Just bought a 96 5.0

[DeCaff2007]

Howdy all. I don't post here much because my 2002 Ranger was a great truck until the timing chain went.

So anyway, I'm now the proud owner of a 96 Explorer 5.0 AWD Loaded, sunroof, runs and drives. 125K. Torsion bar setup, frame looks solid, decent tires, and well hey I only paid $300 for it.

Doesn't run great but I was able to drive it home. After a massive tune up, it should go through snow like nothing. This will be my winter DD.

My first immediate things to fix will be a tune up, oil change, and an ignition switch. The brakes are a little soft, and I think the exhaust could use some love, too. I have zero history on the vehicle so I have to assume no maintenance was done. It also needs inspection.

I have done some extensive searches and it seems, aside from the nasty common problem of spark plugs breaking off inside the block (I'm prepared for this), the only thing I need to watch out for is CV axles. Not a huge deal. I can do all my own work no problem.

Alright well I'll get some pics hopefully this weekend. Even with every light on, my garage is just so damed dark.

Lastly, I'm sure I will be posting here a lot more as I get to tearing into this thing.

 

[Dave 1955]

I have done some extensive searches and it seems, aside from the nasty common problem of spark plugs breaking off inside the block (I'm prepared for this),


yep.

 

[1996BLKBauer]

You know it is kind of funny I never really knew about this problem with my '96 Ex, and went ahead and changed out the spark plugs, I had no issues changing them out. Turns out they where the original plugs with almost 153K on them... once you got it running right, you will have a super reliable truck. I honestly haven't really needed to replace anything on mine and I have driven it for almost 30K, just maintenance and fluid changes on a regular basis, has kept mine running great.

 

[Dave 1955]

You know it is kind of funny I never really knew about this problem with my '96 Ex, and went ahead and changed out the spark plugs, I had no issues changing them out. Turns out they where the original plugs with almost 153K on them... once you got it running right, you will have a super reliable truck. I honestly haven't really needed to replace anything on mine and I have driven it for almost 30K, just maintenance and fluid changes on a regular basis, has kept mine running great.

mine only had 101k on them. broke just one though. i'll never use the impact on them again..lol.

 

[masospaghetti]

I didn't realize that was an issue but try soaking the plugs with PB over a few weeks. Spray on, run the engine and heat it up, repeat.

Congrats on the purchase. I got mine last year for $800 although I've spent way more on it than I expected, it's turned out to be an excellent truck. Here are the biggest issues I had to deal with on mine.

1. Have you checked that the front driveshaft is in place? The 96 uses a different type of front shaft than the 97+ AWD models. Mine was missing altogether.

2. Water pump job can turn into a royal pain, bolts often break and force removal of the timing cover, and timing cover removal requires the oil pan to be loosened, and it can be really difficult to lower the oil pan with the front differential in place. Just saying.

3. Does it sound like you have an exhaust leak? I'm guessing you'll need new exhaust manifolds because the old tubular-style ones crack really badly. Dorman makes cast iron replacements that are basically bolt-in.

 

[PAExplorerXLT]

With all these horror stories about spark plugs breaking off, isn't it wise to just leave them alone? Mine has 162k mile and for all I know they could be all original.

 

[RomeovilleIL]

With all these horror stories about spark plugs breaking off, isn't it wise to just leave them alone? Mine has 162k mile and for all I know they could be all original.

Depends on how it is running. If it runs smoothly then it's your own choice BUT the plugs are designed for 100k. Beyond that your milage and power are hurt by worn down plugs.

I have yet to break a plug and have changed quite a few of them by following a few very simple rules:

1. PB blaster twice a day for a few days prior to working on it.
2. Take off the tires and splash shields and go through the wheel wells.
3. Use boot plyers to pull the wires so you don't inadvertently crack one getting the wire off.
4. Use a tight fitting full length spark plug socket which is fully seated on the plug.
5. Use the least amount of extensions possible to get the wrench perfectly straight so torquing does not bend the plug.
6. Instead of steady pressure, give the wrench handle a firm sharp slap with your hand to start the plug. Make sure you a going straight down, do not hit the wrench off to a side.
7. If the plug won't start to turn from hitting the wrench, tap the end of the socket with a hammer a few times then try again.

 

[1996BLKBauer]

Depends on how it is running. If it runs smoothly then it's your own choice BUT the plugs are designed for 100k. Beyond that your milage and power are hurt by worn down plugs.

I have yet to break a plug and have changed quite a few of them by following a few very simple rules:

1. PB blaster twice a day for a few days prior to working on it.
2. Take off the tires and splash shields and go through the wheel wells.
3. Use boot plyers to pull the wires so you don't inadvertently crack one getting the wire off.
4. Use a tight fitting full length spark plug socket which is fully seated on the plug.
5. Use the least amount of extensions possible to get the wrench perfectly straight so torquing does not bend the plug.
6. Instead of steady pressure, give the wrench handle a firm sharp slap with your hand to start the plug. Make sure you a going straight down, do not hit the wrench off to a side.
7. If the plug won't start to turn from hitting the wrench, tap the end of the socket with a hammer a few times then try again.

This is great advice, I did this, I was taught by my dad to do this for spark plugs, and every one I have ever taken out has come out no problem. I've even done 5.4L Triton Plugs, and I am sure we all have heard how bad those can break off, lol.

 

[DeCaff2007]

Ok well all my plugs came out with very little effort. They all looked pretty damned new, actually. I changed them anyway. I also picked up a driver side ball joint, new ignition lock cylinder, new wires, new brake pads, and I thought I needed a new oil dipstick because mine was all twisted. Didn't know it's supposed to be that way.

I'm not feeling the greatest tonight so I'm just kind of chillaxing.

More later.

 

[DeCaff2007]

Ok I have a small update. I finally had some time and I feel much better so I went out and swapped the wires, changed the oil, topped off the antifreeze, and inspected why the brakes are low. I also have some parts to fix the ignition but I may need more. I will need the hardware as well.

Uhmm yeah so the brakes turned out to be ****ty pads and the brake line running on the outside of the frame on the front passenger side (exactly at the metal hose to rubber hose junction) was rotted away and finally gave up the ghost. I'll be fixing that tomorrow. The pads on the passenger side were cake. On and off in 3 minutes. The driver side, not so much. I noticed the caliper bridge was loose but the bolts were frozen rock solid tight. I sprayed them both with PB blaster and used a breaker bar. One snapped right off. The other still wouldn't budge so I torched it. Came off like butter. Now to figure out why the bolts were so tight but the bridge was loose and wobbly.

On to the engine. Aside from a bad battery, we jumped it and it fired right up. Still has a miss. I'll check the firing order again tomorrow.

I also noticed the oil pressure gauge is pegged. When I drove this beast home, it was ticking and going from pegged to zero, pegged to zero... like a loose connection or something. I have to investigate further.

Lastly, I really hope I don't have a spun bearing on this motor because I could SWEAR I heard something rattle just the faintest bit when I got on the gas. That could be anything I know but this is my own paranoia kicking in.

More on this tomorrow.