Opinions of reliability

[Douglas Walker]

Im looking at buying a 98 eddie bauer with 150,000 miles on it. It is the v8, awd. Ive owned a 98 sport a few years back and liked it. Enough time has pasted that the mass of people on this site could probably give me a heads up on what to look for before buying.

Just looking for some basic issues with the explorers so I dont get blind sided by hi costs of repair.

Over all the vehicle seems to had good past owners. Alot of motorcraft replacement parts have been used in up keep. It needs a ps rack for sure and possibly a ps pump. Friday im going to test drive it again and get it up on the hoist to check the underside. The interior is in excellent condition for the miles. My biggest concern is the all time 4 wheel drive. is that high maintance, what kind of issue does this create?

Anything that you have had happen or heard of that is just a problem with this style explorer would be appreciated
thanks
Doug

 

[Hitchhikingmike]

At 150k miles, I would be sure that the transmission has already been rebuilt before so you do not have to worry about it. Otherwise if it has not been rebuilt just be prepared to rebuild very soon.

The only maintenance AWD transfer cases need is the occasional drain and refill of fluid. I would be sure to take a sample of fluid from the transfercase. The color of the fluid will tell you a lot about the condition it is in. If the color is dark, the transfercase probably will need a rebuild soon. Same goes for the transmission.

I don't know squat about the v8s though. I don't think they suffered from the same loose timing chain as the v6s did.

 

[Douglas Walker]

I questioned the trans. Regular driving it seemed fine. But at 35mph the downshift and hard acceleration, around 3800 -4200 rpm the truck felt like it was slipping alittle. As I drove it longer it seem to get better. The explorer has been sitting several months so it may just need some run time to clean itself up.