Newb here in need of help.

[iAaronHD]

Hello fellow Ford owners my name is Aaron.

I have some questions about my Ex.

Currently I'm driving an 01' Explorer Sport in need of some TLC. I bought the truck from a local seller who I can tell treated the explorer like a p.o.s. I've had a few things done to the ex when I first bought it. I've had an oil change, tune up, new shocks put on, and the Ex had a rear differential problem and I had to get that fixed. The interior is horrific, the driver seat recliner is broken so it goes back on its own. The passenger side seat is broken as well, it won't recline up or down. The seats have cigarette burns in them, the seats and floor are heavily stained, and their is a permanent smell of old cigarettes stuck in it.

My main question is about the ride, when I hit a bump the ex takes it very roughly, what could be causing this? I read a few threads that suggested ball joints; but when I jacked her up and tried to wiggle the tires there was no movement. Also on the highway when I go 65+ she starts to shake' what could that be? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Oh and also the mpg is incredibly horrific, what could be the cause of this? I have to replace my valve cover gaskets, could that be the issue? Thanks.

 

[barbaroja]

I am in a similar process of re-adapting an X to the society. Well best advice is going one step at a time and that using that time to learn about that particular issue. I had to learn about suspension, ECUs, valves, climate systems, bla, and it never ends. For now I say go first with anything that concerns your security. Check brakes and fluids, if you suspect of its past life.
For the suspension part, in my case was shot ball joints and sway bar bushings. Also changed shocks, they had 10 years since the last change. Alignment also did wonders.
Good luck.

 

[gonenuke]

Check sway bar bushings and end links.

 

[yavapaires]

Hello fellow Ford owners my name is Aaron.

I have some questions about my Ex.

Currently I'm driving an 01' Explorer Sport in need of some TLC. I bought the truck from a local seller who I can tell treated the explorer like a p.o.s. I've had a few things done to the ex when I first bought it. I've had an oil change, tune up, new shocks put on, and the Ex had a rear differential problem and I had to get that fixed. The interior is horrific, the driver seat recliner is broken so it goes back on its own. The passenger side seat is broken as well, it won't recline up or down. The seats have cigarette burns in them, the seats and floor are heavily stained, and their is a permanent smell of old cigarettes stuck in it.

My main question is about the ride, when I hit a bump the ex takes it very roughly, what could be causing this? I read a few threads that suggested ball joints; but when I jacked her up and tried to wiggle the tires there was no movement. Also on the highway when I go 65+ she starts to shake' what could that be? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Oh and also the mpg is incredibly horrific, what could be the cause of this? I have to replace my valve cover gaskets, could that be the issue? Thanks.

Check the tire air pressure. I run my 96 at 32 front, 30 rear. Have the tires balanced. Go one step at a time, easiest first. Get a bottle of Febreeze for the smoke smell. Let us know how things go.

 

[LONO100]

check bushings and ball joints one more time. are the boots on the ball joints ripped at all? also, check your tires, if they havent been properly rotated, they can develop bumps and warps that will make your rig shake at highway speed.

 

[1996BLKBauer]

For the cigarette smell, it is difficult to get out. I suggest during the days, let it air out with the windows down, during the night use some charcoal for the grill put it in a open container, and place it in a spot where it is out of the way. I know that sounds weird, but it worked in my friends '73 Buick GS after about a month the smell was almost gone, more time, and it was. as for the seats, junk yards are your friends.

as for the suspension, my Ex also takes bumps sort of rough, never really thought it was something serious, so I never bothered fixing anything, but currently I am pretty much replacing ALOT of suspension parts, and it is getting better.

 

[swshawaii]

A front end inspection from many service departments or tire stores is usually free.
As for your engine problems, check for DTC codes read for free at most AP stores.

Check this IF you have a later 4.0L SOHC (Job 2) Good luck.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=314670

 

[iAaronHD]

Thanks for all the advice guys. Isn't it true that if my ball joints were bad that I would have been informed before getting a wheel alignment? Also I have another question that's off topic. I want to completely customize my Ex after I get the guts of her all fixed up. I know I can get 20's on her easily, but what precautions will I need to take in doing so? Will I need any suspension upgrades or anything, because I want her to ride smooth.