Help choosing an Explorer

[Glock40cal]

Hello everyone. I am looking at buying an Explorer and i was wanting everyones opinions on which one to get. Currently i am driving a 93 Ranger and need a vehicle with more room, cant fit me, the little lady and our daughter in the cab at the same time, and the LOML just dosnt like to ride in the back.

Right now I am looking at either a 98, 99, or a 2000 and was wondering what everyone opinion on the best one is.

Does one year seem to have more troubles than the rest? Which engine is more reliable, the 4.0 v6 sohc or the 5.0 v8? Any major recalls I should be awhere of? I would rather have an engine that is more reliable/less common problems than one with better gas milage.

Thanks in advance

 

[section525]

I would look at the V8's for sure. The drivetrain is much more reliable and the mileage difference between the two is minimal.

 

[Turdle]

1 more vote for v-8.
It seems the transmission is a bit stronger, and less troublesome.

 

[briwayjones]

The 98-2000 are the same so I would get the newest one you can.

 

[Halfnuts]

V-8 all the way. A 4.0 from that era is likely (not destined, but LIKELY) to have only a few more years of reliable service left in it.
My '99 4.0 crapped out a month ago- traded it for a ranger of all things.
Mom's '96 5.0 V8 is still running like it's showroom new.

 

[briwayjones]

V-8 all the way. A 4.0 from that era is likely (not destined, but LIKELY) to have only a few more years of reliable service left in it.

I wouldn't say that. It's not unusual for a 4.0L OHV to easily go at least 250,000 miles. It's a bit unknown for the 4.0L SOHC they haven't been around as long. But I would still go with the V8.

 

[BryanB]

V8 all the way! mileage difference is insignificant and if you want more power, way easier and cheaper to mod.

 

[Cleetis]

V8 is probually the better choice, but I'd go with the '97 V6 4.0 SOHC just because I've had mine for 5 years and have had no problems what so ever.

 

[Glock40cal]

Wow, thanks for all the replys so far. Are all the 5.0 V8's AWD? Is there anything in paticular i should look for that is a common problem?

 

[MountaineerGreen]

There were 2wd V-8's made as well. They are a little more rare though.

Id stick with a 98+ model for sure. Don't know of any major mechanical issues with them.

 

[Ranger482]

If i were you, i wouldn't look into a explorer, or any ford for that matter, i have had very bad luck with mine, seems to be a money pit. But when it does run right, i do like it. its definately hit or miss

 

[celly]

98-00 are all pretty similar. As someone else said, get the one with the lowest mileage. Obviously you want it to be in good shape too. I scored a '99 Eddie Bauer about 1.5 years ago with only 32,000 miles on it (6+ years old). V8 all the way. I like SOHC (I've had 2), but much prefer the 5.0.

 

[Glock40cal]

There were 2wd V-8's made as well. They are a little more rare though.

Are any of the 5.0 V8's 4wd but not AWD? I want to be able to take it in and out of 4wd.

 

[FlyBoyCoe]

Unfortunately, no. But you can swap in a 4x4 selectable transfer case from an F-150. It can be a lot of work, but I think it's well worth the effort.

 

[Glock40cal]

Well 4 months later i finally bought one. The Ranger's leaf spring shackels rusted out so i decided to make a purchace. Wanted to get the 5.0 V8 but didnt like the idea of AWD. Ended up buying a 2000 XLS 4X4 4.0L V6 OHV with 66178 miles on it. Very clean and runs good. Wanted the SOHC but couldnt pass it up for $5400

It has a whine that im not sure if i Should be concerned about. Does it when idleing and while moving but only until about 30 MPH then it seems to go away.

At first i thought it was the power steering pump but it does it without turning the wheel.

After a little research im leaning twards the "1st Gear Whine" i've heard about on here but not really sure what it is exactly.
Anyone have any additional info?

Thanks

 

[Glen4X4]

I'm not trying to steal the thread but there is a guy on rangerpowersports forum that said he owns a garage and has part delivery trucks with the sohc with over 300k mile on them.