I'm new to 4x4s and want to buy a used explorer. Need Help! | Ford Explorer Forums - Serious Explorations

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I'm new to 4x4s and want to buy a used explorer. Need Help!

Shindig

New Member
Joined
October 22, 2002
Messages
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City, State
Toronto, Ontario
Year, Model & Trim Level
99
I currently have a 92 Grand AM 6cyl. And have been pulling a 1300lb. fishing boat around this season. I take it our every weekend, sometimes even twice. This is got be putting allot of strain on the car, so I'm looking at getting an explorer.

I won't have that much to spend on it $7000 CDN ($4500 USD), so I'm looking at a 93 - 97 model. With no more than 150,000km on it.

What type of mileage can I get out of one, especially if I'm pulling a boat around every weekend?

Is there any defects or concerns I should look for when buying one?

How are they when towing?

Any info would be great.
 



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I've got a nice 1 for ya. As far as towing, a 1300 lbs.
boat would be no problem. Probably wont even affect
your mileage.
 






When you test drive it

make sure you have heat and AC. There is a monumental (10 hours or $1000) problem with the blend door 96-98 that requires removal of the entire dash. I bought a 97 and found out 8 months later.
 






I can hook you up with a 1994 limited, asking $ 5500.00
 






Originally posted by Shindig


How are they when towing?

Any info would be great.

I have a camping trailer which weighs up to 2500 lbs depending upon how much water, supplies etc we are carrying. No problem towing the trailer even at 6000 - 7000 ft elevation. A 1300 lb boat should be no problem.
 






Shindig:
First generation X's have a problem with front end shake around 60 to 65 mph. I have tried several "fixes" over the last couple of years, but with no success. The rocker panels also rust-out badly. Ford tried to cover that up with skirts on the 93 & 94, but that only hides the problem. Also, the nozzles of the fuel pump rust out over time.
Very strong motor, try and find one with the trailer towing package (373 gears w/limited slip rear).
Gas mieage is about 23 to 26 on the highway. Thirsty buggers, but very strong runners.
Don't have any experience with the 2nd generation (yet), have only heard of the cam tensioner problems with SOHC engine. (97 & up). Blend door issue is news to me, so I'm going to check up on that.
Hope this info is of help.

Bill
 






Shindig;
I have a '93 limited with the tow package. It has hauled a soling racing yacht (2200 lb displacement) from Toronto to Key West and back. This was done just a couple years ago. It sucked a little more gas but no problems. If you are looking at a gen 1 Ex (91-94), check the 4X4 system.

Get onto loose ground (dirt, gravel, snow) not dry pavement, and while in drive press the 4X4 button. A light should appear on the dash and the orange light beside the 4X4 button should glow indicating you're in 4wd. Drive forward giving yourself lots of room to back up, min 10 ft. Stop, hit the 4X4 button again, the lights should extinguish, select reverse and back up in a straight line minimum 10 ft. This will disengage the 4wd returning you to 2wd. Stop and select drive, while going forward have the window down and turn the wheel lock to lock slowly. If you hear any grinding/clicking noise, then your hubs are not fully disengaging. This is a semi-common problem only with Gen 1 Ex's.

Good luck on your vehicle search.
 






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