Cant decide need help

[yoyi2011]

Hello guys,after days of research seems i still cannot make up my mind.Recently i decided to buy a jet-ski and i need something to tow it with.I own and love my 1994 mustang gt,but im not willing to put a tow hitch on it so i will sell it.Im still not decided on what explorer to buy.
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My problem with the 4.0 SOHC is reliability and specially the timing chain. Im a full time student at college and need a good daily driver. I have basically ruled these out unless i get a really good reason why not to.

The 4.0 OHV seems like a better option but there fewer,unless i look into 1st gen explorers.How is the gas mileage for these? and reliability?

Lastly 5.0,i love these engines and their reliability and can basically take it apart and put it back together in a weekend, im very comfortable with them.My only problem is how would gas mileage be in a explorer compared to my 94 gt,about the same or much worse? And the 5.0 are all AWD which makes me question the reliability of the drive train and additional maintenance?

To summarize things up i want an explorer to pull a jetski, i am not looking for speed or power. Gas mileage,reliability,daily driver,and maintenance cost are my main concerns.What would be a good explorer for me?

 

[koda2000]

Hands down the 5.0 is your best buy. I own 4 5.0's (one of them AWD). Fuel economy is nearly the same as my 2 SOHC V6's and there's no comparison in simplicity and reliability. The AWD reduces fuel economy slightly due to the added weight. The 5.0 is easily capable of 300k+ with regular maintenance. I see no advantage to the SOHC engine (or its weaker transmission) over the V8. It's just too bad Ford never offered the V8 in true 4WD.

 

[lobo411]

I never had a hard time finding 4.0 or 5.0 OHVs in the junkyard, so I'm sure there are tons out there. No need to go to Gen I, which has a crappy front suspension.

 

[ThreeJs]

I dunno..I love my Explorer but....I think I'd put a hitch on the mustang if you're towing 1 jet ski.
We have a 89 5.0 GT hatch and I've seen Fox body Mustangs towing jet skis and small trailers to the track with tires, gas jugs, and spares. When we were a 2 Mustang, 1 Camaro family I seriously thought of putting a hitch on our old 89 LX convertible.
In the end we sold the convertible because we needed a vehicle that could haul 4 adults and 2 Labs.
Here's a hidden hitch..

http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/Ford/Mustang/1994/60887.html?vehicleid=1994201511

 

[tcruarceri]

I wouldn't want to put that kind of stress on my mustang or it's rear subframe. I just purchased a 5.0 explorer and one of the main reasons was a tow vehicle. What I'm towing equates to probably even lighter then you and my mustang or my Infiniti didn't make the cut. Just a thought. (i also considered trading in the Infiniti which I hate for a newer f150 and still may but at the time I purchased the explorer for less than the tax on a trade in)

 

[yoyi2011]

Thanks for all the reply guys,i am going to look for a 5.0 mainly and if i cant find a good one a 4.0 ohc it is.

 

[beach]

5.0 weren't all awd, came in rwd as well.

 

[tcruarceri]

5.0 weren't all awd, came in rwd as well.

only till 97 or 98 i think...

 

[beach]

only till 97 or 98 i think...

Was from 96-01, my 00' is a rwd 5.0 Mountaineer

 

[Flash]

Towing a jetski wouldn't be much of a strain for a Mustang either engine or chassis.
I'd want an LSD for backing down and up the ramp though.
And as somebody mentioned you can get a hidden towbar.

I've got a towbar on my BMW 635, it's coming off though because my Ex has a towbar.
It saved me once when a Suzuki 4wd with a bullbar smacked into the back of me when i was stopped at a red light and I lost her information.

IMO the SOHC is reliable enough if you keep the maintenance up. Here's a thread where people state how many miles they've done on their 2nd gen Ex, there are some pretty high mileage SOHCs in there.
Mine's done a bit over 300,000 kms.

The V8s have their own issues, particularly the manifolds and water pumps, radiators etc.
They come in 2wd and AWD but not 4wd. A 2wd or AWD with LSD should be good.