Looking at a 1995 Explorer 4wd 4.0V6, what should I check

[bills]

Hi all,

Im looking at buying a 1995 ford explorer with 125,000Miles.

Its a 5 speed and seems like its in great shape.

Any suggestions on things to check? I drove it around, check the underside, poked and prodded, couldn't find any problems.

Any suggestions on things to check? How long before these engines need an overhaul? The owner believes the clutch is original, I granny shifted it and put it in 5th gear at lower RPMs and couldn't get it to slip. How long does the clutch last on these?

Timing set? When are the timing belts / chains recommended to be replaced?

Anything else to check?

 

[Cali' Explorer]

An important check to me is always whether or not the car was started or already warmed up when you got there. A lot of problems can seem to go away once a car is warmed up, but will be evident when started and driven cold. That would be my first suggestion.

 

[BigDave!!!]

if that clutch has 125,000 miles on it then im sure youll have to replace it soon, as for those engines i have a friend with a 95 and the 4.0 with 200,000+ miles on it and its still runnin strong.

 

[Cali' Explorer]

Ohhh, one other suggestion. Try and get as much of the maintenance logs/receipts, etc... as you can. You can always tell how well a car is maintained by its records. If they haven't kept good records, assume nothing has been done to it. I know this seems irrational... but anyone can tell you "Ohh, I've had this done this time and this done then", but there's no guarantee of it without records or receipts. Also, anyone who keeps records and receipts is interested in making sure the vehicle runs as long as reliably as possible.

Also, this doesn't mean if you don't keep records, you don't take care of your car, but someone who keeps records is more likely to have taken care of a vehicle than someone who doesn't care enough to even keep a record of what's been done, we all forget, hehe.

 

[ExplorerDMB]

Everyone has given you great advice. Always checks all the fluids (especially transmission fluid - if it was a auto) -- then the condition of the tires, brakes. Condition of all the hoses, serpentine belt - basically all the basics. What Cali' first said was actually very bright and I've never really thought about that. Good information!

-Drew

 

[bills]

Whats the deal with the timing chains on these, how long do they last usually and are they problematic? Is there 2 different 4.0 engines? This one had a black intake manifold on top of the engine.

The guy wants $3500.

Is there a way to call ford and find out if the car has had maintanance done on it?

 

[Hartman]

OHV engines are very strong and reliable. Shouldn't have any problems there. Things to look out for at that milage are tranny life (since its manual, shouldn't be that big of an issue), steering components and balljoints. 95 has 152k now and the only major repair I had to do is a tranny rebuild.

 

[bills]

bought it

here http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...ory=6012&item=4560065322&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

I put a deposit on it until monday when I pick it up.

What do you think?

 

[davidmmm69]

looks good for the pictures are showing...
$795.00 reserve not met...\How were you able to buy it. what did you pay for it..

 

[bills]

I paid under the price of the bluebook (KBB $3,900 Fair condition).

I hope its a good truck, Im using it to move to CA from PA.

 

[davidmmm69]

what did you pay for it. what was the reserve set at.

 

[bills]

The reserve was set at 3500.

 

[joemamaugly]

wow i can't sell a 97 for $2500 and the book on a 95 is $3900. just don't get it.

 

[davidmmm69]

so you paid $3500.00 that is tough to do sight unseen.

 

[Cali' Explorer]

I agree, $3500 seems like a lot to pay for a car you haven't seen.

If you are really looking to drive it from CA to PA, I would have the entire thing severly looked over by mechanics before taking that drive.
Especially the Transmission and Driveline and the cooling system. It would suck in the middle of the desert or something for the Tranny to give out or the car to overheat and be stuck in the middle of nowhere for hours wating for someone to give you a ride to the nearest phone (surprisingly there are still a number of places that don't get cell phone reception across this great land of ours).

 

[bills]

I never said that I paid $3,500.

I saw and drove the truck around, and thought it was in real nice condition.

Only thing im still slightly concerned would be the clutch going out on it. When I drove it, I couldn't get it to slip at all...

Truck drives straight, seems to be in great condition.

I would have definately check your truck out if Imknew about it Joe, but Buffalo is quite the hike.

 

[davidmmm69]

I never said that I paid $3,500.

.

you said the reserve is $3500. from exeriecne on EBAY that means that is the lowest amount the item will be sold for???

 

[bills]

Got the truck today, put about 100 miles on it. Seems to be running great, the transmission is tough to get in 1st sometimes.

Im planning on chagning on all of the fluids soon. Any suggestions? The previous owner was running valveoline dino oil.

Im starting with the motor oil and trans fluid. Any tips?

 

[Cali' Explorer]

Could be a sign of the synchro's going if its hard to get into first.

Before you do any service to the transmission, I would take it into a Transmission shop, one that does Free Inspections if possible (like Cottman) and have them take a look at it. They may not be able to tell you anything, but its better to find out something is going sooner rather than later (especially if later is half way across the country with a loaded down car, hehe).

 

[davidmmm69]

did you ever say what you paid for it. Curious.