opinions wanted - sell my 1997 Explorer v8 AWD 115k to buy 2010 Explorer 4.6 135k

[joney]

Went to the 2010 Explorer Owner's Manual on Ford Website and it says in 2010 only trans with v8 is 6r80...
Told mechanic i'd buy the car... Anyone in NY or PA interested in white 1997 5.0 AWD with 118k?

Not for me, I'm set - but would love to see the pics!

 

[ELeBlanc]

I'll do that. In my mind it's a typical Northeast 97 5.0 AWD. My experience (in the northeast) is that bumpers dissolve over time. This one is evidence of that. Also northeast rust... That said 118k miles and it feels good...

 

[joney]

I'll do that. In my mind it's a typical Northeast 97 5.0 AWD. My experience (in the northeast) is that bumpers dissolve over time. This one is evidence of that. Also northeast rust... That said 118k miles and it feels good...

As Neil Young said, " rust never sleeps"! Here in the upper Midwest, same story. Fighting it with Fluid Film application, so far so good. This is the second time I've heard about bumper rust, guess I'll check mine on the underside.

 

[ELeBlanc]

Bought the 2010. Registered yesterday but don't have it in my hands yet. Both front wheel bearings replaced. Told them no china. They fixed ignition switch (key was getting stuck). Drove it a little yesterday - not 10 minutes and under carriage noise. Today they said sway bar links which they fixed. Don't have a bill from them yet... Oh radio is not turning on...

 

[ELeBlanc]

Next stop... For tranny have (someone not me) drop pan and replaced filter and fluid. At 132k likely this has never been done.
Also considering replacing the two tranny cooler lines at the same time by the same person. And lastly adding a drain plug to tranny pan...

 

[94Eddie]

Next stop... For tranny have (someone not me) drop pan and replaced filter and fluid. At 132k likely this has never been done.
Also considering replacing the two tranny cooler lines at the same time by the same person. And lastly adding a drain plug to tranny pan...

The drain plug is a good idea. It will pay for itself on the next fluid drain and refill. If the lines are rusted much then I would change them. If not then it might not be necessary. Have them drain and refill the transfer case while they are doing the transmission service. It takes just a few minutes and only usinf a quart of fluid. At some point soon you should drain and refill the differentials and flush the brake fluid. You might want to check the coolant and to wrap up the fluid maintenance flush the power steering fluid. Aside from the transmission and transfer case, changing the other fluids should be good for the next 100k miles. Also, make sure they use Motorcraft Mercon LV for the transmission and Motorcraft brand fluid for the transfer case. Personally, I use only Motorcraft brand fluids for everything.