Hey guys, nice forum you have here!

[Brett87lx]

First I would like to say hello to everyone here. I found this forum while doing some research on explorers in general. Here is my situation:

Right now I have two vehicles, one is my 87 mustang as listed in my sig, and my other is an 84 cutlass. I am going to get rid of the cutlass this summer and use the $$ towards something 4wd. I wouldn't mind staying with a ford, and was looking at some of the 302 explorers. I have heard a lot of great things about them, and they are within my price range. I wanted to stay with the 302 because I am familiar with its dependability. My mustang has 171,000 original miles and is still kicking strong! I noticed that all V8 explorers were either RWD or AWD, and I was wondering about what to look for when looking at one of these trucks. I want to make it my daily driver and give the stang a break making it my weekend cruiser. I will probably do some minor modding and or offroading as my budget permits, but initially I believe it will be my main form of transportation. I may even use it for some light towing from time to time.

So, my questions are...Are the 5.0 explorers just as reliable as my 5.0 mustang? What about the driveline? What should I look for when I find an explorer that I like? Any recall work that I should make sure has been done before purchasing?

oh, and I am looking for a 95+ explorer if that helps in answering my questions.

Thanks.

 

[XplorerKid]

well cant help you with your ? but i will say

WELCOME

 

[jimbo74]

the v8s werent offered till 97 i believe..... they are great vehicles.... good for everyday driving.... not the best in modability as the first gen explorers... but they are great for a slight lift and possible a size or two bigger in tires....

 

[ahhjaws]

Welcome!!

You'll find everything you need to know here about Explorers. Except I can help you on your question, but I would think the 302 would still have the same quality.

 

[Alec]

The 5.0 was first offered in 96.

The 5.0 and 4R70W tranny are a very good and reliable combo. Probably less and more reliable than your stang in different areas due to the computer control and design improvements, but a good drivetrain to work with.

 

[Brett87lx]

Originally posted by Alec
The 5.0 was first offered in 96.

The 5.0 and 4R70W tranny are a very good and reliable combo. Probably less and more reliable than your stang in different areas due to the computer control and design improvements, but a good drivetrain to work with.

What about the transfer cases? I have read about the motors that switch between 2wd and 4wd(don't know what their called) on the 4wd explorers tend to go out, and I was curious if the AWDs have any such kind of failures.

I was also reading an article on truck trend about the 95-01 explorers and they were talking about recalls on the cruise control cables for not disengaging the cruise control, and the thottle bodies for freezing up in cold weather causing the truck to run rough or not start. I have searched a lot on these forums and I have found no mention of either problem making me think those were isolated cases, and moreso a knee jerk recall instead of a legitimate, model wide, problem.

I have a few months before I begin searching, but I think I have my criteria down to what I really want:

96+ 5.0 AWD explorer, and my budget is $7500. Is that reasonable? I know that I will probably get a truck with 75k+ miles on it, but if they drivelines are as reliable as I believe they are I am not going to worry about it. Heck, a 5.0 mustang with more than 150k+ miles is nothing to worry about if its been maintained.

Thanks for your help.

 

[Alec]

All vehicles have recalls, so don't be scared by them as long as the truck you're looking at has had them performed.

Some have had problems with the AWD, but not many. As with any vehicle the Explorer has it's share of problems.

 

[section525]

I was also reading an article on truck trend about the 95-01 explorers and they were talking about recalls on the cruise control cables for not disengaging the cruise control, and the thottle bodies for freezing up in cold weather causing the truck to run rough or not start.

I have not heard of either of these problems. Has anyone else? But anyway Brett, you can't lose if you get a V8 AWD or V8 2WD. I've had both so I can vouch for 'em. My 2WD had 135,000 trouble free miles and still ran like a champ. The only real problem with them that affects the majority of V8 owners is the passenger side exhaust manifold cracking. But that is the best excuse to get some FMS headers! So, I'd say go for it. You should be able to find a decent V8 for $7500!

 

[Brett87lx]

Originally posted by section525
I have not heard of either of these problems. Has anyone else? But anyway Brett, you can't lose if you get a V8 AWD or V8 2WD. I've had both so I can vouch for 'em. My 2WD had 135,000 trouble free miles and still ran like a champ. The only real problem with them that affects the majority of V8 owners is the passenger side exhaust manifold cracking. But that is the best excuse to get some FMS headers! So, I'd say go for it. You should be able to find a decent V8 for $7500!

Sweet, that is what I was hoping you all would say! This is something I am planning way in advance, but I will probably be spending a good amount of time on these forums to learn as much as I can about these trucks. :redexp:

 

[NoBoundaries]

I know Ford had a recall on the cruise control; however, I believe it was for the SOHC 4.0L.

As far as the V8 goes, it's a good reliable setup.

Welcome to the site and good luck!

~Tim