Help Me make a Decision

[joker1457]

Being I value and appreciate everyones opinion on this site i'd like to put a feeler out on this dreaded decision I may have to make.

Sorry if this is in the wrong place I really didn't know where to post it

Here's my "Second Child" as I like to call her, and the rundown:

98 Eddie 4.0 Sohc, 176,000 miles give or take a few. 4.10s lsd, 4inch Super lift, 31/10.50/r15s, Tow package, wired for sound system...two amps, hands free, backup camera ect.... Roof rack, wired for cb radio (has it just not giving away)Leather seats good for the age one tear in drivers.

Ok here's the deal, since buying this car end of 2007 because I missed my off-road adventures haha (sold my 3.0 Stratus R/T). I've probably replaced 5-7 hub bearings (lost count) Ive replaced the timing tentioners(which I'm positive are going again), ball joints are going out (i think death wobble at 65-70mph) and Inner tie rods. The trans is original and I fear it's starting to have issues, Ect...

Now dont get me wrong I love this vehicle it tows well for being a V6, its gotten me places i never thought it would go, its safe protection for my little girl if some dill-weed slams into me, and for being a 12yr old car its still in damn good shape...........Long story short I'm sick of being under it every damn weekend fixing things. It really does'nt wheel to my liking (no solid axle :thumbdwn, and thanks to being a single daddy funds really are'nt there to make it the way I want it.

Here's the million dollar question................Should I sell her??? I'm very afraid she's on her last legs and I don't have the time, space, or money to fix her.

Thanks everyone

 

[joker1457]

What would all you Explorer Gurue's do In my shoes............

 

[Turdle]

Well, ya know, when you take your daily driver off roading you will need to do lot of service to it. Since you live in Colorado all I can say is do what you are doing now.
Honest-
it is either,
a,
quit wheeling so you have a reliable car to drive,
b,
buy a reliable car and quit wheeling or ,
c
buy a car and build your truck (whichever truck it is) for wheeling.


Either way if you go wheeling you will be stuck working on your wheeling toy if not playing with it.

 

[joker1457]

Well, ya know, when you take your daily driver off roading you will need to do lot of service to it. Since you live in Colorado all I can say is do what you are doing now.
Honest-
it is either,
a,
quit wheeling so you have a reliable car to drive,
b,
buy a reliable car and quit wheeling or ,
c
buy a car and build your truck (whichever truck it is) for wheeling.


Either way if you go wheeling you will be stuck working on your wheeling toy if not playing with it.

I 100% agree with the above statement, and regretably didnt go on many wheelin trips this year (which stunk), and since the front driveshaft issue I havent wheeled it period. (Not saying I dont want to) I realize wheeling is very hard on the vehicle, and except the consequences in doing such.

I love this truck im just scared ive beat it to much in the past few years and now it's pissed at me or somethin. I'm one of those people that loves working on my own car and fixing its issue's but I'll be honest I'm no master mechanic.

The timing issue is whats really got me thinking on selling it, the guides were replaced back when I 1st joined the Forum, and now i've got the "marbles in can" sound again.

Man im stuck between a rock and a hard spot here