Looking at a 96 Explorer 2 door

[polarbill1999]

I am looking at one of these tomorrow. Is the only engine that could be in this the 4.0. I had a 1994 fanger with the 4.0 and got 240,00 miles before the engine gave up the ghost. I was very happy with it. I have a scan tool and was wondering where the scan plug is? Also is there anything important look for? It has a 5 speed by the way. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Brett

 

[dogfriend]

The OBD 2 connector will be underneath the steering column. There is a plastic cover at the edge of the panel that will just pull off to expose the connector.

Yes, for the 96 2 door (Sport) the only engine available was the 4.0L OHV (pushrod) same as your 94. The SOHC engine wasn't available until 97 and the 5.0L was only installed in the 4 doors (you could get 4.0 or 5.0)

 

[corkey]

look at the rear springs, see if has the usual sag , 4 door leaf pack fixes that for good,

 

[robertoa1a]

A used Ex will provably need a little tlc. Maybe negociate the price down a little for that. Check the clutch out real good. Crawl underneath look for leaks and broken robber boots on the suspension parts. Open every door and push all the buttons. Bringing a friend can help keep the current owner from distracting you from your inspection.

 

[ranger7ltr]

Bought a 99 Sport cheap this way...

A used Ex will provably need a little tlc. Maybe negociate the price down a little for that. Check the clutch out real good. Crawl underneath look for leaks and broken robber boots on the suspension parts. Open every door and push all the buttons. Bringing a friend can help keep the current owner from distracting you from your inspection.

I concur...The 99 I bought was in bad shape maintenance-wise...I got the price down thanks to that plus I bought it for a v8 conversion...I had to replace the the door latches and do all the maintenaqnce items that were not done.. So far the 4.0 liter is in great shape with good oil pressure and even compression and running temperature...

Oh and check for any "extra wiring".. Like an aftermarket security system/alarm/remote start...Mine had that and I removed it and found how piss-poor some peoples' wiring skills are...When I removed mine the truck would not start.. But that was corrected by completely removing all the extra wiring and reconnecting the factory wires to themselves...

Mine had 155k on it and I bought it for 300 bucks... It was and is a perfect donor/recipient for my first Rangers' v8 too.. But I may drive it with the v6 for a while.... Time will tell...

Good hunting....

 

[team]

Make sure the check engine light and abs light all come on when you turn the key to start it (just in case someone removed the bulb). Check the front wheels for wheel bearing play. Check the ac to see if it works. Also, if you were really serious I would run a carfax to see if it has been in any or multiple accidents. I have a 96 sport I inherited from my parents that they purchased new and it has 170,000 miles and runs great.

 

[96eb96]

I am looking at one of these tomorrow. Is the only engine that could be in this the 4.0. I had a 1994 fanger with the 4.0 and got 240,00 miles before the engine gave up the ghost. I was very happy with it. I have a scan tool and was wondering where the scan plug is? Also is there anything important look for? It has a 5 speed by the way. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Brett

Check for severe rust on the hard brake lines in the rear. They can leak if too rusty.

 

[marragtop]

Check and make sure all the heating and AC controls and vents work properly. You don't want to get into the famous Explorer 'blend door' issue if it applies to the 96. I'm not sure.