Help on buying a Explorer.

[xmanwxr600]

Hi..there.. im new to the Forum. Im trying to buy explorer but i can't decide . I would like to buy a 98 ,99 Model V8 4x4, Does exist that type of model, can i make modifications to the suspension, this will be a family car oriented but i like to go and hit the desert, or the Woods.. and would like the explorer to be adecuated to the terrain.. hope you can help i aprecciated a lot..Thanks..

 

[Mbrooks420]

There isn't an Explorer that is a v8 and 4wd. The V8's of those years were all AWD or 2wd only. There are a few lift kits that can be installed(Trailmaster, and Superlift), a 5.5 inch and a 4 in. You can also go the cheap route and add a body lift, and adjust the torsion bars and add rear shackels for anopther 2 inches of lift. I highly recommend the V8, and if you aren't going to be doing hardcore off roading the AWD system should suffice.

 

[hiridin]

the v8's have a good motor and transmission but only have awd transfercases... it lacks a true 4hi and 4low which i considere something u need on a real 4wd anyways jus my opinion. even without it u can still offroad it and it might suite u jus fine but u could swap transfer cases to get 4low.. some on here have done it. they have a 4" suspension available for it or u can adapt a ranger body lift to work on it. or u can crank the torsion bars for 1.5" - 2" of lift and put shackles or an add-a-leaf in the rear. i like the add-a-leaf it made mine handle better. how big of a tire do u want to run...? edit: mbrooks beat me to it.

 

[xmanwxr600]

thanks a lot you guys this information its going to help me a lot.. Now it's time to think this very carefull and look for the best car to buy...... i appreciated a lot thanks for taking time on answering...

 

[briwayjones]

Why is it you're looking at '98,'99s? Price range. Personally I would get a '00 or '01 being newer (the last years they made that style) and you can still get them pretty cheap.

 

[xmanwxr600]

Ok

First of all is the money, your correct.. Why the 98,99 model Because here in Mexico those are the models that are being sold, In November the 00 its going to be available to buy, I think im going to decide definitly a V8 2wd. like yours,,,,,,,a 98,99 maybe,, ill just have to wait and see.. But i Thank you for your info. i aprecciated a lot. Now.. a question What is the Brown Wire that you changed???? or What is the Brown Wire....I don't know a lot of these Thanks ...

 

[Mbrooks420]

The v8's don't have a brown wire, and the modification disables the automatic 4wd on the v6 models that have it.

 

[briwayjones]

The v8's don't have a brown wire, and the modification disables the automatic 4wd on the v6 models that have it.

Mbrooks is correct. But to further clarify since you're not familiar with explorers. The '97 through '01 4WD didn't have 2WD only. They had a 4WD Auto (kind of like a suedo AWD but not really) and the regular 4High and 4Low modes. The brown wire mod gives you the 2WD option giving you better mileage and less wear and tear on the 4WD system. And you can then do donuts in the snow.

 

[mrladylover]

And you can then do donuts in the snow.

You can do them with AWD too! Belive me, I know this! lol

Very fun too I might add. You just have to break the dancing sideways part first but from there on its kick a**! haha

 

[xmanwxr600]

Thank you very much

Once again ,, dont have enough words to express my agratitude for your pricless colaboration to my questiosns.. THanks to: Lady Lover, BrywayJones, Mbrooks, Hiridin..you know youll have a friend here in Mexicali Mexico AKA BAJA.....I think ill go with Mbrooks suggestion That a V8 its good with AWD or with out it,,,One thing its for certain, ill write to tell wich one will buy,,, See ya .....................

 

[briwayjones]

No prob. Good luck in finding one.

 

[mrladylover]

I prolly wasnt much help but no prob. Good luck in finding one. You cant go wrong with a good ol V8 Explorer. I love mine!