looking at explorers

[steve88]

hey guys,

i'm looking to replace my 88 bronco ii (tired, needs new engine, etc.) with a newer truck. i haven't seen anything i've liked besides explorers, so it looks like i'm after one of these.

i'm thinking something from the 91-94 series, 2 door (better turning radius, more like my b II ? i think they are cheaper too) with some useable extras.

what are trouble spots in these explorers? I wanted airbags but they started in 95 - and i heard bad things about the 95's (first year run of a new model). plus i like the older body style better.

basically.. i'm going to look at a bunch of explorers.. what should i keep in mind? any helpful url's or threads are welcome.

thanks,
steve

 

[espnfreak]

bad things about the 95-97s? i havent heard much they are a really good car.

 

[ok89]

Welcome to the board.

what kind of mods if any are you going to want to do to the X?

 

[steve88]

jas: i'm talking about just 1995.. same about 1991. the models where ford didn't know exactly what would go wrong and that they would fix in future years.

ok: thanks. one of my pet peeves about my old truck is that i was spending all my time getting it back to par. i would do as much as my budget allows. i'm more concerned with performance than appearance. i like sound a lot too.

+steve

 

[PLRBEAR]

I've got a 95. Solid as a rock. They replaced the sway bar links, but i think that's about it. If you're worried about torsion bars and such, companies like Nissan are using it as well (Xterra). The technology on the 95 is nothing new really. I think the Control Trac system is great too....no more auto hubs to replace, and it allows a selection of 2wd/AWD/4WD Low.

 

[yob_yeknom]

here's some info

http://208.38.138.31/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=30946&highlight=auto+hubs

 

[BislamJoe]

you mention a better turning radius after saying you want a 2-door. some of you guys correct me if i'm wrong, but i think the 2- and 4-door explorers (at least the 1st generation ones) are the same length. i know the front doors on my 4-door are substantially shorter than on my friend's same-year 2-door. i'm pretty sure that they have the same wheelbase, though

 

[espnfreak]

ya the control trac is a SWEET system. i dont know how it compares to the AWD v-8? anyone have a clue i've never heard much talk about the awd

 

[jimbo74]

Originally posted by BislamJoe
you mention a better turning radius after saying you want a 2-door. some of you guys correct me if i'm wrong, but i think the 2- and 4-door explorers (at least the 1st generation ones) are the same length. i know the front doors on my 4-door are substantially shorter than on my friend's same-year 2-door. i'm pretty sure that they have the same wheelbase, though

the 2 doors are either 5 or 7 inches shorter wheelbase. not sure which i forgot...my wheelbase is 112"

 

[hskrbkr]

For the 91-94 model years I would recommend that you keep in mind the auto transmissions aren't very good. Mine went out at 98,000 miles (bought it at 95,000) and needed a rebuild to the tune of $1,600. The guy at the transmission shop said that Explorers keep him in business.

Aside from that, I am happy with my truck. The engine now has 115,000 miles and runs with no problems.

 

[CougarX]

The AWD is just a good as the Control Trac except that there is no low range in an AWD. The control trac stays in 2wd untill it needs 4wd but when it's in 4wd it's just like the awd. The awd system is always on as opposed to only when needed.

 

[yob_yeknom]

The thing about AWD is there is no true 4wd. There is no low range that locks it into full time 4wd. True 4wd is a little better for off roading.

 

[leenjen]

my 92 hasn't given me any problems. i replaced the worn shocks when i bought it, other than that i had to replace steering box.
no problems after that. runs perfect with about 150K miles on it.
i have the 5 speed manual trans, so wouldnt know about the automatics.

 

[steve88]

it appears that the 2 door explorers have a shorter wheelbase, but i could be wrong.

i know the auto trans woes... i think there is a beefier version of the A4LD in there, correct? I had a nice rebuild done to mine for 1600.. ouch. i guess i'll be looking at a standard transmission. how about the later model explorers? how are their trannys?

thanks for your help guys,
steve

 

[LS431o28]

As far as the 2 door to 4 door turning radius my 91 4 door xlt 4wd has an unbelievable turning radius. and if the 2 doors were better than that I would be a little nervous. and as far as the tranny I just spent the typical $1600 to get it rebuilt. and it still doesnt feel the same. has a hard jolt to it when i accelrate from a light and then let off the gas before it shiifts. other than that my 91 is treating me quite well.

 

[FitzMatt]

Just hit 91000 on my '92, should I be worried about the transmission?? Is there anything I can do to prolong its life? I dont wanna get stuck with a crap transmission while I'm in college (which is this September)

 

[hskrbkr]

I'm not sure what you can do about your transmission other than regular service and crossing your fingers.

 

[espnfreak]

fitzmatt buy an auxillary transmission cooler from B&M if you don't already have one. they are about 50 bucks and are supposed to keep tranny fluid cooler well worth it. i posted a thread about it a week or so ago