Just bought 99 Sport, how capable?

[quickblue]

Hello, I just got a 99 Explorer Sport 2 door, 2WD, just wondering how capable is this 2WD 4.0 V6 off road? I don't plan on anything major obviously due to 2WD limits, but does this thing handle pretty good in stock form on dirt roads, or semi-off road? Thanks!

 

[Texplorer]

I think it will do ok, just take a look at Alec. He just came back from Moab in his 2wd sport. He could probably tell you how well your ride will do off-road.

 

[quickblue]

Cool! Thanks. I read some reviews on the 99 X Sport, and they say its not very capable of going offroad at all (very bad reviews), maby Alec proves that wrong, heh heh. Thanks.

 

[Jason_25]

Originally posted by quickblue
Cool! Thanks. I read some reviews on the 99 X Sport, and they say its not very capable of going offroad at all (very bad reviews), maby Alec proves that wrong, heh heh. Thanks.

What kind of vehicle was it being compared to?

 

[quickblue]

This is what was said: "Our previous road test of a '99 Explorer Sport left us with a less than stellar impression of the best selling two-door. Its bouncy suspension and numb brakes hardly inspired confidence, and because our test vehicle only came with two-wheel drive, we deemed it about as useful as your average compact sedan when it came to foul weather capability"

Not very nice. Heh, heh. Just a general review of the 99 Sport 2 door 2WD.

 

[Jason_25]

Ohh the 2wd model was tested. I'm gonna be honest with you, unless you like to climb high-traction moab rocks, or run through the desert, you're not gonna have alot of fun with a 2WD.

 

[taxx]

I dissagree. i think with a locker in the rear and a lift it would be fun in the dirt/mud/sand. Won't do much rock crawling, but I think he is more just talking about light wheelin.

 

[quickblue]

I see. I figured as much, but reading the review on this Sport, they put it like a honda accord is better for semi-off roading, how sad. Oh well, I should be fine on simple trails and flat desert land. Thanks!

 

[quickblue]

taxxman2K is right. I'm just interested in light wheelin, nothin serious, maby I'll get a lift and some other light mods that might help, mostly for trail blazin in the desert, nothing major. Thanks!

 

[Jason_25]

Well for trailblazing in the desert it will be great for you. Actually, I would rather have a 2WD for that. Get a set of good shocks and you're set!

 

[addkev]

New Spindles for the front $600, SOA in the rear $150, a locker, and some 33's and you could have alot of fun.

 

[quickblue]

Thanks for all the info, this forum is great!

 

[taxx]

Ohh and get a another job to cover the costs of your new addiction!

 

[quickblue]

Yeah, well this will be alot cheaper than keeping my supercharged 92 Mustang 5.0 up. LOL.

 

[Alec]

Hey, just shot you an email.

Like I said there, I have a posi which acts as a locker offroad; and the gobs of torque from the supercharger. The locker and torque are very necessary IMO for rockcrawling to make up for the 2wd, and more the lack of low range. Gearing in the rearend can help, but then you start to limit your top speed and highway driveability.

That being said: and locker, some 31+" tires, and the proper gears and you can have fun; as long as you know your limits and those of the truck.