Help/Advice: Craigslist post. '98Explorer. All fine but Reverse went out

[meyek91974]

Aside from currently, I frequently see post on Craigslist where someone with a second gen Ford Explorer that would be in fine running working condition except reverse goes out in the transmission. I am curious as speculate that most people chalkup a gear going out in the transmission with a 16 year old vehicle to just scrap the vehicle. Is it a difficult fix or are there some things that could be simple repairs to have a fan running vehicle going in reverse again where someone's trash is someone's treasure and if I could get a Explorer for three or four hundred dollars then fix it on the cheap it would be good in good shape. What's your input? Please give your Insight. Also I should include I know that there would be a difference of a four wheel drive versus rear wheel drive only complexity in Transmissions so if I'm looking at one vs. The other is there something that would be a precursor to say it would be a good risk forgetting that vehicle?

 

[koda2000]

The 6 cyl transmissions tend to fail much earlier than the V8's. Reverse going out is fairly common. To have it repaired your looking at around $2000. Add that to the $400 you paid for the truck and you're at the vehicles approx value. If it's a SOHC V6 on top of that, unless the timing chain components have recently been replaced, you're looking at another $2000+ for that repair. So, you tell me. Is $400 a good value for a 16 year old + vehicle that needs $4000 worth of repairs and will most likely need other things fixed?

You could find a used transmission for around $400 and install it yourself, but knows how long that one will last. Repairing a transmission yourself is above most DIYer's skill set.

 

[96eb96]

Absolutely not worth it unless you have access to a lift and the skill to r/r a trans. No reverse=broken band deep in the belly of the trans. These units for some reason like to break bands. Maybe because people don't do band adjustments and it causes extra heat, who knows.

Like Koda said the SOHC V6 is also a timebomb.

That is one case where scrap is really justified. It is probably worth more if you can part it out on ebay, but the market is pretty saturated for explorer parts.

Probably your best bet is sticking to V8.

The other choice is an OHV v6 with a stick.
I think the 4spd 95-96 v6 trans may be somewhat more reliable,but they have issues as well. The 5 speed transmissions wear some parts at double the rate, because they make the 5 speeds using a 4 spd trans.

 

[meyek91974]

Man, I miss my F100 when it comes to repairs

Thanks guys for the feedback

 

[Tom G]

My neighbor's '98 SOHC V6 lost its reverse this week. Had it since new, well maintained.

He's decided it's not worth fixing.

 

[intelisevil]

My neighbor's '98 SOHC V6 lost its reverse this week. Had it since new, well maintained.

He's decided it's not worth fixing.

Does this mean you just picked up a new project for free!?!

 

[Tom G]

Does this mean you just picked up a new project for free!?!

No, it means his wife has a new lawn ornament.

 

[meyek91974]

So, how hard is it to swap a used tranny? Heck, I would think or wonder how old of a transfer can fit so then I can get away from computer controlled stuf

 

[scott9050]

I just dropped a grand on my $1400 Explorer to do a soft rebuild of the transmission, and when cold it still has problems going into reverse and will slip and rev like in neutral going forward for a few minutes. I am close to cutting my losses and moving on.

 

[alohamonte]

Reverse went out on my truck when it hit about 145,000 miles. It paid about $1800 to get it fixed (and it took about 3 weeks). I got reverse back but I was never happy with the transmission after that, something still seems off about it. However, I am at 240,000 miles now.