New To Explorer

[hermitrl]

Hi--just came across your site and am really impressed at the extensive mods some of you have done to these machines.
I just bought a 92 explorer 4dr with the eddie bauer package--even has a sunroof. There is very little rust on it--strange for northern ontario, and the interior is just like new.
I have to say I have very little faith in Ford products as I had a 98 Windstar that bankrupted me and the explorer was all I could find for 5 grand in the shape it was in.
i just wanted to know what I can look for to keep this truck maintained. It has mileage marker manual hubs and seems to work fine after I replaced the tranfer case motor. I do find it hard on gas--what can I expect for efficiency?
This is my first 4by4 but love to go in the woods. How capable is it in stock form? It has Kmho all terrain tires--235--15s.
I haven't read about many problems with the pushrod 4.0 engine, but what can I watch for in the mechanicals?
As soon as I can afford a smaller car for my wife I would like to get it a bit higher.
The terrain I would mainly find here is mud and rutted roads--oh--and LOTS of snow!!!
Thanks for any tips you may have, and would love to find a few guys in the area to get stuck and annoy them pulling me out.
PS--It has 207000kms--about 120000miles.

 

[Mbrooks420]

Welcome to the site!! The weakest link in the Explorers is the auto hubs and the auto transmission. The hub problem is already fixed with the manuals. For the auto trans, check the fluid color/smell. If it still looks good and you don't abuse it, then you should be fine. You may want to consider a aftermarket trans cooler, if it doesn't have a factory one. The 4.0 is a good motor.

 

[hermitrl]

Thanks for the reply! I really like this thing and I hope it doesn't turn into a money pit like the windstar was. Some of the members rides here are unreal. The suspension travel is unbelievable!!! How does a suspension like that ride .on normal roads? I doubt that is what you built them for though. Again--thanks.

 

[frickea86]

hey man....welcome and i hope u figure ur problems out ok...but this site will help u out alot and so will the people....see ya around....peace