New to the Forums hoping to oneday own one

[auxr82002]

Hi Guys and girls
I am new to the forums and new to explorers although I have always liked them ever since I was a kid watching Jurassic Park Lol. I live in the land down under and I am going to be looking at a cheap 4x4 in the next couple of months.

What I am wanting to know if what is the reliability like on 1996-1999 Ford explorers with the 5 speed auto.
how long do these auto boxes last?
how long before you have to do the horrible rear timing chain on the back of the motor that requires engine removal?
whats the best you get out of a tank?
Whats the worst some of you have got out of a tank?
How well do they cope towing?
Do they have many electrical failures regarding all of the nice gizmos?

Other cars I am considering are 1990s model Suzuki Vitara 4 - doors and Subaru (old school) 4wd wagons. Have listened to the other forums so I am after opinions from the explorer boys and girls.

 

[corkey]

Welcome to the Forum,

there are some members on here from your area down there,,

 

[BigRondo]

Welcome aboard mate!!

 

[FR-425]

I too shopped all the different 4dr 4x4's on the market.

I wasn't too set on any particular brand.

What I found is that the quality for 15+ year old trucks, is that Ford Explorer won the challenge.

I purchased a 1994 "First Generation" and It has been a stout, dependable and versatile truck.

The "Second gens" 96'-99' as you stated you are looking at; are no exception.

There is a know issue with the valve body gasket and the ECT solenoid and the bracket that holds it in place for the 5r55e transmission, but the fix is $200 in parts and is permanent. (can be done with trans in the truck). If you buy one with more than 100,000K, it has likely already been done.

For fuel economy you will find that they do a little better than EPA rating, which is 14 city, 18 highway. Mine averages 15 and 20, (with lift and oversize tires)

Yep, it's a truck!

For towing; upgrade with an auxiliary transmission cooler if not already so equipped and follow the owners manual instructions for towing. (when to and when not to use overdrive, proper shifting, max speed, etc). They are rated at 5400Lb / 2500Kg towing capacity.

The "nice gizmos" are reliable. One exception is the wire bundle feeding the drivers door tends to fatigue over time, again, easy fix. Not really vehicle or Ford specific. This would happen to any vehicle if it stays on the road long enough..

Way more comfortable than a Subaru!

Service it well and it will service you well.

As far as the timing chain thing goes, I believe it is a matter of poor maintenance and abuse that causes premature failure.

I know a 65 year old man who owns a 96' it has 220,000 miles / 350,000Km and has not replaced the chains. His 18 year old grand son has a 99' and has ragged out the chains twice! Just an observation... ... .. . :scratch:

 

[auxr82002]

Thanks very much ill keep that in mind.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! The 4.0L SOHC is the engine with the majority of timing chain issues. Find one with a different engine or one that had the chain & tensioner replaced.

 

[auxr82002]

Is the pushrod engine more fuel efficient or less ?
and do you notice the power loss heavily?

 

[BrooklynBay]

They say that the OHV is a little less efficient but it's a very marginal difference. The V8 has more power, and is similar in fuel economy.

 

[1Aauto]

Welcome to the site.

Tony

 

[auxr82002]

Thanks sadly we aussies didn't get a v8 one that didn't come until 3rd generation explorer we missed out on 5l one