going to look at 97 V8 ex, Anything to look for?

[ProjectAviator]

With the electrical issues mine is having I am possibly looking to upgrade to a V8. Swapping stuff off my 95 on to the V8. I have found a '97 V8 Explorer in Denver and I am going to look at it in the next couple days. I am wondering if there is anything I should be looking for. Other than the obvious. It is at a small dealer and only $1200 It has 147K on it. It is a tow special as it does have some issues, ignition has been punched but says it starts. see the ad97 explorer
Thanks

Tim

 

[Electrohacker]

looks like a few hub covers are missing...

I'd jump on it for that price!

just the usual, pull the dip sticks and look for metal, start her up and sound her out if possile

if you can turn the front hubs by hand and feel for grinding, those are expensive ($450 ish installed)

that's all I can think of, these are fairly solid trucks

 

[jremington59]

If it's a V8 it's either 2 wheel or all wheel drive. It's not a 4x4.

 

[coonerboy]

Looks like it has a flat/bad rear tire, front drivers side tire is bald, and the front passenger side wheel is mismatched. Did you plan on swapping over your wheels & tires?

Also the ad says there is a $300 dealer fee added to the final price. May want to consider that if you do any negotiating.

 

[ProjectAviator]

yeah, rims and tires are a definite swap. I figure offering around a grand for it.

Tim

 

[Turdle]

Check for

Check engine light should turn on when the key is switched on, and should go off when engine is running.

Pay attention when it is cold running, listen for a chirp noise in the front accesory area
Make double sure the check engine light goes out
If it stays lit drive it to autozone and have the codes scanned

drive it and make sure the overdrive works, and feel for the last "shift" of the torque converter locking up. 65mph cruise should be at around 2000,2200 rpms, no higher

check if it is awd for presence of a front drive shaft.
Go from reverse to drive, listen for the dreaded drive shaft knock ( we can fix this with a 4406)

Check the passenger side exhaust manifold for a ticking sound, be sure the header is not cracked.Check the egr tube also
This isn't real expensive to fix and will give you leverage.

Let it get good and warm, check the heater for heat. Be sure the coolant level stays put. Pay attention to the oil pressure, it should hold steady.

 

[Joe Dirt]

Great advice above!

Also- I'd eye that thing over very carefully.

The way there is a spare on the front passenger side, and the rear passenger tire has the sidewall blown out- combined with the punched ignition, it was either a joyride car, or a stolen vehicle unclaimed and bought off the towyard. Make sure there aren't any bent broken suspension pieces, becasue of you blow a sidewall that hard, you plowed a curb most likely...

If it's just wheels and tires which you're swapping anyway, sure- looks decent for the money!

 

[sport97]

Look at photo 5. Is it me or is the lock post missing. All i see is a hole.

 

[jremington59]

I don't think I'd be very fond of the "tow away only".