Decisions Before Purchasing

[scootr2200]

Well, I've got the parents talked into getting a 2nd gen as a 3rd vehicle to run around with. We knew basically what we wanted, but after doing some research into it all it's getting kind of overwhelming to say the least. We know we want a 4wd 4 door....

I'm stuck between a V6 and V8. Since I want the truck to be offroad capable, a V8 would be the better option so we could still tow the campers around the mountains (heaviest one being a little over 3500# I believe) and still have tq with the tires I'd like to run. But I really don't want AWD though and then reading that the V6 trannies aren't the best in the world, so I'm stuck, again. Maybe buy an AWD and put in a manual T-case?

The truck will be used as an all around good vehicle. Taken on road trips, (upwards of 2500 miles round trip), used in the woods to get to deer stands, towing campers, and then a daily driver if and when I purchase it. So it needs to get decent mileage, tow with relative ease, still be able to get me through some tough situations outdoors, and with any vehicle it needs to be reliable.

What would you suggest that we look into? Any options that you just would not be able to live without in your next vehicle that's in the Explorer?

Is there a particular year model that is better than another, one with less problems then another? Anything major that needs to be looked into when shopping around the used Explorer market? Is there anything that comes factory on them that is a PITA to get around when modding?

Am I asking too much from one vehicle? lol

Mickey

 

[Dan Whitaker]

It is paossible to put a manual T-case in the V8 Exploers.

There have been several here that have done this. Yoy will have to have custom drive sahfts made but I beleive that is the only major modification that you will have to perfrom.

I will see if I can find the thread for you.

 

[Dan Whitaker]

Mickey, here is the link to the thraed for the manual t-case swap.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=166726

 

[dynamite196]

how about a v6 with a standard transmission?

 

[scootr2200]

While I would love a manual, mom will have to drive it too and she doesn't want one.

I think that we have come to the conclusion that a V8 with AWD will be the way to go. Now we just need to narrow down the best year model too look for.

Does anybody know when they stopped using that stupid reflective tint on the windows? I had that on my old F150 and hated it... don't want that again! lol I think that finding something between 98-01 is our best option to get a reliable vehicle.

Was there any year differences when the interiors changed at all between those years?

Mickey

 

['97 V8]

between 98-01 no. Also when you swap in the case it will be easier for you as you keep your speedo. The V8's are very reliable..its the V6's you have to worry about.

 

[scootr2200]

One question... reading that the AWD's park through the front drive shaft... when doing the 4wd swap, how is this resolved?

Mickey

 

['97 V8]

You have a different t-case. It locks the rear.

 

[scootr2200]

Also, could you explain the differences between a Explorer and a Mounty?

Just wondering if we should look at them too?

Mickey

 

[MountaineerGreen]

Explorers and Mountaineers are identical except for badging. The Mountaineers are generally cheaper to buy used for some unknown reason.

As you saw in my swap thread, the case swap isn't really a big deal, true custom drives hafts aren't needed, just different ones from a junk yard. It is all in that thread.

Definitely stick with the V8, you won't regret it!

 

[ma96782]

The 2nd Gen has the OBD II and a better trans (compared to the 1st Gen). But, they also come w/ KNOWN issues. Among them: V6 4.0 sohc (205 HP) timing chain cassette, the usual 4.0L ohv engine problems (ohv head crack, over heating), the V8 (and trans) is better for reliability though it gets about 1-2 MPG less (per Govt.), the 4.0 sohc and V8 are good for towing (due to hp), the V8 is better for torque (so, even better for towing). Then, there is the HVAC blend doors, torsion bar pads, and broken interior door handles.

You put your money down....you take your chances......you hardly never KNOW how well the previous owner treated it (since it's USED).

Aloha, Mark

 

[Dan Whitaker]

Also, could you explain the differences between a Explorer and a Mounty?

Just wondering if we should look at them too?

Mickey

All '97-'01 Mountaineers came with the 5.0 AWD set up.

 

[scootr2200]

We're looking into this Mounty and just wondering if there is a common problem with these trucks.

Also, should we be concerned with a rebuilt motor?

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...1&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=100

Mickey

 

[NHale623]

Wow, $5,500 for a nine year old truck? That price seems high to me.

I'd be real concerned about why the engine needed to be rebuilt after 120,000 miles.

 

[Dan Whitaker]

I would stay away from this one. I have a '97 Mountaineer 5.0 with 185,000 that has not been touched other than oil changes, plugs & wires. It does not burn oil at all and does not make a sound at all.

The 5.0 can easily go 200,000 with out a rebuild.

I would say the previous owner abused the one you are looking at.

 

[scootr2200]

Well, that's about the price that they're going for around here... we DON'T plan to spend that much, we're going to off about $4,750.. But we're also stumped because we need the 302 with AWD.

Anything we should look at?

Mickey

 

[scootr2200]

I spoke with the owner of the truck and he said that it is in very good condition.

He explained to me that he is a mechanic and felt that the motor could use a good 'freshen up' so he put new rings, cam, GT40 upper and lower intake on it for some extra punch. And there maybe some other stuff, can't remember.

We're going down there on Friday to look at it...

Mickey

 

[RedXplr]

"All '97-'01 Mountaineers came with the 5.0 AWD set up."

Later models (98,99?) had the v-6 option as well...

Good luck with your search!

 

[Dan Whitaker]

I'm even more suspecious now. The 5.0 Explorers & Mountaineers came factory with the GT40 intake. He did not add this!

Ask him for the receipts for the parts to prove it.
I still smell skunk.

1998 will have GT40P heads as well incase he feeds you a line of b.s. about those too.

 

[scootr2200]

Could you explain what the 'P' means/stands for?

Mickey