Newbie needs help with a '97.

[Jake's Dad]

Greetings members:

I have recently purchased a used 1997 XLT AWD 5.0 . The truck has 70k miles on it.

I have done the basics - changed out the Tranny fluid, the coolant, and have switched to Mobil 1 10w30. Installed new 880 cca battery. Added fuel injector cleaner additive to 87 octane (full tank).

Also, there is a strange sound, a high pitched "whine" at start up. I am thinking replace the starter, which Im doing tomorrow.

Question is - what else should I do?

I took it in to a mechanic - he really didn't go over it like I would have liked, but he checked it out and says everything is cool. I know it had new brake pads put on the front and that's the only history I have of the vehicle.

Now - not knowing any history - what are some things I might want to replace or upgrade???

Thanks-

Jake's Dad

 

[Dan Whitaker]

I hope this does not happen to you. I have a 97 Mountaineer with the 5.0 AWD and at around 84,000 milse the catalitic converters went bad. Cost to replace: $1400 plus two sensors at $50ea. I also had to replace the front axle seal and rear pinion seal at the same time which was abut $300. At least my extended warranty coverd the seals.

 

[Audio_1]

screw the cat

 

[Jake's Dad]

Boy I didn't get the help here I thought I would. Well since Im sitting in this thread talkin to myself - I'll make a list of the precautionary things Ive sone for any of you that buy an Explorer around 70K miles.

- Replaced the coolant
- Replaced the Transmission fluid
- Replaced the oil with Mobil1 and new filter
- New plugs
- New wires
- New fuel filter
- Installed rebuilt starter (still sounds wierd at startup)
- Cleaned and waxed, used leather cleaner and then mink oil on the leather seats

 

[GJarrett]

You may not have gotten the help you expected because there is not much to say. The 5.0 goes back to the early-mid 60's 289 and has as royal a pedigree as any engine out there. The things you have done are common sense and you've already done them (and most of them may not have even been needed yet at only 70k miles) so you are covered.

At 70k miles there's not a lot you need to worry about having to check or replace besides common-sense maintenance items such as those you have already addressed and brake pads, etc.

You bought a fine vehicle with mileage that is way below the "worry point". Possibly you didn't get much help because not much help is needed. You can interpret the relative lack of response amongst all the members here to the fact that there isn't much of anything for you to worry about, or you can assume that we don't care (and thus be a hypochondriac regarding your vehicle).

You have shown a concern to maintain your vehicle by your maintenance after purchase of the used vehicle and so I assumed that I didn't need to tell you to check common-sense items such as the brake pads and engine fluids. Maybe others did the same thing. If you need to be told that, I apologize and will be glad to assist you in those areas.

You made a fine purchase and if you decide to hang around here you will find that this is one of the finest, classiest, most helpful sites on the internet. If the day comes when you have a problem the answer is here and most likely has already been answered - easily found via the search feature on this site; and if not, many here will help as they can with a new problem when the time arises.

 

[Dan Whitaker]

I would rcomend a set of new shocks. The factory ones are pretty soft for the weight of the Explorer. You can spend anywhere from $20ea up to $70ea.

 

[section525]

This is what you need to do:

1) K&N Intake Or KKM Intake
2) FMS Headers
3) Cat-Back Exhaust
4) Superchip
5) Bosch +4 Plugs & 8mm Wires

That should get you started. Let me know when you're done with those and we'll start the suspension mods.

 

[Jake's Dad]

Hello All:

GJarrett:

Hey man thanks for helping me out. I just sold a 2002 Escape to get out from underneath the payment - this is how I bought my X. On the Escape EZboard site, I guess I was just used to the folks there being as **** as myself and loved to talk shop. You are right - I guess I was overzealous and don't mean top come across as pushy. I am just fishing for any feedback - and it looks like I need to learn a few lessons of patience. So thanks. I hope I can get 300,000 miles out of this truck!

Dan Whitaker:

I took the advice and read up on some older comments - I replaced the shocks with Monroe Sensa Tracks all the way around. I do mostly highway driving, but sometimes go off on two tracks in northern Michigan to go deer hunting and flyfishing. I also tow a boat about 2 times a year doing about 400 miles.

Section 525:

Yeah man your into the real mods, eh? I was wondering if you could give me the skinny on pricing for the headers, exhaust, and superchip. I used the KKM on my Escape, and it was great. To bad I sold it with the truck. The new headers might get rid of that funny hissing sound coming from under my feet!

Thanks everyone - and keep it coming!!!

Jake's Dad. :redexp:

 

[section525]

Jake's Dad...
The headers were $181.99 to my door from fordpartsnetwork.com . Contact torrie@fordpartsnetwork.com and let him know you're from the board. Make sure to find whether you have GT40 or GT40-P Heads.

Exhaust cost me about $270 I think for a custom cat-back with a MagnaFlow muffler.

And you can get a superchip "Flip Chip" through Mike Troyer at Performance Products for $375 (I think). You can email him at MikePerformance@cs.com (and let him know you're with the board.

Good luck and let us know when you get all these mods done!

 

[Jake's Dad]

Cool! Im gonna have to chip away at these mods. I dont have the cash to throw at it to do them all at once. I also have to replace the rims first. They KKM should arrive today or tomorrow!

Ill let you all know whats up..and thank you!

JD

 

[MikeTEC]

Welcome Jake's Dad!. GJarret is right. We are truly blessed to have a great forum such as this.

I know of some senior Ford techs who have never done anything to 96 & 97 5.0 Explorer engines. They have worked on other parts of the trucks, but not the engines. When I bought mine, I had the belts, hoses and thermostat changed. Also had the tranny changed to Mobil 1 synthetic fluid as I tow a small travel trailer. I have 94k on mine and at 100k I am going to have the original plugs, wires and differential fluid changed. Plan to use Motorcraft wires, plugs, and Mobil 1 synthetic rear end fluid. Currently looking for a company which manufactures 5.0 Explorer headers designed to enhance torque, rather than horspower. Happy 5.0 Exploring! Mike

 

[Jake's Dad]

Thanks Mike!

Im kinda bummed cuz I didnt use Mobil 1 fluid in the tranny. I didnt even know it was an option. I had the fluid replaced with the regular 'ole tranny fluid. Oh well. Live and learn.

I got new rims today!!! Woo - Hoo!! Ill post pics whenever I figure out how to do it.

I wondering what to do first, headers of the exhaust.

Love that 5.0!!!!

JD