differences - 1997 Explorer 5.0 AWD and 2000 Mountaineer 5.0 AWD?

[ELeBlanc]

Own the 1997 and love it. Thinking of buying the Mountaineer as "backup". Are there any significant differences between the two? NOT asking from a swapping parts perspective. Is one more reliable than other? Any significant differences in major components?

 

[shucker1]

No mechanical differences except for the body trim and fittings as far as I know.

 

[410Fortune]

2000 is better then the 97
The 97 has a better tailgate, the 91-97 tailgate is tough as nails, good wiper assembly, hinges hold up. The 98-01 tailgate lost about 40# of weight and when they did that it got cheap, crappy hinges, crappy rear wiper.
20000 model year has better exhaust manifolds, they eliminated the troublesome water/oil cooler on the oil filter, the transmission is upgraded in 98, the fuel system is returnelss in 2000 (97 is return style). The torsion bars also have the teflon pads that make them a bit more quiet, small things like this make the 2000 a better explorer, the only thing I do not like is the crappy 98+ tailgate

 

[ELeBlanc]

sorry - just noticed you answered this. thanks!

 

[1998Exp]

The 2000 will have PATS. Makes the vehicle much harder to steal - and a challenge to start if you lose your keys.