My old X is dying, time for a new one. A few questions

[KAiRO]

I bought my '91 about oh...4 months ago (?) It's worthless! I was so excited to get the truck i didn't really give it the inspection I should have. I can feel the tranny is about to go, and it has all the minor little explorer problems that cost 5000$ to get all fixed. Now, I don't mean explorers are worthless, because I have every intention of buying another one However, I would like to get a newer one. I have a few questions if you all don't mind:

1) What's the first year they made the v8? and is it a signifigant increase in price vs the 6?

2) Are there any years that were "trouble" years that should be avoided?

3) I'm limited to about 10 g's will I be able to find a decent truck in decent shape?

4) We also have a '79 CJ-5. Will the X be able to tow it up a mountain (on the street) without giving me alot of trouble?


TIA

Nick

 

[dman726749]

the first year for the v8 was 96, and if you get it, you should not have to much trouble towing the jeep

 

[Robb]

If you have $10K to play with and want a second gen, definately go for a V8 ('96+). You should have no problem finding a really nice one with good mileage for that kind of money. My '96 LMTD V8 was 9700 with 68K miles last year. You could probably get the same truck for about $8K now.

With a V8, there aren't really any "bad" years. Be sure to look out for blend door problems on '96-'98s.

And yes, it should tow your Jeep nicely. If you just need a tow rig/daily driver, look into a 2WD. You will see a price difference in the 2WD and AWDs. If you really don't need the extra traction of AWD, go for the 2WD.

 

[KAiRO]

haha 2wd?!? till my dying breath never!!
nah, the jeep is my brothers. . . I gotta keep up with him even if he complains about driving 100 miles to the off road site. that's the problem with jeepers. complain complain complain. . . "my jeep is noisy, my jeep is loud, I can't see over the hood, My dashboard looks like the ****pit of a cesna..." sheeesh!!
I'm still gonna mod it when i get the money and time. and I still have my cool tires. What good would they be on a 2wd But, thanks for the info everybody. The v8 can still be a capable offroad vehicle as long as I don't abuse it too much right? It won't get the action my '91 does. (which is probably why my 91 is dying anyway )

 

[dman726749]

section525 takes his v8 awd into some nice snow and it looks like it does pretty good

 

[blue_97_v8]

the AWD does alot better then people give it credit for..

 

[KAiRO]

I just like the feeling that if i need more power, i can obtain it in 4 low. my mom drives an outback AWD and it hasen't ever let us down offroad. supposedely it has as much clearance as a stock explorer too....at least thats what the dealer told us

 

[Doug]

Just remember you won't have low range. the V8s come with a 1 spd awd t-case. the power of the v8 helps make up for it some and you shouldnt have any trouble in the snow but if you plan on doing some more serious offroading you're definantly going to want low range. advanced adapters makes an adapter to from from the 4r70w to a bw1354 or bw4405. It might also be possible to install a dana 20 or a t-case from a f-150 but as far as i know no one has done that yet.

 

[KAiRO]

guess my post came out goofy, but what i meant was, I'm not going to get an AWD because i like the 4 low my4x4 explorer has.

 

[Hokie]

Originally posted by KAiRO
guess my post came out goofy, but what i meant was, I'm not going to get an AWD because i like the 4 low my4x4 explorer has.

Ford only made the V8 with 2wd or AWD

 

[Doug]

You might want to look around for an explorer with the 5spd manual with the 4.0 ohv. I had a 96 with a 5spd and my 97 has a 5spd though they where both 2drs. The 2drs are pretty rare the 4drs with 5spds are even rarer but they're out there.

 

[KAiRO]

*dreams shattered* No 4x4 v8? Oh well, guess that's why I asked here. . . My next alternative is a F-150. I just don't really want a small engine anymore. The fact that i cant find a decent v6 with a manual transmission dosen't help either. darn I was looking forward to the explorer v8

 

[Robb]

How about a F250HD?

 

[dman726749]

get the awd then, they really are great trucks

 

[KAiRO]

There have been many times when the 4x4 in the v6 hasen't been enough and i've need the low to get through. Does the v8 awd have enough power and torque to push my vehicle when it gets stuck?

Thanks Robb, but i'm lookin for a shiny molded new F-150.