gen'l info on 2nd gen Ex's, please.

[Sir Robin]

I currently own a 1st generation Ex - '94 XLT.
I know the weak links of the first gen's - hubs (changed mine to manuals), A4LD automatic tranny (just relaced).
Contemplating selling it to buy a used 2nd gen.

1 - what model years do the 2nd gen. Ex's cover? '95 to what?
2 - For the 4WD versions (there were AWD's during that time, right?), what is the mode of operation for the front hubs? Did they still rely on friction when rolling to engage, or were they vacuum controlled? Were they problematic?
3 - What is the story on the automatic trannies? I know they became electronically controlled (compared to the 1st gen's), but were they a mechanical problem or more of an electronic control problem. (If they were problematic at all.)
4 - Were the 4.0's OHV or OHC?

 

[Sir Robin]

bump -

Any input, Majisto? You covered some of my other questions in your reply to LT1_Guru.

 

[Hartman]

Well I can help you out a little.

95-01s are considered 2nd gens, although 98-01's had a different front bumper and a redesigned rear end.

I believe the hubs on 4WDs are vacuum controlled. They are not as problematic as 1st gen hubs. I'm not sure if AWDs are vacuum controlled since it's on all the time.

If you're talking about the A4LD, it just isn't a very good designed tranny. Really the only strong tranny is the one that's mated with the 5.0.

And the 4.0s are OHV.

 

[section525]

1. 95-01

2. 2nd Gen 'hubs' are always engaged. The wheels never free spin. That happens in the transfer case.

3. The V6 trannies all suck. Electronic control has nothing to do with it. Get a V8

4. Both the SOHC and OHV were available 4.0s

 

[Sir Robin]

Sounds like the 5.0 V8 with its auto. tranny is the way to go. They were '96 to '01 only, right?

That being the case, then it will have to be AWD because that was the only way the V8 was available, right?
That throws the front hub worries out the window since its AWD.

Any other problems to know/worry about with the 2nd generations if the 5.0 V8 engine/4R70W auto. tranny are solid?

BTW, I won't be doing any real off-roading - just snow/ice driving, an occasional tow, an occasional pull-my-brother-in-laws-car-out-of-the-mud.

 

[98EBV8]

AWD with the V8 engine would be great for what you will be doing. You are correct about the model years. AWD is permanently engaged. If there a slip in the rear axle, more power will be sent to front axle for better traction, same with the other way. I have a '98 version and I have no problem with the system.

 

[Sir Robin]

OK, so then wasn't the 5.0 V8 AWD available only in the Mountaineer during some years? And, either Ex. or Mtn'eer, any years differ as far as the control of the AWD? Was Control-Trac (I think) the only one?

 

[section525]

You can get AWD or 2WD in the V8 Explorers. AWD being the only V8 option is a myth.

Since day one (1996) the V8s have had both options so you should be able to get any of those years. As far as Mountaineers go.. I think it was they only started making V6s in 1998 or something.

EDIT: Yeah, 1997 Mountys were all V8s. There were no 96 Mountys. Also, the Control Trac and AWDs are two different things. Control Trac is a V6 thing.

 

[Sir Robin]

yup - i just came back to edit my last post, but didn't when I saw ytour reply. I just found out that the Control-Trac was sort of an automatic type of 4WD.