My first Explorer, a few questions

[jbhebert]

Hello:

I recently got a killer deal on a '94 XLT (4 door auto) and I have a few questions. I have owned quite a few Ford trucks, and currently own a '76 Bronco (Explorer package, ironically enough), but this is my first experience owning an Explorer. The truck seems to have the typical vibration at around 65 MPH that manifests in the cowl shaking, and seems to plague most of these trucks. After scanning through the FAQs, useful links, and other forums, I cannot seem to find any agreement on what might be causing, or more importantly, what might fix this issue. Ford is vague, siting several TSBs regarding motor mounts and suspension bushings. I don't want to put a huge amount of money into the truck, but I would like to resolve this. Also, have people found that the various suspension kits for these trucks improve the vibration issue? I'd rather put in a Duff or Superlift kit and get the added bonus of a little more tire clearance. My guess is that the vibration is due to bushings, springs, and/or shocks and most of these kits replace all these items.

The other problem is that the ABS light will sometimes stay on after starting the truck. Unlike most other posts I've seen, it is an all or nothing situation. If it goes out after the inital self-test, it never comes on again for the remainder of the trip. If it doesn't go out, it never will until the truck is shut off. It is more likely to remain lit when the truck is warmed up, versus after it has sat overnight. Is this still likely a sensor, or would it be something else?

Thanks in advance!

J.B. Hebert

 

[unclemeat]

I would check the radius arm bushing, steering linkage, front wheel bearings for looseness, and tire pressure. I don't know about ABS stuff.

 

[jbhebert]

I would check the radius arm bushing, steering linkage, front wheel bearings for looseness, and tire pressure. I don't know about ABS stuff.

The steering linkage looks good, and the tire pressure is at the mfg. recommended 26 PSI (cold) at all corners. Other than visual inspection, is there any way to determine a bad radius arm bushing? I will probably re-pack and adjust the front wheel bearings as a normal maintenance item and will check them at that time.

Thanks again.

J.B.

 

[MrShorty]

I don't know the specifics for the 4W ABS system, but you can jog the ABS computer and ask it why it leaves the light on and it will tell you (sometimes called pulling the ABS codes). Chilton's usually has the procedure for pulling these codes.