New 98 in Virginia

[Dave90]

Hey All,

Just picked up a 98 xlt. I'll get pictures up tomorrow. One owner, super clean, valid inspection 260k. Options wise it seems to be a mixed bag. I haven't decoded the VIN, but rear air and audio, cloth seats, sunroof, 2x4.

So far I've noticed it needs:

headlights cleaned
grille painted
rear hatch struts
radio display dead
front right speaker seems to drop in and out on volume
cd player not reading
center dome light only comes on when switched
the cruise control buttons of course

It's got a howling sound I'm trying to chase down. It's only under slight throttle after coasting at 30-40mph and 1500-2k rpm. It doesn't do it in neutral and not when coasting or under heavier load. I've got a D4 axle and hear a click when turning left from a 4 way stop. I'm thinking it's a toasted rear slip package or early signs of failure.

The CEL is on. Idle is smooth but I'm pulling codes 174, 455, 153, 430, 171. I noticed the thermostat is either gone or failed open. Only gets above the line by C idling with the AC on.

Had new tires, AC system, battery in December.

Overall for $900 I think I did alright.

 

[Mr. Alligator]

Well done. Welcome.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! Make a thread to show your progress as you repair it.

 

[Dave90]

Thanks all. I'm hoping to get time to play with it this weekend and I'll bother to upload pics too. I did notice today that the rear wiper is only cleaning the last ~10* of its travel. I see some posts about this happening with a damaged/bent rear door but mine is straight. I'll take that interior panel off and look around when the weather is better.

 

[Mike65]

Welcome Dave. As far as the headlights on a 98 I would just replace them. I picked up a 99 Sport for my wife & they were foggy so I just replaced them, they are not that expensive. https://www.amazon.com/Passenger-He...63------------&vehicleName=1998+Ford+Explorer
The rear hatch struts are easy to replace, I did them on our Sport. As far as the radio display & CD player not reading you would be best to just replace the head unit either with an aftermarket unit or one from a JY like we did on our Sport.