found a nice 99 eddie bauer 5.0 any suggestions?

[rathrbcruisin]

New to the forum but when you are looking for information about something you go to the ones that know it best, right? OK, I have a 93 ranger that i'm looking to move up from. Tired of shifting. I found a lot of information on how to get that running tip top from online forums so I wanted to get some information. i think it's time to move up to something nicer/newer. I found this nice 99 explorer thats an eddie bauer 5.0 AWD at a local road side dealer. it has 150,000 miles on it, which doesnt scare me, but i'm wondering about how this AWD works and how i can tell that it is OK before I buy this truck. Is there anything i should look at as far as problem areas with this 99?

 

[1998Exp]

AWD is an all-time four wheel drive, with about 30% going to the front wheels. There is no user control whatsoever. It's pretty rare for those transfer cases to fail, but sometimes they do. When that happens unscrupulous sellers would disconnect the front driveshaft. Some not-so-smart people do the same, believing that disabling the front drive will increase MPG. So make sure to take a look underneath and confirm that the front driveshaft is there.
You can search this website for particular things to check on your model. The 4R70W transmission and the 5.0L engine are considered bullet-proof. One weak spot is the gasket between the timing cover and the block. It's very thin in that area and at your mileage, has a good chance to leak coolant from the passages to the water pump. It's a time-consuming and somewhat difficult repair. Get a flashlight and try to take a good look for coolant puddles in the valleys behind the top right and left corners of the timing cover. Also look at the bottom of the transmission bell housing - that's where the dripping coolant tends to go.
Good luck!

I found this nice 99 explorer thats an eddie bauer 5.0 AWD at a local road side dealer. it has 150,000 miles on it, which doesnt scare me, but i'm wondering about how this AWD works and how i can tell that it is OK before I buy this truck. Is there anything i should look at as far as problem areas with this 99?

 

[rathrbcruisin]

Thanks for the info! Unfortunately, it looks like this has been detailed from the inside out even under the hood. it looks like they steam cleaned the engine, which makes it look good, but gets rid of everything. It is a nice truck, I dont want to get taken is all

 

[1998Exp]

A common trick that I love to hate. Take the truck for a nice long test drive. If there are any significant leaks, you'll see them when you return.

...it looks like they steam cleaned the engine, which makes it look good, but gets rid of everything. It is a nice truck, I dont want to get taken is all

 

[rathrbcruisin]

gave this truck a good going over with test drive tonight. it sounded good and was smooth and quiet idling in the lot. we took off and it had lots of power and seemed pretty good. it was definitely a truck with 150,000 miles. rough miles. I took it down a dirt road and gunned it to see if the 4x4 works, which it did. then...lifter noise. i felt lucky to make it back to the lot. One thing for sure, i liked the interiour and the layout so i will be getting one of these soon.

 

[koda2000]

Thanks for the info! Unfortunately, it looks like this has been detailed from the inside out even under the hood. it looks like they steam cleaned the engine, which makes it look good, but gets rid of everything. It is a nice truck, I dont want to get taken is all

I wouldn't buy a vehicle that's been steam cleaned and too detailed under the hood. As you know it hides to many issues. As far as it driving like a truck with 150k, all of my V8's have 200k or more on them now and still drive pretty much like new. If the one you test drove felt worn out, the suspension parts are probably worn out. Not that hard or expensive to remedy if you are a DIY'er, but use it as a bargaining point. Lifter ticking could also be a cracked passenger side exhaust manifold, which is fairly common.

 

[rathrbcruisin]

Well, I found a 98 Eddie Bauer with 137,000 miles on it. 5.0 AWD. The original owner. He had a file of all the work he's done on it. I had to drive 2 hours to get it but its what I wanted. It needs a few things, but I think it will be a good vehicle. The exhaust is a little loud, but not the worst I've had. The engine light is on but he had a print out from autozone that says it is an o2 sensor. The lights on the radio display does not work.

 

[koda2000]

Good looking truck. 137K on a V8 is nothing. Best of luck with it!