EXPLORER QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT KNOW>

[dirtalliance]

whats SUA & SOA?

Could you explain?

 

[410Fortune]

spring under axle and spring over axle?

 

[GIJOE]

96-01 are the years you are going to be looking for because all have leafs in the rear and 5.0L V8s and all have the same front suspension as the 2wd Edge.
Starting in 02 is when Ford switched to the IRS in the rear.

 

[dirtalliance]

thanks joe!!

 

[dirtalliance]

a dealership told me today that the 4.0 is actually a more reliable engne than the 5.0 & that the 5.0 only has like 10 more hp than the 5.0 #...

any feedback?

 

[prozachappy]

The 4.0 OHV is the work horse of ford motors. It is one of the most reliable engines out there, not uncommon to see them go 300K. This is why they are used in all the fleet vehicles. That being said, although more reliable, there are other things to consider. First and fore most the 5.0 has an unlimited number of aftermarket parts and upgrades available, any type of engine mod you can dream of..somebody offers for the 5.0, not true for the 4.0. As far as ponies go...no 4.0 (OHV or SOHC) can compare. Though it is true that the newer SOHC 4.0 is close in HP to the 5.0 stock ...with just a few mods, such as intake, exhaust, headers, an such...there is no comparison. Keep in mind what I said about all the aftermarket upgrades for the 5.0, there are virtually none for the SOHC 4.0. There are more options for the 5.0 plain and simple. Now this alone should be enough to convince you, I guarantee you ask any of the guys on here which engine they would choose if they could go back and buy their explorer over again...majority will say 5.0. Yes the 4.0 is a work horse, and yeah the SOHC 4.0 is compariable in HP at stock.. but its apples and oranges man...
4.0 ohv 160hp
4.0sohc 205hp
5.0 215hp
and this 10hp difference is comparing a much lighter 2door SOHC to the 4dr 5.0

 

[410Fortune]

the OHV 4.0L is relabile as they come, the SOHC 4.0L has some issues, the 5.0L goes forever and is the most proven of them all. I like them all, I just dont like changing timing chains......so I'll stick with pushrods.