can someone educate me on the 1st gen Ex, mostly the '91

[ProjectAviator]

I may be trading my 95 Suburban that my son has been driving for a 91 Explorer. My son is going to take my 95 Ex for a school vehicle in FL. I am wanting to know the ins and outs of the 1st gen Explorers. As I have no experience with them.

Thanks

Tim

 

[techieman33]

Transmission transmission transmission. Before you look at anything else make sure it's sound. That's their big weak point.

 

[92exp4x4]

Agreed, the factory automatics are good for around 70,000 miles. I would ask about recent work or rebuild, if so then. Look also for rust inside the front of the rear wheel opening, if rust bothers you. The rockers are really bad about rusting out starting in front of the rear tire. Other than that they are pretty solid. A higher mileage truck may have some lifter or rocker tick but, you will know immediately if it is a major problem.

Everything else is just regular used car stuff.

 

[safn1949]

My 94 has 139,000 on it with the original tranny,but I have flushed it and it works fine.Came with a tranny cooler stock.It really depends on if you just want a beater to drive or something to keep.

I spend the bucks to keep mine looking nice and running 100% because I am going to keep it.A lot of them around here have the rockers rusting out.I have had to do wheel bearings and a axle joint,radiator and hoses and front brakes.These are the items that had to be done so not bad.

 

[MrQ]

Every vehicle is a little different. The Explorer has as much more good to say about it than bad.

Be careful about head gaskets. They didn't update the gasket material till late '93 so if it is still original it would be a good idea to get it replaced.

The engines on these are beasts. The 4.0 liter V-6 has a lot of torque and will last you a very long time if it is taken care of. Some people have turned over 350k on their original engines.

The A4LD automatic transmission is a weak point and can be a deal breaker. Check that fluid. If anything about it gives you some doubts back away.

 

[Tony H]

Transmission is s biggy. I have had 4 in my '91 with 334K miles.
That is without any off road abuse or trailering. Just a daily driver to work.

The Intake Manifold gasket goes bad too. Check for coolant by the front of the engine. It looks like a water pump leak but it drips down from just above the Thermostat housing.
Door Window Regulators are another issue. The rears are a motor pushing and pulling a "bicycle hand brake' cable. Cheesey. Teh cables break OR the little bushings in the motor fragment.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=233353
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=235228

The Front Automatic Locking Hubs stink. Many of us buy the more reliable, less expensive Manual Hubs.
Just a heads up that the Auto Hubs do go bad. IF you drive it and hear a clicking in teh front.. probably bad locking Hubs

 

[Slowlyvverot]

If you can find a truck with a transmission cooler (i think they came with the tow package) then your a4ld will be much better off. I am running the stock motor/tranny at 202k. aside from some occasional clunking, the transmission is holding together well.

 

[mehedgec]

If you can find a truck with a transmission cooler (i think they came with the tow package) then your a4ld will be much better off. I am running the stock motor/tranny at 202k. aside from some occasional clunking, the transmission is holding together well.

Same here, at 203K :yup:

I've got a damn phantom coolant leak though

 

[safn1949]

Same here, at 203K :yup:

I've got a damn phantom coolant leak though

Me to on the coolant leak,can't find that bad boy.No sign of a leak just have to fill the overflow every couple of weeks.I have the tow package and the truck was not offroaded when I got it 2.5 years ago at 119,000 so the tranny has been flawless.