Need help with buying a 1995 Explorer

[demon5spd]

Hello everyone,

I plan on buying my first ford explorer and need some help on any issues to look out for.

I've had way to many jeeps and 4runners and a few blazer but this is my first explorer.

It's a 1995 Explorer 4dr 5spd with about 110k on it.

I took quick look at it already and everything seems to be good condition.

The motor ticked for about 5 secs on initial cold startup but oil pressure is good so not really worried there but wonder if it normal for these motors.

Also i noticed that it doesn't have a normal 4hi like every other 4x4 i've every owned it just has 2wd,4auto and 4lo so is it a true 4hi or just a awd type setup and was this a option or can you get them with norm 4hi setup.

And last i was wondering how strong the manual trannies in these are compared to the autos.

Any help would be great.

 

[demon5spd]

Bump

 

[imp]

The motor ticked for about 5 secs on initial cold startup but oil pressure is good so not really worried there but wonder if it normal for these motors. Not to worry!

Also i noticed that it doesn't have a normal 4hi like every other 4x4 i've every owned it just has 2wd,4auto and 4lo so is it a true 4hi or just a awd type setup and was this a option or can you get them with norm 4hi setup.Electronically operated clutch apportions torque to front wheels based on comparing front & rear axle speeds, in "4 AUTO". Believe clutch is continuously engaged in "4 LO".

And last i was wondering how strong the manual trannies in these are compared to the autos.Everything suggested here about the autos suggests the manual is preferable, hands down.

Any help would be great.Just my thoughts. imp

 

[Joe Dirt]

Also know that a lot of the parts on the '95 such as the transmission- are '95 specific. It was kind of a '*******' year for the Ex...

 

[Glen4X4]

I had an explorer that did the tick at startup and it was due to using a Fram oil filter so it caused a dry start up so that maybe all the problem is....As for the 4wd you have a couple options if you want a normal 4high you can do what is called the "brown wire mod" do a search on it. You can also swap in a 97 GEM and unplug the controller for the vacuum disconnect axle under the hood (combined it may take 10mins to do) or you could swap in a manual transfercase from a 91-94 explorer or 91-97 ranger. The 4auto only engages power to the front axle when rear wheel slip-age occurs.

 

[gmanpaint]

Tick on the OHV is notorious, but I wouldn't worry too much about it if it is not sounding like a bad rod knock. Pretty normal.

The Manual trans is a better option in my opinion as the automatic 4r55e is a weak link.

The drive train is the Control Trac system. The way it is set up now is how they came. It is a true 4 low, and the 4 high is a clutch system that sends power to the front wheels as needed via the ABS system. There is no binding in the tires with this system and can be drove on wet asphalt full time. For street use it is a nice system in bad weather, gravel roads, etc...

As Joedirt has stated, 95 is a first year for 2nd gen and is OBDI.5. There are some things using OBDI & some using OBDII. So yes part year can be specific to this model.

I think between Joedirt and myself we can help you out with any 1995 questions you may have

 

[demon5spd]

Thanks for all the replies.

I just got back into town so going to stop by tomorrow and pick up the explorer.

I was doing alot of research the past week and the truck looks like it will be a pretty good deal.

I know that being a older explorer i was afraid it might have rust but the guy sad he bought it from his brother out in arizona but i still looked over every inch of the truck even took of the side skirts to make sure rust wasnt hiding and everything looks like its never seen the snow even the aluminnum on the transfercase shows no signs of salt or oxzidation and looks all brand new underneath even better then my 08 wrangler so seems like a good deal.

Only question i have left is how do i know if the control trac is working when its in 4auto.

i just want to make sure it working before i get it, if it had 4hi i could just find some gravel and see if the fron wheels spin or not.

Will it be the same with the control trac or is there things i can look for or hear to make sure its working.

 

[imp]

In "4 AUTO" if you demand enough power on gravel to begin spinning rear wheels, the front drive should instantly engage, which you can detect in the vehicle (unless you have some one watching outside) as the rear wheels will cease spinning as power goes to front also, if you have only given enough demand to just begin spinning rear. If you REALLY get on it, both ends should spin. You don't really want gravel damage right away, do you? imp