New Explorer Advice

[MikeB78]

Hey guys my name is Mike and I am new to the forum. I just purchased my first Explorer which is a 1998 XLT with 88,000 miles. Looking to keep it stock for now and eventually lift it just enough to clear a little bigger tires, I already have a lifted toy for offroading I just want to get this one up a little for looks and a little better ground clearance. The question I have is this, this was a one owner vehicle but I know first hand that they didnt do hardly any routine maintnance on it what all should I do to start out to make sure this thing is dependable. It is running like crap right now but I think a lot of that will go away with new plugs and miles. Thanks everyone!

 

[1996BLKBauer]

Hey guys my name is Mike and I am new to the forum. I just purchased my first Explorer which is a 1998 XLT with 88,000 miles. Looking to keep it stock for now and eventually lift it just enough to clear a little bigger tires, I already have a lifted toy for offroading I just want to get this one up a little for looks and a little better ground clearance. The question I have is this, this was a one owner vehicle but I know first hand that they didnt do hardly any routine maintnance on it what all should I do to start out to make sure this thing is dependable. It is running like crap right now but I think a lot of that will go away with new plugs and miles. Thanks everyone!

What engine do you have?

I would suggest, doing all fluids, oil, trans fluid, brake fluid, Power Steering fluid, diffs, since you mentioned a lift, Transfer case, and front diff as well.
maybe the coolant, since it most likely was never changed. plugs, wires. then it should be good to go. oh yes, and filters. fuel, air, trans, cabin.

You don't need to do all of this, but I suggest it. it will make you and your new Ex happy.

Although some people don't like it, I do, so maybe run some Seafoam through it too, before you do the oil. There is a really good sticky about doing it through the PCV valve, that really cleans out the engine.

Good luck.

 

[yavapaires]

What engine do you have?

I would suggest, doing all fluids, oil, trans fluid, brake fluid, Power Steering fluid, diffs, since you mentioned a lift, Transfer case, and front diff as well.
maybe the coolant, since it most likely was never changed. plugs, wires. then it should be good to go. oh yes, and filters. fuel, air, trans, cabin.

You don't need to do all of this, but I suggest it. it will make you and your new Ex happy.

Although some people don't like it, I do, so maybe run some Seafoam through it too, before you do the oil. There is a really good sticky about doing it through the PCV valve, that really cleans out the engine.

Good luck.

And there goes the seals and rings. Instead of SeaFoam, why not just change the oil and filter? As you can tell, I am not a fan of anything that "cleans" the engine. I guess I am old school, I can remember when if you changed to Havoline oil, after using something like Quaker State, in an older engine, you had bad oil consumption and oil leaks. Changing the oil and filter will clean the engine more slowly. Just keep watch on the oil and change it when it gets dirty. This is just MY opinion. It's your vehicle.

 

[Sedition]

I used a Diesel oil in my explorer a few times after I got it, the engine was dirty as hell inside, cleaned it right up. Diesel oil is the same as regular oil except it has a wicked detergent in it.

 

[MikeB78]

What engine do you have?

I would suggest, doing all fluids, oil, trans fluid, brake fluid, Power Steering fluid, diffs, since you mentioned a lift, Transfer case, and front diff as well.
maybe the coolant, since it most likely was never changed. plugs, wires. then it should be good to go. oh yes, and filters. fuel, air, trans, cabin.

You don't need to do all of this, but I suggest it. it will make you and your new Ex happy.

Although some people don't like it, I do, so maybe run some Seafoam through it too, before you do the oil. There is a really good sticky about doing it through the PCV valve, that really cleans out the engine.

Good luck.

Engine is the 4.0 SOHC and I'm pretty sure other than the occasional oil change no routine Maintenance has been done. I bought it from My mom and step dad and they bought it in 1999 with about 12000 miles on it. They made me a really good deal on it since they knew that it was running like crap and needed a tune up. I was definitely going to do the plugs and wires but what do you think about the ignition coil, do you think that would be beneficial? Thanks everybody for the advice on all of the fluids and filters I will put those on my list.

 

[Sedition]

Ignition coil should be fine on your 80k mile truck.

 

[1996BLKBauer]

Ignition coil should be fine on your 80k mile truck.

Yea, I agree, u nless it continues to run bad. Then you can test it before you buy a new one. I am almost certain there is a thread on here about how to check the coils.

 

[MikeB78]

Im just hoping there is no problem with the Intake gaskets, the symptoms this one has been having are very similar to what I have read about in other places when those gaskets fail. Really rough starts in the morning where it will barely idle, shaking, check engine light flashing at times, and absolutely horrendous gas mileage.The beauty of this is that I have not actually purchased it yet but I have been driving it for about 6 weeks ever since my transmission went in my other vehicle so I still have time to back out if it ends up being anything too serious.

 

[drbenz]

Try spraying some throttle body cleaner on the intake gaskets and see if it makes any difference in how the engine idles, the cleaner will act as fuel to mix with an air leak if there is one.