Hey there, new here looking for advice

[kschab]

Hello Everyone, Im looking at buying a 91 Explorer with a 5 speed. Low kms never taken 4x4ing. Alot of my 4x4 buddies tell me explorers are bad news and break alot. I like the looks of the truck so i thought i would check you guys out! Any imput on these trucks is much apreciated as this will be my first truck.

 

[fixxxer]

Hi and welcome. Explorers, like any other vehicle has their strong points and weak points but I know I see an awful lot of 1st and 2nd gen. Explorers around where I live, on the road every day. The only problems I've had are the ones well documented on this web site with fixes and advice on how to deal with those issues quickly and inexpensively and they have all been repairs that I have been able to do by myself or with my 17yo son's help and just a handful of common tools.
Things to look out for:
4x4 shift motor
Radius Arm bushings
door hinge pins and bushings
broken inside door handles (caused by bad hinge-pin bushings)
Blower motor and resistor
Most of these have been normal wear items, not at all uncommon on a truck that is 16 years old with 150,000 plus miles (240k km.)

 

[kschab]

thanks for the imput!! im gunna go look at it tomorrow and it has 170,000kms on it!!
he also said it has manual locking hubs

 

[fixxxer]

For you, that is a bonus, as is the manual transmission!

 

[kschab]

Can you guys give me a list of quick things i should look at? this is my first 4x4 and it seems like a steal of a deal. 170,000kms is the lowest kms on an explorer of that generation that i have found. To top it off its got manual locking hubs, its a 5 speed and 2 door! everything i wanted like it was made for me. I dont wanna fall into a trap like i did with my last car and have it turn out to be garbage. Are the engines strong? The guy said he pulled the plugs and they were old so they need replacing. anything on the tips of the plug i should look for? Thanks everyone!!!

 

[Sams01XplrSprt]

welcome aboard

 

[jlsparky7]

Welcome

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! Check the oil for any signs of water, and see if the fluids are the correct color without any funny smells.

 

[Tbars4]

...The Explorer is a very capable off road vehicle, even when in stock form...You aught to see what they can do with a little modification...

 

[kschab]

thanks for all the tips.
i am going to see it tomorrow morning
any other ideas are great!
thanks everyone!

 

[jlsparky7]

If there is no abnormal smells, sights, or sounds then go for it.