Just Bought a 1998 Ford Explorer

[amkazen]

Hi, I just bought a 1998 Ford Explorer 4-door 4x4 with approx. 140k miles on it from the company my wife works for. I decoded the VIN at Dead Link Removed and at Car Detective. The info is below. What I do not know is what specific model this Explorer is. Is it an Eddie Bauer, a Limited, a XL, or an XLT?

And, since I bought this 4x4, the question now is do I get rid of the baby blue 1986 Ford Bronco II 2-door 4x4 with 130k miles, decent tires, new exhaust, brakes, water pump, and thermostat, but in need of minor body work & paint, or do I get rid of the tri-color 1995 Olds Cutlass Supreme SL 4-door with 120k miles? It is tri-colored because it was hit by a neighbor's kid 1 year ago and totaled (but, no salvage title) by State Farm due solely to cost, as there was no frame damage what-so-ever. They both run great but I worry about my wife and the herniated disk in her back from 1988 when she puts our 30 pound 20-month old daughter in the carseat in the back of the 2-door Bronco II. The Olds is a lot easier on her back but the 4x4 is nice to have when you need it where we live. Decisions, decisions.....

Thanks for any info you can provide me.

Andrew

Car Detective:
VIN: 1FMZU34E8WUA01591
Year: 1998
Make: Ford Truck
Model: Explorer Eddie Bauer/Limited/XL/XLT
Style/Body: Utility 4 Door
Engine: 4.0L V6 EFI SOHC
Country of Assembly: United States



Ford Fleet
VIN Code: 1FM: Assembly Country: USA
Make: Ford
Body Style: Sport Utility
Z: Restraint: Airbag, Second Generation
GVWR Range: 5,001 - 6,000 pounds
U34: Vehicle Line: Explorer
Chassis Type: 4
E: Engine: 4 liters
Cylinders: 6
Fuel: Gasoline
W: Model Year: 1998
U: Assembly Plant: Louisville, Kentucky
A01591: I think this means this is the 1,591st Explorer off the line

 

[corvetterules42]

I think maybe we need to see pictures? that may aid in figuring it out

 

[00XLS]

If you have a msg center its an Eddie or limited, with out that its prob an XL XLS or XLT but pics would help.

 

[Sport4x4]

or just look on your badging?

 

[dreamr]

Eddie Bowers are typically two tone with running boards and fender flares. They will typically have "Eddie Bower" written in script on the side as well as the rear gate.

Limiteds typically have all the same accesories, but the trim will be color matched to the body. In addition they have a different grill and have "limited" written in script on the side trim as well as the rear gate.

XLT's typically come with chrome bumper and accents. They usually have flares but not always, and may have tube steps or running boards. There is a chrome XLT badge on the rear gate.

XLS's typically have all of the same accesories as the XLT but have grey bumper and accesosries rather than chrome. There will be a chrome or grey XLS badge on the rear gate.

XL's typically do not have flares or steps. Trim is grey. And they are usually manual accesories (windows etc....). The only badge is the chrome "explorer" badge.

Given there are various options that change the configuration a bit as well as minor details I did not list, but that gives you a basis for ID.