"Exploring" the possibility of buying an Ex....questions.

[mattscherrygt]

Hello all,

This site was recommended by some of my fellow "corralers" over at www.corral.net for a great place to come to get info on Explorers.

I am interested in eventually buying a 96+ explorer and have a few questions: Any help would be greatly appreciated.
1) How reliable is the V6 engine in the 96+ models? (compared with the 5.0L V8) Also, how does gas mileage compare between the two. And what kind of motors are they (pushrod, OHC?) Basically, it's going to be my daily driver and I don't need to tow anything, so if the V6 is dependable, I'd probably go with that. HP/Torque numbers would be great too.
2) Are there any issues I should look for especially when looking to buy an Explorer? (keep in mind, I'm only looking at 96+ models)
3) Any pros/cons of getting a 4 door/2 door besides the obvious? (meaning, I know that there is obviously more room in the 4 doors, but is there any structural differences other than the obvious)
4) And any other pertinent info regarding these vehicles would be greatly appreciated. I don't want to spend more than $9000-9500 on the initial cost and I'm looking on keeping it generally stock.
- Thanks for any input. I really appreciate it.

Matt

 

[dman726749]

gas millage is about the same for the two drivetrains, the v8 is nearly bullitproof, and the v6's have been known to have a weak trannyin 97 the explorer came with a sohc v6 or the ohv v6stay away from the early versions of the sohc versions because they had lots of trouble

 

[mattscherrygt]

When you say "earlier" models of the SOHC V6, do you mean pre-1996 models? If so, it wouldn't be a problem as I really only am going to consider something if it's '96 or newer. So did Ford change the engine sometime between a SOHC V6 and an OHV V6? When did this take place and why?

Thanks alot...and any other input on the explorer (96+) in general would be great. Take care.

Matt

 

[Blee1099]

They didn't put the SOHC in the Explorers till 1997. The OHV 4.0 is a workhorse.

 

[Mbrooks420]

I'd avoid the SOHC untill at least 99. The trannies used in both V6 motors wasn't very stout, and not know to hold up to abuse/heavy towing at all. The v8 is the most stout of the drivetrains, but only comes in 2wd or AWD, with no low range. I get 17mpg with mixed highway/city with the V8. I got around the same with my 1996 OHV. The SOHC gets the best MPG, up around 20. The SOHC, and the 5.0 are pretty peppy, with the OHV being nothing to get excited about. It is reliable, and does have a lot of torque. . The 4 doors have a longer wheelbase, and a multi leaf pack. The sport uses a mono leaf. The sports also have a slighty smaller backseat.

 

[My98xplorer]

I have a 98 Sport with the OHV v6. It has been great to me, 150 hp and i think around 200 ftlbs tourque. I have 75,000 miles on it and i have towed much more than the reccomended weight several times and it done great. I get about 15-17mpg city, depending on wheather i use the air or not, and about 20 or so hwy. I dont know how much power the SOHC motor has, but getting any parts for the OHV is challenging, there are much more for the SOHC. Hope this helps!

 

[mattscherrygt]

Thanks for all the help, guys. So what you're saying is this:
1) stay away from the SOHC until atleast '99 (which basically rules out the SOHC motor for me because I don't want to spend that much money due to the new vehicle)
2) the OHV 4.0L engine is the definate reliable choice, with the 5.0L coming in right behind it.. Also, Did they continue to make both the SOHC And OHV V6's once the SOHC came out in '97? How do I know if it's an OHV or not?

Thanks again!

*EDIT*: Just a note: I do not plan on abusing the vehicle at all really. I need it to work (as my daily driver) so I'm not going to thrash it. It's just basically to get from point A to point B (although I'll probably do the normal appearance mods such as tint, grille, possibly wheels and tires....) thanks again.

Matt

 

[dman726749]

1.yes they continued to make the ohv past 97, just pop the hood and take a look at the engine cover, one says SOHC and the other does not.

2. the v6 is reliable, but some people have had problems with the tranny, but then again many (including myself) have not had any trouble. The v8 is fords nearly bullitproob 5.0l with a stout tranny

 

[mattscherrygt]

Alright...thanks again. I will not buy a SOHC Explorer but will go with either the OHV V6 or the 5.0L V8 version. Whichever I find. Thanks again for all your help. I'm sure I will stop by often now to learn more about these vehicles.. Thanks again!

Matt

 

[Mbrooks420]

I wouldn't put the 4.0 ahead of the 5.0 in reliability. They both have a few bugs. If you were planning on keeping this vehicle for a long time, or for a lot of miles, I'd consider looking for a V8. On any Explorer you buy make sure the AC, and heat work on all settings, and heat ranges. On the V6 make sure to check the fluid of the tranny color. Anything black, or brand new is a bad sign.