Help the new guy out....

[jlsparky7]

Looks like my grandfather is going to be giving me his 1996 5.0 awd explorer. I had a few questions I was hoping some of you guys could answer. I understand some of the questions I might have to look at the truck to answer but its not in my possession until tuesday im just trying to get an idea of whats on it. Only things are are wrong with it are a power steering fluid leak and a leaky exhaust.

Does this model have a specific kind of transfer case?
What gears are in it?
Probably a LSD in the front and rear? if so what kind? clutch?
Any common problems with this year?

Heres what I plan on doing when I first get it...
1.Seafoam
2.Plugs
3.Wires
4.Flush and fill all fluids oil, trans, diffs (need additive?), transfer case, coolant ect....
5.Change all filters
6.Thermostat.
7.PCV valve
8.Inspect brakes
9.needs new tires before next winter
10.Fuel filter

My girlfriend got me this KICK ARSE digital video camera for my birthday (which was yesterday) and ill be shooting how-to vids on everything I do. Just wanna give back for all the advice I will be getting from this forum over the next several years.

Thanks in advance!

 

[eXcali]

Looks like my grandfather is going to be giving me his 1996 5.0 awd explorer. I had a few questions I was hoping some of you guys could answer. I understand some of the questions I might have to look at the truck to answer but its not in my possession until tuesday im just trying to get an idea of whats on it. Only things are are wrong with it are a power steering fluid leak and a leaky exhaust.

Does this model have a specific kind of transfer case?
What gears are in it?
Probably a LSD in the front and rear? if so what kind? clutch?
Any common problems with this year?

Heres what I plan on doing when I first get it...
1.Seafoam
2.Plugs
3.Wires
4.Flush and fill all fluids oil, trans, diffs (need additive?), transfer case, coolant ect....
5.Change all filters
6.Thermostat.
7.PCV valve
8.Inspect brakes
9.needs new tires before next winter
10.Fuel filter

My girlfriend got me this KICK ARSE digital video camera for my birthday (which was yesterday) and ill be shooting how-to vids on everything I do. Just wanna give back for all the advice I will be getting from this forum over the next several years.

Thanks in advance!

1. Most of the AWD have the Borg Warner 4404 transfer cases, it's a viscious liquid system.
2&3. you will have to read the door tag to see what gears are in it, but being 5.0 I'm betting 3.73 limited slip.
4. There aren't any standout problems in my mind that seperates the 96's from the other 2nd gen's. front wheel bearing hubs going bad and rear leaf sags is all that comes to mind atm.

 

[nssj2]

the only problem would be a leaky exhaust manifold. the 5.0 trucks are a very solid vehicle.

 

[loder]

I agree. Wheel hubs and exhaust manifolds are really the main problems with the 5.0's. If you aren't familiar with them already, you need a special tool to get the fuel filter off. Also, several functions (besides engine & trans) are controlled by an electronic module (called GEM Module) so if you ever have trouble tracking a problem down, it might be the GEM.

 

[jlsparky7]

Thanks for the quick replys everyone. I also have an 01 ranger and I was supposed to need a special tool to take the fuel filter off of it. I just broke the tabs off because the new fuel filter came with new plastic tabs. Im guessing the explorer is the same?

How would an explorer be for plowing snow?
Also is it a LSD in the front and rear or just the rear?
Is it a clutch type differential were I need the additive?
Whats a good (price competitive) all terrain type tire like the Bfgoodrich all terrain? Ill prolly be getting them at wally world (wallmart) because they are the cheapest around where I live.

Ill check for the exhaust manifold leak when I do the seafoam, it should stick out like a sore thumb if there is one.

Sorry for all the questions, im just VERY excited to tear into this thing. Been watching youtube videos of guys mowing through a foot of snow like its nothing.

 

[CHEESYPOOFS]

check out shoptrucktires.com and tirerack.com you may find something good.
Do you plan on modding it at all?

 

[hworksinc]

Explorers are not recommended for plowing, but I know at least one or two people here have done it (must be a lightweight plow). Search around and you might find some info.

The front is a standard open differential. The rear may be limited slip - check for a metal tag bolted on the differential lid. If it is limited slip, then you WILL need the friction modifier additive.

 

[jlsparky7]

check out shoptrucktires.com and tirerack.com you may find something good.
Do you plan on modding it at all?

Im so excited over getting it that I cant imagine I will be leaving it stock. Ill need to save up some money first but I would like to have at least a new set of tires by winter. How much is a lift kit body or suspension?

Explorers are not recommended for plowing, but I know at least one or two people here have done it (must be a lightweight plow). Search around and you might find some info.

The front is a standard open differential. The rear may be limited slip - check for a metal tag bolted on the differential lid. If it is limited slip, then you WILL need the friction modifier additive.

I HATE open differentials, my ranger is 2wd and has an open diff in the back. I dont know how they can even advertise it as 2wd. Its 1 wheel drive. Ill prolly end up putting a LS in the front as well.

Ill check out the tag. More than likely its LS.

The plow would be a light duty plow just used to do family and friends driveways, nothing major.

 

[fixxxer]

Explorers are much better at pulling that they are at pushing You have a 2nd year 2nd-gen, a very solid vehicle, especially with the 5.0 engine. Besides what's been mentioned here already, I have seen quite a few threads talk about the idler pulley and tensioner having bearings that grenade themselves sometime after 100,000 miles, eating the serpentine belt while doing so and leaving you stranded at the most inopportune times.

 

[slyfoxexplore]

Hey man I got the same ex. My idler pulley blew out bearings around 120k miles. And I had a terrible exhaust manifold leak around 125k. But other than that is runs hard and fast for a 2ND gen explorer. If there any mod questions you need ask man don't hesitate. o and the rear axle gear is limited slip with 3.73 gears and it a ford 8.8 axle.

 

[jlsparky7]

Explorers are much better at pulling that they are at pushing You have a 2nd year 2nd-gen, a very solid vehicle, especially with the 5.0 engine. Besides what's been mentioned here already, I have seen quite a few threads talk about the idler pulley and tensioner having bearings that grenade themselves sometime after 100,000 miles, eating the serpentine belt while doing so and leaving you stranded at the most inopportune times.

Awesome. Looks like if the belt is warn ill throw a new idler pulley on as well. Thanks!

Hey man I got the same ex. My idler pulley blew out bearings around 120k miles. And I had a terrible exhaust manifold leak around 125k. But other than that is runs hard and fast for a 2ND gen explorer. If there any mod questions you need ask man don't hesitate. o and the rear axle gear is limited slip with 3.73 gears and it a ford 8.8 axle.

What is involved in repairing the exhaust manifold leak? Just a new gasket or a whole new manifold?

I hear the ford 8.8 LS is an AWESOME rear end.

I was looking into the 5inch lift for less than $300 post and that looks like something ill be very interested in. Thinking about some larger tires as well.