT, but the bumper and taillight on the Eddie Bauer would lead me to wonder about frame damage. Don't be in a hurry, look around as there are a lot of Explorers for sale in LA.

Thanks Rick. I'm just going to check Em out tonight with the intention of buying. If its no good ill pass

 

[ALEXplorer24]

Just found this guy. Love everything but the wheels. This may he a top contender. Do the Mounties have the same digital display in the center console like the Eddie bauers??

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/3923183434.html

 

[Joe Dirt]

I'd focus on that one...

 

[ALEXplorer24]

Just found this guy. Love everything but the wheels. This may he a top contender. Do the Mounties have the same digital display in the center console like the Eddie bauers??

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/3923183434.html

Haha never mind. Just sold it