Newbie Stuff Here. Looking For an EX Need Advice

[Erics Toys]

I am looking for an EX and am wondering what years/models are the best. I owned a '93 XLT for about a year before it was wrecked for me so I know a little about them but not near as much as you guys out here. So the real question is if you were looking for another truck and budget allowed only to go up to about the '99 model year what would you buy? Also include the V8 Mercury in here and opinions about it. I like the idea of a V8 but I am not sure about the AWD. Sorry for the long post and Thanks for all opinions.

 

[Alec]

Are you looking at doing anything to this truck, or leaving it stock. Also, do you go offroading at all (beyond a gravel or dirt road)?

One thing I would shy away from would be a 97-98.5 SOHC motor. The early ones were prone to problems. However, you'll probably find one with all the recalls and TSBs performed already.

The V8 is a great motor, and some Xs came with a V8 2WD as opposed to AWD.

IMO there isn't one specific year or model that stands out as being great or really bad. They all have their issues, but a lot comes down to how much you want to mod it, how much you go offroad, and what motor you'd prefer.

Rundown of motors:
4.0 OHV V6:160 hp. You had this one, offered through 98 with an auto and through 00 with a stick
4.0 SOHC V6: 205-210 hp. A great motor, with a few early problems. Revs higher and less performance parts available, but a great motor to leave stock or do only minor tweaks. 97+
5.0 V8: 205-215 hp? 96+, what's not to like? The AWD is ok as long as you're not a hardcore offroader and mostly stick to light trails and the road.

 

[Erics Toys]

DUH.. Stupid me I didn't tell anyone what I want to do with my new toy. At first it will fill the "Family Truckster" role. BUT... Knowing me I will always want to go faster and have more power. My motto "Bigger, Better, Faster". I do like to wheel my trucks (I live in Colorado I have to) but I do not get into any heavy rock crawling so I would say I wheel moderate trails. Will the AWD system hold up to this kind of use? I would prefer the 5.0 but i am worried about the lack of low range.

 

[Alec]

Sounds like the V8 AWD would be good for you. Lots of performance parts available (as you know) and both the motor and tranny are very reliable. I think the AWD will be fine without low range given the torque of the 5.0. However, you'd need to get input from someone with this setup.

Or you could go with a 4x4 OHV truck. You'd have full 4WD, and the motor is still mod-able. However, you start off with considerably less power and the trannies are weaker. Add a supercharger like mine though and they get pretty quick All in all a dependable truck though, with enough torque even in stock form.