Need advice 96 5.0 awd

[Jdolan]

Hello, First post here but I've been using this forum since I got my stock 1996 Explorer 5.0 AWD about 2 years ago.

A few months ago it threw a belt, but upon further investigation it appears the water pump has also gone, which is likely what caused the belt to go.
I'm wondering if it's worth the time and money to replace it as I believe 90% of the parts on the car are stock and I'm now entering the 350'000Km (220'000ish Mile) range and more and more things are starting to go on it.
Given my winter and snow heavy location, it has a LOT of body and frame rust and I'm afraid that on top of the age and mileage it's going to turn into a money pit as parts start to go.

looking for advice from anyone who has dealt with a similar situation

 

[C420sailor]

What else is shot or on its way out? Do you do your own work?

Water pump is cheap, but the job can be a PITA. The studs corrode into the block for some reason. If you order a pump, buy a stud kit with it and install with a torque wrench.

As to whether it’s worth it...220k on the 5.0 isn’t much mileage, especially if a bunch of it is highway. As for the frame and body rot, that’s your call.

Me, I’d drive it until it’s absolutely done.

 

[410Fortune]

Plan to replace the water pump and timing cover
4 of the water pump bolts go through the timing cover and into the 5.0 water jacket, these bolts corrode and can break off when you try to remove the water pump. Prying the timing cover off over the broken studs is usually required and this can ***** up the timing cover.
So when I do this job (I do this job ALOT as I specialize in the 5.0 explorers) I get a new water pump and new timing cover in my hands as well as the timing cover gasket set. I have a bolt induction heater that can heat up the rusted studs so they come out easier. If a stud breaks they can usually be extracted in the truck with a little welding......

A 96 Explorer 5.0 can last forever, these trucks are TOUGH as you can see
The water pump replacement is one of those jobs that can be "make it or break it time", but I would not shy away from it.
Maybe get some quotes from local shops see what they say. I know I would do it, I'm like $300 labor plus parts for my customers

 

[J_C]

If you can DIY most of the repairs, then I'd take a hammer and tap around on the frame to see if it sounds solid enough to be safe, makes no big holes through it.

Otherwise it depends on what financial situation you're in. I mean you could spend $2k on something a few years newer but that vehicle may also need a lot of work done soon, or you could spend a lot more for something newer still and suffer as much in depreciation as your repair costs if you can do some of the repairs yourself. SUVs are money pits any way you look at it.

If you are short a vehicle so need to decide right away, then you're probably better off going ahead and getting it repaired even if you have to pay a shop, to buy some time to look around your area for a replacement vehicle. Having that time to be more picky about the replacement could save you more money in the long run, from finding a vehicle in better condition if not lower price.

 

[Jdolan]

Thanks everyone for the help.
I think right now I'm going to look into getting it replaced. As while I do work on it myself, I'm limited on tools and time.
I'll try to update this thread once a final decision and action have been made.