New to the Board!!! Have a few Questions

[Shoman594]

Hey Guys,

I'm new to the board. Very nice by the way

Im looking into buying an Explorer to replace my 1991 SHO.

I think I have decided on a 1994 Limited. I really like the special look of the limited and all the options.

I'm a a mechanic on the side so I know my fords and I know SHO's like the back of my hand. But I can bet that no one will know explorers better than you guys!!!

So I guess what im asking is what kind of things should i look for specific to the explorer. The 1994 Model especially.

Thanks in advance!!!!!

 

[Mustangc1923]

first of all welcome to the best site there is the first thing i can think if to check tranny history our exploders dont have great trannys although some peoples have been great

 

[X24]

definately check the 4x4 if its equipped.

 

[Shoman594]

Yes ill check that tranny...

What would i look for with the 4x4 ?? Im not too up to date on this electronic push button stuff...

I'm used to my good ole 1979 Ford F-150 Short bed 4x4 with manual WARN locking hubs and a manual shifting 4x4. Oh and cant beat the 9" rear end and the New Process 205 Gear driven trasfer case. I think there was a straight dana 60 up front. Now that was one of the toughest 4x4 drivetrains out there!

 

[X24]

Well, when I bought my 93 the 4x4 worked... a few months later, in the snow, it didnt work. I just grabbed a hammer and beat on the transfer case motor and it started working again. Then my auto hubs started to go. I could hear them grinding when making sharp turns and occasionally they would lock up on me when driving at low speeds. I replaced them with WARN manuals and then my U-joints needed to be replaced. I said screw it and traded it for the one I have now. I must say... I think I made the right decision. Anyway... check for excessive frame rust and peak under and check the brake lines. Mine rusted right through (luckily i was in a parking lot) Good luck and welcome to the site! Any questions you have can be answered by someone on this board.

 

[Shoman594]

Originally posted by 98FordX24
Well, when I bought my 93 the 4x4 worked... a few months later, in the snow, it didnt work. I just grabbed a hammer and beat on the transfer case motor and it started working again. Then my auto hubs started to go. I could hear them grinding when making sharp turns and occasionally they would lock up on me when driving at low speeds. I replaced them with WARN manuals and then my U-joints needed to be replaced. I said screw it and traded it for the one I have now. I must say... I think I made the right decision. Anyway... check for excessive frame rust and peak under and check the brake lines. Mine rusted right through (luckily i was in a parking lot) Good luck and welcome to the site! Any questions you have can be answered by someone on this board.

Wow! cant belive the brake line thing!! ack... well thats the same thing as the A/C lines.... steel !!! what was ford thinking... i guess to save money. any way. Im all about the Manual lock Transfer case. I see there is a swap. I wish the SOHC 4.0 was available earlier that is a very nice motor. Ill make sure to test out that 4x4 system.

 

[Bashman]

For the front hubs, make sure you get the vehicle on soft terrain like gravel, dirt etc, not on pavement. Engage the 4x4, go forward a short distance then crank the wheel from stop to stop while moving. Listen to make sure there is no ratcheting/clicking noises. Straighten the wheels out, disengage the 4x4 then back straight up at least 15-20 ft. (You need to change directions to completely disengage the auto hubs.) After that, go forward again and turn the wheel from stop to stop again listening for ratcheting/clicking. Any noises usually mean the auto hubs need work. Also you will want to check the ball joints.

 

[X24]

Dont forget to check low range. In case you dont know... you have to put it in 4x4 then put it in neutral and then push the low range button. You should hear it and feel it when it locks in and when moving.

 

[Crankcase]

Originally posted by 98FordX24
Dont forget to check low range. In case you dont know... you have to put it in 4x4 then put it in neutral and then push the low range button. You should hear it and feel it when it locks in and when moving.

......And of course it has to be in neutral to disengage the low range too. Too many uneducated people freak out when it appears stuck in 4 low