Hey all!

[98XLT5.0]

Hey everyone! I just purchased a '98 Explorer XLT for $750 off a friend, and I am wondering what I am getting into. It is an AWD model with the V8. It has 169k on it, and runs real smooth, no ticks or knocks. Very little surface rust I can repair myself, no other issues I can tell. The tranny hesitates a little from 2nd to 3rd. The previous owner removed the front drive shaft to preserve gas milage, and I don't see how it would hurt the transfer case or the tranny, so I am going to leave it off until I need the AWD unless I am told differently... So can someone give me the scoop on what to look out for/beware of? I'd like to get this thing into decent shape and keep it running for a while, until gas prices prevent me from doing so. Thanks!

 

[98 5oh XLT]

Wow your user name gave me a trip there for a second. I was going "uhhhhh I didnt post there!" Anyways! Welcome!

 

[explorinitup]

Wow your user name gave me a trip there for a second. I was going "uhhhhh I didnt post there!" Anyways! Welcome!

sound like a good deal but my only concern is the front drive shaft. watch where u park it if its on a slope it will slowly roll down hill even in park. its cuz of the awd t case. and taking out the drive shaft wont help gas mileage on these.

 

[adambant]

Not to question your friends honesty but there are usually only 2 reasons people remove the front shaft. 1.bad front shaft, or 2.bad transfer case. hope its neither but it may be worth checking out.

Adam

 

[adambant]

Not to question your friends honesty but there are usually only 2 reasons people remove the front shaft. 1.bad front shaft, or 2.bad transfer case. hope its neither but it may be worth checking out.

Adam

Just realized it was the previous owner, not your friend that removed your the driveshaft.

 

[Sams01XplrSprt]

welcome

 

[Joe Dirt]

Welcome!

As stated- removing the shaft will allow the vehicle to roll in park under some conditions. It also will not help with mileage at all. The removal of an AWD Ex driveshaft is a big no-no...

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum!

 

[bluemarble]

up keep

Hey everyone! I just purchased a '98 Explorer XLT for $750 off a friend, and I am wondering what I am getting into. It is an AWD model with the V8. It has 169k on it, and runs real smooth, no ticks or knocks. Very little surface rust I can repair myself, no other issues I can tell. The tranny hesitates a little from 2nd to 3rd. The previous owner removed the front drive shaft to preserve gas milage, and I don't see how it would hurt the transfer case or the tranny, so I am going to leave it off until I need the AWD unless I am told differently... So can someone give me the scoop on what to look out for/beware of? I'd like to get this thing into decent shape and keep it running for a while, until gas prices prevent me from doing so. Thanks!

do not run in water over the hubs. will wash out greese and burn out barrings. but other than that there is nothing like the all wheel drive. I went through 10" snow like a hot knife in butter.

 

[98XLT5.0]

Thanks guys for the advice. I have it parked level with the parking brake. I have two driveshafts, one bad, one good. I am told by my friend that the new driveshaft has been in, and the transfer case operates fine. It was removed again because of non-matching tires up front... We will see. I don't buy vehicles from friends on the basis of principle, so we will see if my trust is worth $750. I will have a look through the tech forums and stickies, but if anybody knows of any known issues for the awd V8, let me know? Thanks guys, I appreciate the welcome.

 

[1Aauto]

Welcome to the site