New guy with a 98 explorer and questions

[98 eb explorer]

How's it going? I am new here and have some questions about my 98 explorer located in North Carolina.

Explorer is Eddie Bauer with 5.0 v8/2 wd.
Currently has around 111 k miles.

Issues that have arisen all at once it seems.

Incredibly loud squeaking noise from the front when going over uneven surface or when the steering is turned in either direction. Thought it was only happening at low speed like in a parking lot, but with the cool weather last week and the windows down, I could hear it at speed. Took it to local guy and without even looking at the truck, he said it would cost $1k to get rid of squeak. Didn't say what needed to be done, just that this problem is inherit with Explorers.

AC has stopped working properly. Will remain on when it is set to max cool. If it is set to Automatic, the AC will run for a couple of seconds and shut off. The rear fan between the seats will blow cool air, but nothing comes out of the dash vents.

The display on the radio has died. Radio works fine, just can't see what station is playing and no clock.

Let me know if I should break this up into separate threads. Any advise is appreciated.

 

[98 eb explorer]

Forgot the other issue. On a drive I do often, it is about 90 miles to home. Most of it is highway at 55 - 70 mph limits. When I get to a stop sign near home and wait a few seconds before taking off, the engine hesitates. I let off the accelerator and push again and the truck will go. Same stop sign every time. Also, happens on other routes after driving at speed for a while.

 

[98 eb explorer]

Another try

 

[my98nnj]

1) The squeek - Find another mechanic.
2) Might be a distribution door, blend door, actuator issue or sensor. Does the heat work correctly?
3) Look in the stickys on top of this forum to fix the radio. Common issue, you can also send them out and have them fixed with a lifetime warranty. Cost around $80 bucks.
4) Try a different stop sign? A hesitation could be a number of things. TPS, MAF, Fuel pressure, ignition. Is the engine up to par on maintenance?

 

[Joe Dirt]

Squeak- your ball joints are going.