Looking at a 93 XLT 5-speed - help!

[payne]

Guys,

So I found a 93 XLT with 105k miles and bone stock with a 5-speed that I am going to be taking a look at tomorrow.

Assume that I am a somewhat competent mechanic, what all should I be looking for to judge if this is worth buying?

What are known weak points with the SUV? What about with the 5-speed?

I dont know a lot about 4wds, what can I do to verify that the 4-wheel is working well?

What kind of milage can I expect with that 4.0 and the 5-speed? 17?

What type of interior things tend to break?

Any electrical problems typical?

Thanks for helping a noob out!

Best,

-Jason

 

[Rick]

105k is still low. The 5 speed is a reliable tranny, but the slave cylinder often goes bad around 100k. When it starts going bad it will become difficult to shift into reverse and 1st gear. If you replace the slave when this starts to happen you should be in good shape. If you wait to long you will mess up your syncros and possibly your shift forks.

Door handles often break in the interior. Electric shift transfer cases are know to be problamatic. They can often be fixed with just a cleaning and adjustment. Manual shift transfer cases although rare in the Explorers are extremely relaible.

17 MPG is a good estimate. I used to average 18.

 

[payne]

Rick-

Thanks a lot for the info. Took a look at your site as well-

Beautiful Truck you have there as well as great info! Thanks.

Would $3k be good cost for a truck that is in reasonable shape? She needs a new bumper, but other than that is in good shape.

-Jason

 

[melsner]

I have a 94 5sdp XLT with 130k and have had no interior trim problems. The only electrical problem I have had is the positive cable from the battery to the starter. Well worth the $ for the Ford replacement part. I bet the clutch is about gone (mine lasted to 110k) so swap that out when you do the slave cylinder. Make sure to change the seals on the tranny when you fix the clutch. Mine lost its fluid after my clutch replacment and then fried itself. The same thing happened on my 91 STX but it lasted to 140k since it has gear oil in it. Not to get your hopes up, but I am getting 21-22 mpg on mine. Must be that manual TC. $3k sounds good to me if it is in good shape. Even better if it has the manual TC. The engine will run forever.