Not officially a member yet....(questions)

[gibxlt]

I have done a lot of research on getting a replacement for my 1986 Jeep CJ-7. Since I bought that in 1988, my needs have changed in that I have two kids now and a need to pull a tandem axle trailer full of hay. With that said, I really like the looks of the 95 and later Explorers, and I REALLY like the SOHC V6 that came out in 1997. I think I have narrowed my search to the 1997 SOHC.

So, is there any advice anyone can give me on what to look out for if I want a 1997 Explorer SOHC? A dealership in town was trying to hard sell me on a 1997 SOHC with 100k on it, but only for $9000. The thing looked and ran like it had about 10,000 miles on it. I think I blew that one. I would like to know what people think about pulling about 3 tons with this vehicle about 3-4 times a year, and only for a distance of less than five miles. I am hoping it would be a great family truck and be useful for the farmette as well.

I look forward to any replies.

 

[ok89]

Well the only problem I know of with the 97 SOHC is that it is the first year of that engine. So naturally there were quirks in it. Most of them have been resolved in recalls though. So if you get a 97 SOHC make sure it has had all the recalls taken care of.

 

[IgotTwo]

Form recent experience
Do not buy a 97 SOHC
As mentioned it was the first year it came out.

I have(had?) one
I started the recall work on the cam tensioner and cam guides at 50k and 54K. It blew at 58K. I'm working on a resolution with Ford now.
It never really ran right since the day I brought it.
I tried to hang in there hoping Ford could fix it.

It has what has been called a "unique design" with 4 timing chains. The right bank is driven by a separate jackshaft. There may be some engineers out there, but at a quick glance there seems to be a lotta of extra moving parts and a high risk that those cams can get out of sync very easily. That is what happened to mine

That may even go for the later models.
I will defer any greater minds on that last comment.

It is an interference engine which doesn't help when it looses time.

Explorer's are great vehicles
Stay away from that one
comma in my opinion

Good luck

 

[addkev]

There is another thread about '99 Explorers running $10999. I know personally around here (Florida) you buy a nicely equipped '99 2wd for $12,000 and 4wd for $15,000. By '99 it has appeared that Ford worked out most of the quirks in the SOHC engine, other than the obvious recalls and TSB's.
I would go as new as you can afford, it sucks to be paying on a truck you have to pay to fix because it has a 100,000 miles on it and something breaks.
I have been VERY satisfied with my truck. I love it.

 

[Ray Lobato]

Hi gibxlt,
Welcome to the site.
Well if you ever decide that you want to lift your Explorer, then get at least a 98 or above. I have a 97 and really like it, but it was a pain in the A$$ getting it lifted. With the 98's you don't have to work as hard at modifying it as you do with the 97, because of the way the torsion bar brackets are made, also all the lift kits made for late model Explorers are made for 98 and above models. Hope you enjoy the site as much as the rest of us do. Oh and good luck on your choice of models.

 

[gibxlt]

How about towing?

Thanks for the posts! This really is a great site when you can get such quick replies.

Has anyone encountered any problems using the Explorer as a tow vehicle? I understand that in general, heavy towing (3 tons, 4 times a year, for about 5 miles) is not the best thing for any vehicle, but did anyone encounter anything unusual? Is there something in particular that seems to wear out quicker than usual? Does anyone have a strong opinion against using a V6 SOHC for this application?

Just gathering facts....................Thanks again!

 

[Ray Lobato]

Well I don't tow anything with my Explorer, so I'm not really quilified to tell you, however it seems that most people here that tow things use the V8AWD instead of athe V6. Look up Gimp.. I know he tows a large horse trailer.

 

[Jason_25]

The main problem I could see with towing is the weak tranny of the V6. Under alot of strain, it WILL fail.

Previous owner of a jeep huh?
Well then get a V8 explorer and put a manual TC in it. Voila, you have a beast.

 

[Kris Guilbeaux]

From what I can tell that is not that much towing that the SOHC cant handle. The only thing I would do is make sure you get a trailer hitch for it and do not tow off the bumper. The V-8 would be Better for towing. But I see you only towing 20 miles a year so I dont think that would be a probelm for the SOHC. I do think you should look at teh 98-99 Explorers also. Good luck.

 

[SplashMan]

I have pulled a haytrailer at my grandfather's full of square bails six miles from the farm to the pasture and had NO problems. That was before the 33 inch tires, but she pulled fine. I pulled a U-haul trailer from my dad's to my house (201miles) and all I did was turn off the OD and she never lost more than a couple miles per hour going up hills.